Nikita Hand should be 'treasured' by women for standing up to Conor McGregor, say abuse survivors
Praised Verdict: Court For Hand Politicians Nikita Her The After The Groups Been Outside By Women's And Bravery Has
Survivors of rape and sexual assault have said Nikita Hand should be “treasured” by women everywhere for standing up to Conor McGregor.
On Friday, the mother of one won her civil action in the High Court against the MMA fighter, after she accused him of raping her in a Dublin hotel in 2018.
Politicians and women’s groups have praised the Dublin woman for taking the case after the Director of Prosecutions (DPP) failed to bring criminal charges against the UFC star.
Laura Witherow, who was sexually abused as a teenager by her stepfather, said Ms Hand is a “hero to women everywhere”.
“She is to be treasured among Irish women for showing us how to keep fighting against all odds,” she said.
“I cannot commend Nikita enough for standing her ground against that bully and monster Conor McGregor.
“As with all other survivors I stand with Nikita, I support her, and I have always believed her. I hope this gives some hope to other victims out there to stand strong and speak out."
Ms Witherow and her two sisters Emma and Vanessa reported their stepfather John Joe Patterson to gardaí for sexually abusing them, in 2010.
Laura’s case was heard in 2014 but later collapsed due to a missing Garda file.
Patterson was later found guilty by a unanimous verdict at Nenagh Circuit Court in 2015 of 39 counts of sexual assault on Emma.
He pleaded guilty to one of three counts of sexually abusing Vanessa, who was nine when the assaults began.
Ms Witherow said she knows how it feels to not have her case heard in a criminal court, given how the gardaí “lost my file”.
“As I have said many times in the past a sexual offender can be anyone including the likes of high-profile Judge Gerard O’Brien.
“This case not being taken by the DPP has done untold damage to victims of sex crimes both men and women who are already so scared to speak out and fear not being believed.”
Ms Witherow was forced to endure her mother taking the side of her abuser during his court case.
Frances Patterson said she had given birth to “Satan’s daughters” and that she “never believed” that her husband had abused them.
“I have had to watch wives and partners standing by these monsters for years,” she said. “My own mother did it."
Shaneda Daly, who was raped by her father Harry Daly, a former prison officer, also paid tribute to Ms Hand.
The mother of six set up the support group Survivors Side By Side, following her father’s conviction.
In 2010, Harry Daly was convicted of raping his eldest daughter from February 1, 1982, to November 30, 1992, and signed 227 pleas, 103 of indecent assault, and 24 of sexual assault.
Her mother Rose Daly has remained in a relationship with her husband despite the horrific abuse.
“We don’t talk enough about women supporting rapists, and it happens every day,” Ms Daly said.
“I completely admire and respect Nikita Hand for taking on Conor McGregor in a civil case when the DPP let her down so badly.
“It took immense courage and strength to get through the court process and I hope she gets the proper support and respect that she deserves.
“I know the Dublin rape crisis centre has been with her all the way and that is so helpful to survivors.
“Nikita took the case to the civil courts, knowing she would lose her anonymity, and that her case would be reported everywhere. That is an extremely brave step to make, she has spoken up for all survivors by doing what she did.
“Her case highlights just how hard it is for any survivor to take action; it is nowhere near easy to do what she did, and she must be commended.”
Conor McGregor has denied the claims and said he would appeal the decision. The issue of costs will be decided this Friday.