An SNP MSP has said “too little has changed” since she made a moving speech five years ago about being raped at the age of 14.
Michelle Thomson - who was formerly an MP before being elected to Holyrood - gave a speech in the House of Commons in 2016 revealing she had been attacked in a wooded area by someone she knew 37 years previously.
The politician later reported the incident to the police and says the perpetrator was identified and charged - but was ultimately not prosecuted due to the passage of time.
The MSP for Falkirk East is due to speak in a debate on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women at Holyrood on Thursday.
She is expected to say: “In 2016, then an MP, I spoke in the House of Commons about being raped at the age of 14. Too little has changed.
“In the immediate aftermath I received thousands of cards, letters, and emails.
“Simultaneously I received extensive abuse on social media, almost always from men.
“After my speech, I made a complaint to Police Scotland.
“The perpetrator was identified and charged but not prosecuted due to the passage of time. It was never reported in the press.
“Making a police report was difficult. I learned why some facets of my adult character were as they were.”
Her speech continues: “When I described my varied career to Police Scotland, they explained to me that my workaholic habits were entirely understandable.
“When someone like me starts running, they keep running. For many women, however, it is into the arms of an abusive partner, drugs, or drink.”
Thomson was praised for her bravery in speaking out in 2016 and some other MPs were moved to tears by her speech at Westminster.
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