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We Need to Talk: The Truth About Sexual Violence and My Fight for Justice
Emily was in a restaurant, having lunch with her father – the next thing she remembers is waking up, naked, in a strange hotel room, next to a man she did not know.
She suspected she had been drugged, raped and later found out she had been filmed without her consent. What happened to her that night could have happened to anyone. What came next happens to far too many victims, as failures by the police, the UK's Crown Prosecution Service and other parts of the system, led to Emily doubting she would ever find justice.
Six years after her attack, Emily is an adviser to the UK Government on sexual violence. Part memoir and part investigation, Emily shines a light on the fault lines of a system and a society that is failing rape victims.
We Need To Talk looks at how rape is a mainstream, everyday problem deeply damaging victims, their families, their workplaces and the economy.
She suspected she had been drugged, raped and later found out she had been filmed without her consent. What happened to her that night could have happened to anyone. What came next happens to far too many victims, as failures by the police, the UK's Crown Prosecution Service and other parts of the system, led to Emily doubting she would ever find justice.
Six years after her attack, Emily is an adviser to the UK Government on sexual violence. Part memoir and part investigation, Emily shines a light on the fault lines of a system and a society that is failing rape victims.
We Need To Talk looks at how rape is a mainstream, everyday problem deeply damaging victims, their families, their workplaces and the economy.
- GenresNonfictionMemoirFeminism
272 pages, Paperback
Published May 30, 2023
3 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 3, 2023
"Rapists rape, and they're the ones that need investigating, not their victims."
This is an essential read.
It chronicles everything that is wrong with the UK justice system when it comes to prosecuting rapes and sexual assault. When only 1.3% of those reported are prosecuted, there's something seriously wrong. And before you say, "Ah, but what about all those fake accusations", that's not the problem as those instances are in the very small percentages. The problem is that rape cases are historically investigated from a victim basis. Not a "let's support the victim" basis, but a "are they a worthy victim" perspective. Rather than starting by investigating the accused, police typically investigate the victim first. No other crime is treated this way. Do victims of burglaries get asked if they did anything to encourage being victims of crime? No.
While I knew rapes were woefully under prosecuted, I didn't know the intricacies of WHY that this book outlined.
Thankfully, the author and others are working towards changing this, so there is some hope at the end. However, there is so much that made me sad and angry here. And so we should be. It's an outrage. Please read this book and be angry with me.
This is an essential read.
It chronicles everything that is wrong with the UK justice system when it comes to prosecuting rapes and sexual assault. When only 1.3% of those reported are prosecuted, there's something seriously wrong. And before you say, "Ah, but what about all those fake accusations", that's not the problem as those instances are in the very small percentages. The problem is that rape cases are historically investigated from a victim basis. Not a "let's support the victim" basis, but a "are they a worthy victim" perspective. Rather than starting by investigating the accused, police typically investigate the victim first. No other crime is treated this way. Do victims of burglaries get asked if they did anything to encourage being victims of crime? No.
While I knew rapes were woefully under prosecuted, I didn't know the intricacies of WHY that this book outlined.
Thankfully, the author and others are working towards changing this, so there is some hope at the end. However, there is so much that made me sad and angry here. And so we should be. It's an outrage. Please read this book and be angry with me.
October 28, 2022
An excellent book if you’re interested in rape myths and the way rape victims are treated in England.
We Need to Talk is heart wrenching at times but towards the end there are tiny glimmers of hope for the future. This book tells the true story told by the incredible Emily Hunt who has worked tirelessly to change the way victims of rape are treated. After being raped in a hotel room whilst drugged, Emily reports the crime to police who immediately treat her terribly and don’t see her as the ‘right kind of victim.’ She battles for five years to get some justice for the crime committed, even though she isn’t supported by the police or the legal system. It’s only when a select few people listen to her story and try to help her that the perpetrator is taken to court and sentenced with a far too light punishment for his offence. Throughout the book, Emily details her dealings with the police and CPS, who are awful to her. They lie to her, treat her with unfair prejudice and fail to communicate with her properly. She also delves into the impact of being raped, the personal, mental and financial ramifications of being a victim in this dreadful situation for which she is completely not to blame.
