E very woman who made formal rape or sexual assault allegations against Russell Brand had a part in his conviction, whether or not her charges were upheld; and every woman who claims to have been raped or assaulted by him, but never pressed charges, will have her reasons. Anyone familiar with the data on rape convictions , or the sheer number of investigations that are closed because the victim loses faith in the process , will know immediately what those reasons are.

But the legal realities of sexual violence, and sexual violence by a celebrity in particular, have never been better illustrated than by two women: the massage therapist against whom Brand successfully sought an anti-harassment injunction; and the woman known only as “complainant six”.

Will Russell Brand’s 10-year jail term be a tipping point? - The Latest

The name of the first woman is in the public domain.…