Tommy Tiernan viewers praise 'inspirational' and 'brave' sexual assault survivor

The guests on the Tommy Tiernan every week always have a story to tell, but one woman who appeared on Saturday night’s show blew viewers away with her bravery.

Sarah Grace, a sexual assault survivor, yoga teacher and lawyer, spoke to Tommy on the show about her fight for justice following her sexual assault and the reforms needed in the legal system in relation to cases like this.

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Viewers praised Sarah for telling her story, describing her as ‘inspirational’ and ‘articulate’ and supported her battle to change the legal system.

Sarah Grace on The Tommy Tiernan Show. Pic: RTE

Speaking to Tommy, Sarah: ‘I am the survivor of a very violent attack and sexual assault, which happened in my home by a complete stranger. That was four years ago and I have been on this amazing journey of healing – and [I am] also trying to battle with the many legal reforms we need to our criminal justice system.’

Despite the mental toll of the sexual assault, Sarah described how she has now ‘fully healed’, saying that her PTSD is mostly gone.

 Sarah said: ‘The good news is there’s a huge amount of work and tools that are at your disposal to heal from that and ultimately my message is one of hope because, where I am today, I’m so privileged to be fully healed.

‘I have an Achilles heel on certain topics, and I can get overly angry about injustices in that area. But generally, my PTSD is gone. It might get triggered here and there if I see, like, a movie that brings me back, but that’s pretty rare, and the reaction would be pretty low.’

She advised the public to treat anyone they know who has been a victim of a sexual assault to treat them like a normal person, with a bit more gentleness and compassion.

RTE viewers took to social media to braise her for telling her story, with many calling for reform to the justice system.

One person wrote: ‘Just watched Sarah Grace on the #tommytiernanshow She will make change happen. Bravery personified.’

Another said: ‘Sarah Grace, one of the most articulate, serious, raw, honest chats I’ve heard on #tommytiernanshow Horrific crime yet Sarah has risen like a phoenix to help others. I’m stunned!’

The Tommy Tiernan Show airs on RTE and RTE Player at 9.45pm on Saturday nights.

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