Emily backs up her points with cited studies and research, providing the reader with solid facts. Some of which are unbelievable awful, like the fact that only 1.3% of reported rape cases ever actually see prosecution. The writing style is engaging and detailed, and at times is hard to read as she describes the impact on her mental health of fighting for justice. Emily Hunt insists that change needs to be made in both the police force and CPS and towards the end of the book she outlines some of her work as a government advisor, working to change the way rape victims are treated.
Although it makes me so angry to read about how rape victims like Emily are treated and how useless the police and CPS can be, this was a well written and interesting read that I would recommend to anyone, especially those working within the judicial system.
We Need to Talk is heart wrenching at times but towards the end there are tiny glimmers of hope for the future. This book tells the true story told by the incredible Emily Hunt who has worked tirelessly to change the way victims of rape are treated. After being raped in a hotel room whilst drugged, Emily reports the crime to police who immediately treat her terribly and don’t see her as the ‘right kind of victim.’ She battles for five years to get some justice for the crime committed, even though she isn’t supported by the police or the legal system. It’s only when a select few people listen to her story and try to help her that the perpetrator is taken to court and sentenced with a far too light punishment for his offence. Throughout the book, Emily details her dealings with the police and CPS, who are awful to her. They lie to her, treat her with unfair prejudice and fail to communicate with her properly. She also delves into the impact of being raped, the personal, mental and financial ramifications of being a victim in this dreadful situation for which she is completely not to blame.
Emily backs up her points with cited studies and research, providing the reader with solid facts. Some of which are unbelievable awful, like the fact that only 1.3% of reported rape cases ever actually see prosecution. The writing style is engaging and detailed, and at times is hard to read as she describes the impact on her mental health of fighting for justice. Emily Hunt insists that change needs to be made in both the police force and CPS and towards the end of the book she outlines some of her work as a government advisor, working to change the way rape victims are treated.
Although it makes me so angry to read about how rape victims like Emily are treated and how useless the police and CPS can be, this was a well written and interesting read that I would recommend to anyone, especially those working within the judicial system.
January 2, 2023
A very honest and compelling story of sexual violence and the effects such attacks have on the victim.
Emily explains to us how the failings of the police and the Crown Prosecution Service left her without justice. Emily talks us through a 5 year journey from the attack onwards, explaining very thoroughly the statistics of rapes reported and rapes that actually end up with a conviction. This was a stark wake up call for me and I'm sure will be every other reader.
When describing and explaining the flaws in the investigation from the time or Emily reporting the attack a clear picture is a painted of 1) The importance of the proper steps being taken when they matter - ie straight away! (with regards to examination, toxicology) 2) The importance of information being shared (between not only the diff government departments, but also with the victim. 3) How victims are deemed credible by the police before even looking at a suspect.
The two things that shocked me most about this story was the police's attitude to the victims in sexual violence cases, and the rape myths explained - detailing how human nature make's people immediately judge the circumstances of the victim - especially seeing as the % of rape allegations being false are less than 2%.
The second thing is how open and forthcoming the attacker was with admitting the things he had done and it still wasn't enough for the CPS and the police to hold him accountable properly.
I have the utmost respect for the author and thank her for bringing awareness to me and all her other readers. I am also sorry for everything you have had to go through but also wanted to say that you are an absolute inspiration to your daughter.
The book was filled with facts and links to cases and reports and articles. The only reason for a 4 instead of 5 star review is no reflection on the story. The layout and links when reading on a Kindle made it sometimes a little confusing as to where the story started and stopped and I found sometimes the jumps around in the timeline a little hard to follow.
Emily explains to us how the failings of the police and the Crown Prosecution Service left her without justice. Emily talks us through a 5 year journey from the attack onwards, explaining very thoroughly the statistics of rapes reported and rapes that actually end up with a conviction. This was a stark wake up call for me and I'm sure will be every other reader.
When describing and explaining the flaws in the investigation from the time or Emily reporting the attack a clear picture is a painted of 1) The importance of the proper steps being taken when they matter - ie straight away! (with regards to examination, toxicology) 2) The importance of information being shared (between not only the diff government departments, but also with the victim. 3) How victims are deemed credible by the police before even looking at a suspect.
