Posted by Sam Taylor
on September 08, 2025
It’s hard to put into words the anger and heartbreak we feel watching Rebecca Goodwin’s fight for justice. Twice now, she has had to take to social media to highlight the shocking failings of Derbyshire Police and the justice system. Twice she has had to speak out, in public, about things no one should ever have to face - especially a survivor of rape.
The first time Rebecca went public, it was after the police failed to act for three whole weeks. Despite having a seven-minute video recording of her rape, David Seston was not arrested. Seven minutes. A full video of evidence that should have prompted immediate action, but instead, Rebecca was left waiting, unheard and unprotected.
And now, heartbreakingly, she has had to go back to social media again. After a judge revoked Seston’s remand, Rebecca took to Instagram in tears, sharing the crushing reality of how the justice system continues to fail women like her. A man who has been charged with two counts of rape is now out on bail - a man clearly dangerous, a man who poses a threat to the community and especially to women. And yet, here he is, free to walk amongst the very people he has harmed.
How are we supposed to feel safe when the very system meant to protect us consistently fails? How can women go about their lives without fear when men and the justice system alike send the message that our safety doesn’t matter? These are questions that Rebecca has been forced to answer for herself, but they are questions that affect every woman. Every. Single. Day.
This is not just a failing of Derbyshire Police; it is a stark reminder of the wider problem within the criminal justice system. Survivors are often left feeling abandoned, ignored, and retraumatised by the very institutions that are supposed to keep them safe. The system’s mistakes are not just bureaucratic errors - they have real, dangerous consequences for women in our communities.
But here’s the silver lining, the part that gives us hope in the midst of anger: the overwhelming support Rebecca has received from women across the country. Social media has become a lifeline, a platform for solidarity and love. Women everywhere are stepping up to show Rebecca she is not alone, that her bravery in speaking out matters, and that the community will always have her back.
At Dope Soul Village, we want to be crystal clear: we have Rebecca’s back. We stand with her, with all survivors, and with the women who are raising their voices to demand justice and accountability. The courage it takes to go public with your trauma is immense, and Rebecca’s voice is helping to shine a light on the cracks in the system that so often leave survivors unprotected.
To the men who think they can get away with hurting women, let this be a warning: the world is listening now. To the justice system, take note: survivors will not be silenced, and public outrage will not be ignored. And to every woman reading this: know that you are not alone, your voice matters, and there is power in speaking out.
Rebecca’s story is heartbreaking, yes. Infuriating, absolutely. But it is also a reminder of why community matters. The women rallying around her, supporting her, sharing her story, and demanding justice are proof that we are stronger together.
Rebecca, we see you. We hear you. And we will always have your back.
