An Interview with a Specialist Sexual Offences Barrister

An Interview with Berenice Mulvanny by Rebecca Astill *T/W // R*pe & Assault: This piece talks openly about details that may be triggering for survivors.* What inspired you to prosecute and defend sexual abuse cases? This question isnÔÇÖt a particularly easy one to answer. Many barristers, including myself, if theyÔÇÖre being completely honest would say that the reason is for the renumeration. The more serious … Continue reading An Interview with a Specialist Sexual Offences Barrister

Rough Sex Doesn’t Kill, Abuse Does: What the New Changes Will Mean

*T/W // R*pe & Assault: This piece talks openly about details that may be triggering for survivors.* By Rebecca Astill Cindy Gladue was 37 when a man ripped an 11 centimetre tear in her vagina and left her to bleed to death in a bathtub. He was found not guilty. Natalie Connolly was 26 when her partner beat her, breaking her left eye socket, until … Continue reading Rough Sex Doesn’t Kill, Abuse Does: What the New Changes Will Mean

Why We Need to Stop People Pleasing

By Rebecca Astill Being a people pleaser isnÔÇÖt an altogether bad thing. The clue is in the name ÔÇô people like you, because you keep everyone happy. But as Eminem may have said (or those 2013 cringy quote accounts may have made him up saying), ÔÇÿif you have enemies, good, that means you stood up for something, sometime in your life.ÔÇÖ The essence of this … Continue reading Why We Need to Stop People Pleasing

Accents and their Impacts

By Rebecca Astill Accents are an intrinsic part of our identities. They broadcast where weÔÇÖre from, where our parents are from, where we grew up, and other influences on our upbringing. If the only base difference of accents is geographical location, why are some accents perceived as more attractive or professional than others? Why is it that young people disguise their accents in job interviews? … Continue reading Accents and their Impacts

Conspiracy Theories: What’s the allure?

By Katie Waits Most of us probably have a conspiracy theory that we canÔÇÖt help but at least half believe. From politics to celebrities, historical events to murders, conspiracy theories are everywhere. As far-fetched as they may initially seem, sometimes, somehow, they make sense. But why, if we know that they may never be proven, do we continue to read articles, and watch documentaries and … Continue reading Conspiracy Theories: What’s the allure?

Death, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll

By Rebecca Astill When you think of festivals a few things might come to mind; excitement, anticipation, entertainment. However, there is a darker side to the coin. Perhaps the most shocking of headlines this festival season were those on 17-year-old Anya Buckley who died after drug complications at Leeds festival. Anya Buckley died in the early hours of the 24th August in what Leeds festival … Continue reading Death, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll

Are the Press unfairly demonising Meghan Markle?

By Katie May Huxtable The Royal Family play a hugely symbolic role in contemporary British society, often acting as a metaphor for what it means to be British. However, with Meghan MarkleÔÇÖs marriage to Prince Harry in May of 2018, a new royal identity has been forged. Being a typical member of British society and being biracial can no longer be perceived as incompatible identities. … Continue reading Are the Press unfairly demonising Meghan Markle?

Are Love Island’s new Mental Health Measures Enough?

By Rebecca Astill Reality TV and mental health are two topics becoming increasingly intertwined in todayÔÇÖs society. ITVÔÇÖs Love Island forefronts the debate between creating ÔÇÿgoodÔÇÖ television, and its effect on the individualsÔÇÖ mental health. This season has already sparked Ofcom complaints and concerns for the health of the islanders, including Anna and AmberÔÇÖs reactions towards Danny following YewandeÔÇÖs exit, JoeÔÇÖs perceived controlling behaviour towards … Continue reading Are Love Island’s new Mental Health Measures Enough?