The two things that shocked me most about this story was the police's attitude to the victims in sexual violence cases, and the rape myths explained - detailing how human nature make's people immediately judge the circumstances of the victim - especially seeing as the % of rape allegations being false are less than 2%.
The second thing is how open and forthcoming the attacker was with admitting the things he had done and it still wasn't enough for the CPS and the police to hold him accountable properly.
I have the utmost respect for the author and thank her for bringing awareness to me and all her other readers. I am also sorry for everything you have had to go through but also wanted to say that you are an absolute inspiration to your daughter.
The book was filled with facts and links to cases and reports and articles. The only reason for a 4 instead of 5 star review is no reflection on the story. The layout and links when reading on a Kindle made it sometimes a little confusing as to where the story started and stopped and I found sometimes the jumps around in the timeline a little hard to follow.
October 28, 2022
What a powerhouse of a book! I gasped, I was outraged, my jaw dropped in disbelief but overall, I wasn’t shocked. I wasn’t shocked about the repeat failings of the criminal justice system which we trust to protect us and that its treatment of rape victims is terrifying. BUT I was inspired and hopeful to learn about Emily’s fight to change laws, public perceptions and that whilst we have a long way to go, womens’ bravery is leading us in the right direction.
This book is part memoir part investigation and is the type of book I want to force into the hands of everyone I pass. Having said that, understandably, this book is raw, explicit, and is sure to bring out a myriad of emotions in anyone that reads it (that’s why it’s so powerful) but make sure you understand the content prior to diving in, as it’s definitely a difficult read.
Whilst the content is difficult and some hard truths are served up, the writing is very accessible and I devoured it. I turned the pages in rage and by the end I felt so empowered and thankful that there are people like Emily in the world fighting for what’s so plainly right, but still remains ambiguous in the eyes of the law.
I could go on and on about this book (I highlighted so many quotes) and I will be raving about it to all my friends and family.
Please pick it up. You will undoubtedly learn something and want to tell your friends due to your fury, which is the whole point, to spark conversations. But it’s not all negative, it’s a book of resilience, fight, inspiration and alliance, and Emily’s openness and vulnerability has already, and will continue to make sure we talk about an experience that so many women have, and continue to face.
Thank you to Emily Hunt, Ad Lib Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC
This book is part memoir part investigation and is the type of book I want to force into the hands of everyone I pass. Having said that, understandably, this book is raw, explicit, and is sure to bring out a myriad of emotions in anyone that reads it (that’s why it’s so powerful) but make sure you understand the content prior to diving in, as it’s definitely a difficult read.
Whilst the content is difficult and some hard truths are served up, the writing is very accessible and I devoured it. I turned the pages in rage and by the end I felt so empowered and thankful that there are people like Emily in the world fighting for what’s so plainly right, but still remains ambiguous in the eyes of the law.
I could go on and on about this book (I highlighted so many quotes) and I will be raving about it to all my friends and family.
Please pick it up. You will undoubtedly learn something and want to tell your friends due to your fury, which is the whole point, to spark conversations. But it’s not all negative, it’s a book of resilience, fight, inspiration and alliance, and Emily’s openness and vulnerability has already, and will continue to make sure we talk about an experience that so many women have, and continue to face.
Thank you to Emily Hunt, Ad Lib Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC
January 21, 2023
Whether I read rape cases in my country or Chanel Miller's Know My Name or this book, the similarities are surprising - police inaction, delay in courts and victim blaming. Is there a secret pact of police officers world over to fail their duty in cases of sexual assault?
The story, as the author says, is not about her personal vendetta against one man. It is about how she fought for five years to change a faulty law amidst an oppressive system.
The author was raped and filmed naked when she was heavily intoxicated. Now, both of these could be proven as not guilty using the loopholes in the law of her country. The story is of how the author fought to criminalise filming women without their consent. It is also about how we, as a society, think it is okay to do things like stalking and filming women without consent. These don't qualify as crimes for us. Through social research and surveys, the author states how majority don't understand consent.
