GK Barry, a 27-year-old television personality who gained fame on TikTok, has disclosed for the first time that she was raped at the age of 17. The incident occurred during a week-long work experience placement in her second year of college, where she reported to an older male boss.
Barry recounted that the man offered her a ride to work, but instead drove to a deserted park and demanded oral sex. She described feeling a significant power imbalance and stated that resisting or fighting back felt like it would worsen the situation. "I wasn’t able to process the situation and think logically," Barry said, emphasizing her fear and youth at the time.
She further detailed that on the final day of her work experience, the man sent other staff members home, took her to a locked room, and sexually assaulted her. At the time, Barry said she blamed herself and viewed the work experience as a critical juncture, particularly after failing her GCSEs and needing an additional year of college. She stated it took her a decade to recognize the event as rape and to understand the power dynamics involved.
After remaining silent for a year, Barry confided in her teacher upon learning another student was scheduled for a work experience at the same location. Police and her mother were informed. However, after sharing her account with a female police officer, the case was dismissed due to insufficient evidence.
Barry attended Nottingham Trent University to study film, admitting she "went off the rails" as she struggled to cope with the trauma. While she has not undergone formal therapy, she confided in her girlfriend, Ella, early in their relationship. "Ella was incredibly supportive," Barry noted.
The lasting effects of the assault include Barry's fear of encountering her attacker when she visits her hometown of Cambridge. She stated, "I avoid places where I might see him. I don’t even like driving past where I did my work experience."
Barry shares her story in her new book, "It’s Giving Life," with the hope of assisting others who have experienced similar situations. She remarked that she had previously believed rape only occurred in scenarios like an attack in a dark alleyway, and not in the context she experienced.
For those affected by issues of sexual assault, support is available through Rape Crisis at 0808 500 2222 or via their website.