Sarah Harte: Sex assault victims are still not encouraged to come forward

A hugely damaging victim-blaming attitude still exists societally and within the judicial system

E Jean Carroll walks out of Manhattan federal court in New York after a jury found Donald Trump liable for sexually abusing her in 1996. Picture: AP Photo/Seth Wenig

Last week, when E Jean Carroll walked out of a Manhattan courtroom it felt quite emotional. It had less to do with harasser-in-chief Donald Trump and more to do with the fact she had been believed.

Trump was found guilty of sexual assault and defamation by a jury of six men and three women, although not of rape. Carroll was awarded $5m, and Trump will appeal.