I find it similar to the horrific Nirbhaya case in India. After Nirbhaya was brutally murdered, her fight brought amendments to the definition of consent in the Indian law. Not only were her criminals hanged to death but her case brought discussions at every level about women's safety.
The author's fight wasn't for herself. It was for the thousands of women whose videos were taken, whose rapists were never prosecuted, who couldn't fight year after year. It is for those women whose stories are labelled as false. It is for our sisters and daughters who deserve a safer and better world.
The writing is brilliant and on-point. I finished the book in one go and I think everybody should.
I received a review copy and I am posting my review voluntarily.
The story, as the author says, is not about her personal vendetta against one man. It is about how she fought for five years to change a faulty law amidst an oppressive system.
The author was raped and filmed naked when she was heavily intoxicated. Now, both of these could be proven as not guilty using the loopholes in the law of her country. The story is of how the author fought to criminalise filming women without their consent. It is also about how we, as a society, think it is okay to do things like stalking and filming women without consent. These don't qualify as crimes for us. Through social research and surveys, the author states how majority don't understand consent.
I find it similar to the horrific Nirbhaya case in India. After Nirbhaya was brutally murdered, her fight brought amendments to the definition of consent in the Indian law. Not only were her criminals hanged to death but her case brought discussions at every level about women's safety.
The author's fight wasn't for herself. It was for the thousands of women whose videos were taken, whose rapists were never prosecuted, who couldn't fight year after year. It is for those women whose stories are labelled as false. It is for our sisters and daughters who deserve a safer and better world.
The writing is brilliant and on-point. I finished the book in one go and I think everybody should.
I received a review copy and I am posting my review voluntarily.
November 21, 2022
Wow – what an inspirational and informative read! I finished this in one sitting. Although the sensitive issue of rape and violence will not be for everyone, the awareness that Emily Hunt brings to her readers is exceptional.
There are various facts about the UK’s justice system brought to my attention that I did not previously have knowledge of, and while I am not legally trained, the writing style makes this remarkably simple and easy to understand. Our system is unmistakably broken, failing victims and their families in a disgustingly high proportion.
Emotionally persuasive and intense, I have finished this read feeling empowered yet incredibly angry for Emily and other victims like her.
We need to discuss this subject more openly, and I can only hope this book reaches as many people as possible!
Powerfully written, brutally honest, yet beautifully dignified. Five stars are never enough for this read! Pre-order a copy today!
‘We Need To Talk About This” is due for release on 1st June 2023.
Thank you, NetGalley and Ad Lib Publishers, Mardle Books, for a gifted copy of this book.
There are various facts about the UK’s justice system brought to my attention that I did not previously have knowledge of, and while I am not legally trained, the writing style makes this remarkably simple and easy to understand. Our system is unmistakably broken, failing victims and their families in a disgustingly high proportion.
Emotionally persuasive and intense, I have finished this read feeling empowered yet incredibly angry for Emily and other victims like her.
We need to discuss this subject more openly, and I can only hope this book reaches as many people as possible!
Powerfully written, brutally honest, yet beautifully dignified. Five stars are never enough for this read! Pre-order a copy today!
‘We Need To Talk About This” is due for release on 1st June 2023.
Thank you, NetGalley and Ad Lib Publishers, Mardle Books, for a gifted copy of this book.
October 28, 2022
This book will stay with me for a long long time, I just could not put it down and read it in two sittings. As a woman who is a part of the statistics that the author writes about, it horrifies and upsets me that rape is not seen as serious a crime that it is. To read how many cases are not reported and those that are not taken seriously just fills me with a rage that I should not have. Reading about the authors fight for justice with odds that were stacked against her from the very beginning made me cry- to go through such a life changing ordeal and not be believed and have to fight so hard to be heard ,this should not be happening.
I am so glad that she is helping to shape the way that rape cases are dealt with however there is still a long way to go but by writing this book she is helping to start conversations that we all should be having,men and women.
Although difficult to read it absolutely is a must read book for everyone.
I am so glad that she is helping to shape the way that rape cases are dealt with however there is still a long way to go but by writing this book she is helping to start conversations that we all should be having,men and women.
Although difficult to read it absolutely is a must read book for everyone.
