A courageous Scottish man has come forward to share the harrowing experience of being drugged and sexually assaulted in the back of a car at the age of 20. Joey Jones, from Murrayfield, has decided to speak out after suffering in silence for seven years following the traumatic incident, in hopes of inspiring other men to seek help. Retelling his ordeal to Edinburgh Live, the now 30-year-old recounted how he was in South Africa pursuing a rugby career and was out celebrating with his teammates when the assault took place. Despite being drugged and having no memory of how he ended up in the car, Joey vividly recalls the older man who sexually assaulted him, refusing to let him leave.
Following the traumatic event, Joey turned to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as drinking, drugs, and gambling. He admitted to using these vices to suppress his emotions, especially after having to give up rugby due to an injury a year later. Joey shared, “I was going to university to study maths and being in that environment can bring on heavy drinking and drugs and I started to take it to an extreme and I was doing it constantly.”
After eventually confiding in his loved ones about the assault seven years later, Joey found the support he needed to overcome his darkest moments. He credits his family for helping him through suicidal thoughts and acknowledges the crucial role they played in his recovery. Now in a better place mentally, Joey aims to encourage others to speak out about their experiences and seek help.
To raise awareness and funds for men’s health charity Movember, Joey has embarked on a monumental challenge this November. He is attempting to lift a total of 1,277,125kg, representing the estimated combined weight of all UK men who lost their lives to suicide between 2021 and 2023. The challenge includes weightlifting and a triple marathon finale across various exercise equipment.
Joey’s determination to turn his traumatic experience into a positive force for change is truly inspiring. By sharing his story and taking on this challenge, he not only honours his own journey of healing but also sends a powerful message to other men struggling with their mental health to seek support and speak up about their struggles.
In a world where many suffer in silence, it is vital to have individuals like Joey who are willing to break the stigma and advocate for mental health awareness and support. Joey’s bravery in facing his past and turning it into a force for good serves as a beacon of hope for anyone who has gone through similar traumas. Through his actions, he exemplifies resilience, strength, and the importance of seeking help in times of need.