Rape Survivor Faces Gag Order to Attend Attacker’s Parole Hearing
A rape survivor must sign a gagging order to attend her attacker’s parole hearing, raising concerns about victim rights and privacy.
Ellie Wilson, Daniel McFarlane, Scotland, Parole Board, Victim Rights
Glasgow: So, there’s this really troubling situation with a rape survivor named Ellie Wilson. She’s being told she has to sign a gagging order just to watch her attacker’s parole hearing. Can you believe that?
Ellie is understandably upset. She feels like the parole board is trying to silence her. Her ex, Daniel McFarlane, got five years for his crimes after she bravely recorded him confessing to the rapes.
McFarlane, who’s now 26, was sentenced back in July 2022. His hearing is coming up on February 14, but Ellie has to agree to keep everything she sees and hears a secret if she wants to be there. It’s just so wrong.
She’s been really vocal about how the system needs to change. Ellie said, “We talk about justice reform, but the parole system seems left out.” It’s frustrating for her, especially since she waived her anonymity to share her story and fight for justice.
She’s not alone in this fight. Along with another survivor, Hannah McLaughlan, Ellie is pushing for better rights for victims during these hearings. They want the system to be more trauma-informed and considerate of what victims go through.
Kate Wallace from Victim Support Scotland also chimed in, saying the system needs to listen to victims more. It’s all about making sure they don’t add more stress to an already tough situation.
It’s a tough battle, but Ellie is determined to make her voice heard. Let’s hope things change for the better.