November 25, 2022
4.5⭐️
Emily takes you through the part of her life where she is dealing with her rape, which involves the details of what happened when she woke up, through to her dealings with the police, CPS and the general justice system in the UK.
To say I was shocked and appalled at some of the things told through this book would be a huge understatement. I knew enough to expect that change is needed, but to that level is astounding. Emily does a great job of using her awful experience to open your eyes to how awful the system is in the UK when it comes to convicting rapists.
This was a real eye opener and I would highly recommend.
**Thank you to NetGalley and Ad Lib Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review**
Emily takes you through the part of her life where she is dealing with her rape, which involves the details of what happened when she woke up, through to her dealings with the police, CPS and the general justice system in the UK.
To say I was shocked and appalled at some of the things told through this book would be a huge understatement. I knew enough to expect that change is needed, but to that level is astounding. Emily does a great job of using her awful experience to open your eyes to how awful the system is in the UK when it comes to convicting rapists.
This was a real eye opener and I would highly recommend.
**Thank you to NetGalley and Ad Lib Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review**
December 9, 2022
It never feels right rating or reviewing books of such a personal nature - but this was a phenomenal read. A SA survivor sharing her story of what happened to her - and the continuous failure by the police, CPS and wider society to take rape victims seriously. Important lessons to be learned by the authorities are contained.
Obvious TWS for sexual assault PTSD etc
Obvious TWS for sexual assault PTSD etc
November 10, 2022
Wow. This was informative, heartbreaking, frustrating and despicable. I can't say too much without giving spoilers but I think everyone should pick this up. Such a strong and brave woman, she should never have had to go through the ordeal that she did. I have a ton of respect for her.
April 21, 2024
About: non fiction. the truth behind the fight for justice after sexual violence/ sexual assult/rape. How exactly our criminal justice system is failing us with backed up statistics on the world we live in and how that contributes to these patterns.
Opinion: fantastic! She combines fact with story telling to keep the reader engaged in learning. Everyone should read it at least once. It is a well of knowledge as well as being enticingly heartbreaking. Full of Facts and figures, it’s accurate and takes you through the process in a way that’s easy to digest and understand ( but also not easy to digest and understand because it makes zero sense and you’ll be livid).At the back of the book she asks the reader to pass it on and share the word - a little piece of activism through reading which i love and of course have parteken in. ( gave mine to this boy from uni who I thought could do with reading it - he’s a bit of a prick like ) but i wanted to keep the book too (I mean I did buy it) so i bought another that way I can still join in with the activism and keep my pretty library shelf full. Win win.
Opinion: fantastic! She combines fact with story telling to keep the reader engaged in learning. Everyone should read it at least once. It is a well of knowledge as well as being enticingly heartbreaking. Full of Facts and figures, it’s accurate and takes you through the process in a way that’s easy to digest and understand ( but also not easy to digest and understand because it makes zero sense and you’ll be livid).At the back of the book she asks the reader to pass it on and share the word - a little piece of activism through reading which i love and of course have parteken in. ( gave mine to this boy from uni who I thought could do with reading it - he’s a bit of a prick like ) but i wanted to keep the book too (I mean I did buy it) so i bought another that way I can still join in with the activism and keep my pretty library shelf full. Win win.
Read
January 23, 2025after studying rape and sexual assault in first year its not hard to believe that this would happen in the uk, not that that makes it right. I'm glad there are people like Hunt who, although unfortunately, are making changes within the system
i liked how it touched on the guilt and different reactions that people can have, like for me, it took me ages to accept what happened to me might have fallen along the lines of sexual assault. I was 18 and i didn't know what sex was meant to be.
i feel like the conversation around rape needs to be more substantial and wide spread
i liked how it touched on the guilt and different reactions that people can have, like for me, it took me ages to accept what happened to me might have fallen along the lines of sexual assault. I was 18 and i didn't know what sex was meant to be.
i feel like the conversation around rape needs to be more substantial and wide spread
March 31, 2023
The criminal justice system needs reform, particularly linked to the systems around the approach to a rape allegation, evidence collection, and actually prosecuting rape cases. But the main thing we need to do is trust and listen to victims of rape.
