Last weekend, Daniella Rakhdoune, a 21-year-old drama student from Rustington, West Sussex, experienced a disturbing incident while traveling to Brighton to meet a friend.
Dressed in a white mini skirt and a leopard print off-shoulder crop top for her evening out, Daniella boarded the train with high spirits.
As she settled into her seat, Daniella overheard an elderly woman, estimated to be between 70 and 80 years old, making a disturbing comment to her husband.
The woman said, “No wonder they get raped,” seemingly directed at Daniella’s outfit. Initially unsure if the remark was meant for her, Daniella felt a mix of confusion and disgust, questioning whether her choice of clothing was to blame.
After a few tense moments, Daniella decided to confront the elderly woman and recorded their interaction. In the video, Daniella asks, “When you said, ‘there’s no wonder why they get raped,’ I hope you weren’t talking about me.”
The woman responds, “You girlies walk around with very little clothes on, looking beautiful.
These men, they look at you and they want to be with you.”
Daniella emphasizes that she should be free to wear what she chooses, but the woman counters, “You don’t take care of yourself and cover up a little bit. That’s what worries me.”
Daniella argues that the real issue is not her attire but the mindset of those who commit such crimes. The elderly woman insists that not all men think like that but advises being careful.
Reflections and Support
Daniella moved to another carriage after the encounter, feeling self-conscious and distressed about her outfit. Despite the woman’s insistence that her clothing could attract unwanted attention, Daniella recognized that the real problem lies with the perpetrators, not the victims.
Posting the video on TikTok, Daniella received widespread support.
Viewers praised her bravery and eloquence in handling the situation. Some comments appreciated her calm demeanor, while others felt she should have said more.
Daniella expressed that the experience was profoundly unacceptable and stressed that no one should have to change their clothing choices due to the fear of being blamed for crimes.
If you or someone you know has been affected by similar issues, Women’s Aid offers free, anonymous support via email or live chat.
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