"Sexsomnia": The Rape Defence CPS Accepted and Let A Rapist Walk Free

She reported her rape. She did everything she was told to do and more. Then the justice system (Crown Prosecution Service) told her they were dropping her case based on a rapists defence that she had a sleeping disorder she never even heard of...

When Jade came forward, she expected a fight for justice. What she never expected was for the Crown Prosecution Service to accept “sexsomnia”- a controversial and widely disputed sleep disorder defence - as grounds not to prosecute the man who raped her; allowing him to walk free and without restrictions.

Most survivors would have been forced into silence by a decision like that. Jade refused to disappear quietly.

In this powerful episode, Jade shares the devastating reality of navigating a system that too often fails survivors of sexual violence. From the trauma of reporting, to the shock of watching her case abandoned by the CPS, to the extraordinary moment she decided to fight back. In a landmark legal challenge against the CPS, Jade won, setting a precedent that could change how future cases are handled across the UK.

But this conversation is about more than one case.

It’s about institutional failure.

It’s about the language used to discredit victims.

And it’s about what happens when one woman refuses to accept that “no further action” is the end of the story.

Jade’s courage has become a warning to the systems designed to protect us:

Survivors are no longer staying silent.

And institutions will be held accountable.

You can learn more about Jade Blue McCrossen-Nethercott and her work, story and crusade for change here:

Website: Make Yourself Heard

Instagram: @myh_ldn

You can find Jennie Guay here:

Website: Jg Premier Divorce & Breakup Coaching & Advisory | Step Parenting | UK

Book: Howie Blend: Playdate Adventures with Family and Friends: Amazon.co.uk: Guay, Jennie: 9781919623108: Books

Instagram: @whywhisperpodcast @jennieg_premierdivorcecoach @whywhisperthewholestory

You can donate to the making of the documentary "Why Are We Whispering?:The Whole Story which sheds a bright light on the dark corners of the rape reporting process in the UK and the criminal justice system. Jade is also a contributor to this project, where she details her harrowing experience.

BE A PART OF THE CHANGE. DONATE: Why Are We Whispering? The Whole Story Documentary - a Personal Causes crowdfunding project in Knutsford by Outloud! Productions

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