Rapists rape, victims don’t get themselves raped. Before blaming the victim, we all need to look at the rapist first and consider what could/should/must be done to stop and change their behaviours.
It is never the victims fault.
Harrowing but important reading. Thank you, Emily Hunt.
Rapists rape, victims don’t get themselves raped. Before blaming the victim, we all need to look at the rapist first and consider what could/should/must be done to stop and change their behaviours.
It is never the victims fault.
Harrowing but important reading. Thank you, Emily Hunt.
February 22, 2023
Wow! What an honest, unflinching and devastating book. And such an important book - covering a topic and its outcomes like very few books, films or to series do. Whilst very hard to read in parts (i myself have PTSD and first hand experience of some of the elements of this book) i thought it was incredibly courageous and necessary for such a voice to be put to paper! I would recommend this book to everyone to read so that people may understand the continued failings of our culture’s approach to SA and similar crimes and devastating experiences.
November 10, 2022
Thanks to Ad Lib publishers and NetGalley for the advanced readers copy.
We Need to Talk is an eye opening book about how rape is dealt with in England and their prosecutorial system. Emily Hunt shares her own experience of rape and her fight to bring her rapist to justice. This book is equal parts educational and infuriating. Emily Hunt deserved so much better than she got. A worth while read!!
We Need to Talk is an eye opening book about how rape is dealt with in England and their prosecutorial system. Emily Hunt shares her own experience of rape and her fight to bring her rapist to justice. This book is equal parts educational and infuriating. Emily Hunt deserved so much better than she got. A worth while read!!
February 8, 2023
So needed. Thank you Emily for this. Thank you for sharing your story and taking your energy and pain and educating. You’re a big building block in changing the world for sexual violence victims. I will be thinking about your words for years and years to come, and spreading your knowledge as frequently as I can
December 15, 2022
Emily finds herself waking up, naked, in a strange hotel room, next to a man she does not know. Who is this stranger and how did she get there. Emily slowly and hazily comes too and remembers the last thing she did before she woke up was having lunch with her father in a restaurant. Emily spots her phone on the floor and grabs it and to her horror five hours have passed. Something is terribly wrong as Emily looks at this man next to her on the bed and realises, she has never met him before and suspects that she had been drugged and raped by him.
What happened to Emily that night could have happened to anyone. This book is the story of how we as a society, think it is okay to do things like stalking, filming women without their consent and if they are intoxicated it is ok to have sex with them as you do not need consent.
Emily finds out that she had been drugged raped and filmed without her consent. Emily should never have had to go through the ordeal that she did. Emily reports the crime to police who immediately treat her terribly as they are prejudice, and do not believe Emily’s story. The police also fail to communicate with the hospital staff and miss judge the time for a drug test for GHB, and basically, they do not see Emily as the right kind of victim.
Emily suffers from PTSD and is not supported by the legal system or the police. Emily then takes up the fight for five years to change the laws and public perceptions and she battles to get justice for the rape committed by her rapist. Eventually a few people listen to Emily’s story and help her bring her perpetrator to justice.
Emily tells you in her own words how the rape affects her physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. How the legal system lets women down and the journey of how she helps change the laws to help other women never have to go through what she did without the proper help and support.
The abuse of women suffered at the hands rapists where the victim is not believed happens far too often, so please read this book if you work with the victims to help you understand them.
This is a very informative book from a very brave women and I highly recommend it. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What happened to Emily that night could have happened to anyone. This book is the story of how we as a society, think it is okay to do things like stalking, filming women without their consent and if they are intoxicated it is ok to have sex with them as you do not need consent.
Emily finds out that she had been drugged raped and filmed without her consent. Emily should never have had to go through the ordeal that she did. Emily reports the crime to police who immediately treat her terribly as they are prejudice, and do not believe Emily’s story. The police also fail to communicate with the hospital staff and miss judge the time for a drug test for GHB, and basically, they do not see Emily as the right kind of victim.
Emily suffers from PTSD and is not supported by the legal system or the police. Emily then takes up the fight for five years to change the laws and public perceptions and she battles to get justice for the rape committed by her rapist. Eventually a few people listen to Emily’s story and help her bring her perpetrator to justice.
