Watch: 'Speak up, you have a voice', says Nikita Hand

22 Nov 2024, 17:32 · RTE.ie

Nikita Hand urged others to "speak up, you have a voice" after winning her civil action against Conor McGregor.

Speaking outside court, Ms Hand said she wanted to show her daughter, and every other girl and boy that "you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you, no matter who the person is and justice will be served".

Ms Hand said she felt vindicated and that she wanted to thank the women and men out there who supported her throughout the trial.

She described the last two weeks, as a "nightmare".

She said to all the victims of sexual assault, she hopes her story is a reminder that no matter how afraid they might be, to "speak up. You have a voice".

Ms Hand also thanked her legal team, her family and the medics who looked after her.

Nikita Hand's statement

"I would like to start off by saying I'm overwhelmed and touched by the support I have received from everybody.

"First, I want to thank the legal team and my three barristers, John Gordon, Ray Boland and Sean. They have been amazing from start to finish. I want to thank Mr Justice Alexander Owens, the jury, all the witnesses, I want to thank the doctors, nurses and everyone at the sexual assault treatment unit in the Rotunda Hospital for looking after me, especially my own doctor Frank Clarke.

"I want to thank the Rape Crisis Centre, especially Cliona, who has been by my side throughout this entire period. I want to thank all the guards and the ambulance crew. I want to thank all the women and men out there who have supported me throughout this trial.

"For every person who reached out to me a card, a letter, e-mail, everything, it hasn't gone unnoticed. Thank you. I really appreciate it so much.

"I want to thank my partner Gary, who has been so supportive for the last four years and has held my hand throughout his trial every day and every other day.

"I want to thank my mam and all my family and friends. Lastly, I want to thank my daughter Freya, who I'm most grateful for. She has given me so much strength and courage over the last six years throughout this nightmare to keep on pushing forward for justice.

"I want to show Freya and every other girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself. If something happens to you, no matter who the person is and justice will be served. To all the victims of sexual assault. I hope my story is a reminder that no matter how afraid you might be, speak up. You have a voice and keep on fighting for justice.

"I know this has impacted not only my life, my daughter's, my family and friends tremendously, and it's something that will I'll never forget for the rest of my life. But now that justice has been served, I can now try and move on and look forward to the future with my family and friends and daughter."