Jenny Evans’ Harrowing Experience

Jenny Evans, now in her 40s, revealed the terrifying experience of having confidential details from her police sexual assault report published in UK tabloids. At just 19, after reporting a sexual assault by a celebrity, she discovered that personal and sensitive information had been printed word-for-word in a national newspaper.

The incident left her questioning her safety, her friends, and even whether she was being spied on. This exposure became part of a larger corruption scandal in the UK press and police, which later led to high-profile investigations and convictions.

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The Assault and Immediate Aftermath

Jenny grew up in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, and discovered acting through local drama classes. At 18, she was cast in Twin Town and was out in London with the production crew when the assault occurred.

She recalled: “He put his hand to my chest and just pushed me so that I would lose my footing. And then he and his friend pounced.”

The trauma left Jenny too shocked and scared to immediately report the assault. She confided only in her family and a close friend at the time.

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Tabloid Publication and Its Effects

While studying at the Central School of Speech and Drama, Jenny discovered her confidential police report had been published in a tabloid newspaper. Although her name was not printed, the details made it clear the article was about her case.

“It was terrifying,” Jenny said, describing her fear and paranoia as she tried to uncover who could have leaked her information.

The leak intensified her anxiety and mistrust, prompting her to monitor her surroundings and even check friends’ phones for signs of betrayal.

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Legal Challenges and Dropped Charges

Despite the evidence, Jenny’s case faced numerous obstacles in court. Multiple instances of sexual violence she had endured were used by defense lawyers to question her credibility. Eventually, the charges against her assailant were dropped, and she was left without justice at the time.

The now-defunct News of the World compounded her trauma by publishing confidential details about the case’s collapse, turning her fear into anger and motivating her future career choices.

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Turning Trauma into Action

Determined to understand how her story had been leaked, Jenny trained as a journalist. She worked alongside investigative reporter Nick Davies, focusing on phone hacking scandals and unethical tabloid practices, eventually uncovering her own name in private investigator Glenn Mulcaire’s diaries.

“I felt very emotional,” she said of the closure following revelations that the News of the World had hacked phones of crime victims, celebrities, and politicians.

Jenny’s investigation helped expose systemic press corruption, although her own case was never fully solved due to failures within the Metropolitan Police. She eventually received an apology and a financial settlement after hiring legal representation.

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Advocacy and Message for Survivors

Jenny Evans now uses her platform to empower survivors of sexual violence, particularly young women, encouraging them to ask questions and seek truth even in situations where they feel powerless.

“There is real power in learning how to ask questions,” she said, emphasizing the importance of reclaiming agency after trauma.

Her experience demonstrates the long-term impact of both sexual violence and media exploitation, highlighting the need for ethical journalism and support for survivors.