Emily tells you in her own words how the rape affects her physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. How the legal system lets women down and the journey of how she helps change the laws to help other women never have to go through what she did without the proper help and support.
The abuse of women suffered at the hands rapists where the victim is not believed happens far too often, so please read this book if you work with the victims to help you understand them.
This is a very informative book from a very brave women and I highly recommend it. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 19, 2023
This is a tough subject matter, but so important to learn about and try to understand. Also, it is so hard to rate someone's personal (horrible) experience, in this case not only Emily Hunts rape, but the trauma that continued for years both from PTSD and from having to relive the experience multiple times while moving through the "system." I am not rating her story. I think it was powerful and needed to be told. Her story and her bravery for going through fighting for victims to be heard deserves 5stars+++.
I waivered between a 2 and 3 stars just for the editing and layout of everything. The information itself was intense and necessary. It needed to be in there. How it was laid out just made it confusing and a little hard to follow at times. The constant jumps between past and present and then facts, that again were great information and should be in there, but they cut away from her timeline in some places. At times I got lost in which trial was happening and which interaction was happening with police in the timeline. I went from feeling sick and sad for what Emily (and victims) went through, to being confused about where I was in the story.
Overall, thank you Emily for sharing your story and for fighting for all victims to be heard. This was a hard but fascinating read.
Thank you NetGalley for the arc.
I waivered between a 2 and 3 stars just for the editing and layout of everything. The information itself was intense and necessary. It needed to be in there. How it was laid out just made it confusing and a little hard to follow at times. The constant jumps between past and present and then facts, that again were great information and should be in there, but they cut away from her timeline in some places. At times I got lost in which trial was happening and which interaction was happening with police in the timeline. I went from feeling sick and sad for what Emily (and victims) went through, to being confused about where I was in the story.
Overall, thank you Emily for sharing your story and for fighting for all victims to be heard. This was a hard but fascinating read.
Thank you NetGalley for the arc.
January 20, 2023
This isn't just a book about a singular story, it's a discussion of rape in our culture that we all should be a part of. It speaks to data and process specifics in the UK, but the discussion is a global one. The data applies around the world, and fuels the discussion about why people react to rape victims the way they do, why authorities are unlikely to engage with a rape case, and how these things can be changed. The amazing part of this story is Emily has taken a terrible event, and the compounding terrible behavior from authorities who are supposed to protect and serve, and turned it around to a passionate examination of why they do so and how much we need to focus on these behaviors and make meaningful changes.
If you look at this title and wonder if this is a book for you, pick it up. You know someone who's experienced sexual violence. You've seen it on TV and in movies, and you have plenty of your own reactions to rape. It's time to hear a real story, examine those reactions, and consider how we can all help each other rather than turning away and hoping to never hear about it.
If you look at this title and wonder if this is a book for you, pick it up. You know someone who's experienced sexual violence. You've seen it on TV and in movies, and you have plenty of your own reactions to rape. It's time to hear a real story, examine those reactions, and consider how we can all help each other rather than turning away and hoping to never hear about it.
June 10, 2023
This book is so important. It infuriated me and educated me (as someone who thought they were pretty on the ball, to be honest!)
Emily Hunt retells her rape story and her fight to have her rapist charged and held accountable. Peppered with statistics, it is an eye-opening read about how rape cases are dealt with and I honestly found it shocking.
From how Emily's case was treated by the Crown Prosection Service to how the police gathered information in those early stages, I felt so angry but hers isn't an isolated case.
Emily fought and fought and I kind of went into a Google rabbit hole. What a woman. She now is an expert advisor to the government on rape, even giving talks to police on how to respond to rape reports.
"Rape is not a women's issue. It is a human issue."
Everyone needs to read this.
Emily Hunt retells her rape story and her fight to have her rapist charged and held accountable. Peppered with statistics, it is an eye-opening read about how rape cases are dealt with and I honestly found it shocking.
From how Emily's case was treated by the Crown Prosection Service to how the police gathered information in those early stages, I felt so angry but hers isn't an isolated case.
Emily fought and fought and I kind of went into a Google rabbit hole. What a woman. She now is an expert advisor to the government on rape, even giving talks to police on how to respond to rape reports.
"Rape is not a women's issue. It is a human issue."
Everyone needs to read this.
April 26, 2023
Wow what a powerful book. It should be required reading for any law students.
This is a guide to anyone in the law profession to how not to do things, be that police, volunteers and cps staff.
What an inspiring person Emily is to open up about her trauma. Not only at the hands of her rapist's but the whole system that should of supported her.
All credit to her strength and honesty going forward to help make the vital changes needed to correct the very flawed system.
Painful reading at times as Emily's pain and despair comes through on the pages but ultimately worth reading on
This is a guide to anyone in the law profession to how not to do things, be that police, volunteers and cps staff.
What an inspiring person Emily is to open up about her trauma. Not only at the hands of her rapist's but the whole system that should of supported her.
All credit to her strength and honesty going forward to help make the vital changes needed to correct the very flawed system.
Painful reading at times as Emily's pain and despair comes through on the pages but ultimately worth reading on
June 6, 2023
A powerful story that should be read, heard and shared. Emily Hunt was drugged and raped, but that is not the reason she tells her story. She wanted to share how badly she was let down in the aftermath between support, policing and the criminal (in)justice system. She shares the reasons why so many rapes go unprotected and the need to change the narrative about rape and rape prosecution. An engaging, powerful and maddening read. We certainly do need to talk more about this; but we also need to act. #weneedtotalk #emilyhunt
February 9, 2023
This book was a shocking and somewhat disturbing but at the same time a great and necessary read. The title expresses really well what the book wants to convey: "We Really Need to Talk" about rape and everything connected to it, starting from how justice works when it comes to this specific crime. Most of us do not even realize that bias dominates our way of reacting to the idea of sexual assaults (I really appreciated how the author explained what rape myths are and how we can fight them).
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January 14, 2023A first person account of the failures of the system and the myths surrounding sexual assaults and its reporting. The writing style is brilliant and it forces you to acknowledge the failures that lead to people getting away with rape.
Thank you NetGalley and Ad Lib publishers for this eArc in exchange of my honest opinion.
Thank you NetGalley and Ad Lib publishers for this eArc in exchange of my honest opinion.
January 23, 2023
Very compelling read about rape myths and the way rape victims are treated by the criminal justice system and society in general. It’s pretty shocking really. Highly commend Emily for sharing her story and research. Everyone should read this and be part of the conversation.
February 7, 2023
An excellently written, timely introduction for the layperson on the prevalence of rape, it's impact on survivors and why the lack of conviction is such an issue. EVERYONE should read this book, especially men.
June 30, 2024
Everyone needs to read this.
September 21, 2024
incredibly insightful and inspiring yet heartbreaking, emily hunt is right, we do need to talk
November 16, 2022
"Emily was in a restaurant, having lunch with her father – the next thing she remembers is waking up, naked, in a strange hotel room, next to a man she did not know. She suspected she had been drugged and raped. She later found out she had been filmed without her consent.
What happened to her that night could have happened to anyone. What came next happens to far too many victims, as failures by the police, CPS and other parts of the system, led to Emily doubting she would ever find justice."
Whew - this is HEAVY. Part memoir, part investigation- We Need to Talk looks at how rape is a mainstream, everyday problem deeply damaging victims and their families. Inspiring & engaging at the same damn time. Beautifully written and so important - the author did an excellent job at a difficult topic.
Thank you so much to Emily Hunt, Ad Lib Publishers, Mardle Books, and NetGalley for this incredible ARC.
What happened to her that night could have happened to anyone. What came next happens to far too many victims, as failures by the police, CPS and other parts of the system, led to Emily doubting she would ever find justice."
Whew - this is HEAVY. Part memoir, part investigation- We Need to Talk looks at how rape is a mainstream, everyday problem deeply damaging victims and their families. Inspiring & engaging at the same damn time. Beautifully written and so important - the author did an excellent job at a difficult topic.
Thank you so much to Emily Hunt, Ad Lib Publishers, Mardle Books, and NetGalley for this incredible ARC.
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