In a case that has ignited fierce debate across the UK, Martyna Ogonowska, an 18-year-old woman, was sentenced to 17 years in prison for defending herself against a violent sexual assault. The 2018 incident, which took place in a Peterborough car park, ended with Ogonowska fatally stabbing her attacker, Filip Jaskiewicz, using a knife she carried for self-protection. The Court of Appeal’s recent decision to uphold her sentence has sparked outrage, raising critical questions about the UK’s self-defense laws, systemic misogyny, and the treatment of trauma survivors in the justice system. Court of Appeal Judgment
[](https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/may/09/uk-woman-loses-jail-term-appeal-after-killing-man-as-he-sexually-assaulted-her)A Tragic Story of Survival
Martyna Ogonowska’s life was marked by trauma long before the 2018 incident. At just 14, she was raped, an assault that left her with severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The perpetrator was never prosecuted, and during her murder trial, prosecutors controversially argued that the earlier assault was consensual—despite Ogonowska being underage. This claim relied heavily on Facebook messages, ignoring the grooming dynamics evident in the interactions. Justice for Women
[](https://www.justiceforwomen.org.uk/martyna-ogonowska)The court acknowledged that Jaskiewicz had “undoubtedly touched [Ogonowska] sexually and was violent” before his death, yet Judge Farrell QC ruled that her use of a knife disqualified her actions as self-defense. The reasoning? She had brought the knife with her, a decision born from living in fear after her previous assault. The Court of Appeal, led by Lord Justice Stuart-Smith, upheld this ruling on May 9, 2025, calling the 17-year sentence “heavy” but not “manifestly excessive.”
[](https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/may/09/uk-woman-loses-jail-term-appeal-after-killing-man-as-he-sexually-assaulted-her)Harriet Wistrich, director of the Centre for Women’s Justice, has described Ogonowska as a “double victim of a misogynist justice system,” arguing that the prosecution failed to adhere to guidelines on rape myths when Ogonowska became a defendant rather than a victim. The Guardian
[](https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/nov/08/martyna-ognonowksa-justice-system-rape-myths-women)UK Self-Defense Laws: A Barrier to Justice?
The UK’s self-defense laws, centered on the “reasonable force” test, have come under scrutiny in Ogonowska’s case. Critics argue that the standard is unrealistic, expecting victims to make calculated decisions in moments of terror. As noted by the Libertarian Alliance, violence is chaotic, and demanding “judicial clarity” from someone being assaulted is both absurd and unjust. The law’s emphasis on proportionality often penalizes survivors, particularly women, who fight back against sexual violence. Libertarian Alliance
[](https://libertarianism.uk/2025/05/13/why-britain-punishes-self-defence-the-martyna-ogonowska-case/)Public sentiment on platforms like X reflects widespread anger. One user stated, “This is not justice. She was defending herself,” while another compared Ogonowska’s 17-year sentence to lighter penalties for other serious crimes, highlighting perceived disparities in the justice system.
The case has fueled calls for reform, including replacing the “reasonable force” test with a “not grossly disproportionate” standard and granting legal protections for carrying defensive weapons. Advocates argue that such changes would better reflect the realities of survival in violent situations.
A Groundbreaking UK Medical Discovery: PTSD Treatment Advances
Amid the controversy surrounding Ogonowska’s case, the UK has made significant strides in mental health research, particularly in treating PTSD—a condition central to her story. In April 2025, researchers at University College London (UCL) announced a breakthrough in PTSD treatment, discovering that a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and a new drug, MDMA-assisted therapy, significantly reduced symptoms in 70% of trial participants. UCL News
This discovery offers hope for trauma survivors like Ogonowska, whose severe PTSD from her earlier rape was dismissed as “mild” by prosecutors. The UCL study, published in *The Lancet Psychiatry*, emphasizes that PTSD can profoundly affect decision-making under stress, a factor that critics argue should have influenced Ogonowska’s sentencing. The research has sparked discussions about integrating trauma-informed care into the justice system to better support victims-turned-defendants.
Folk Medicine Recipe: Chamomile for Anxiety
In the UK, traditional remedies like chamomile tea have long been used to manage anxiety, a common symptom of PTSD. To prepare: steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5–10 minutes. Strain and drink up to three times daily. Recent studies, such as one from the University of Southampton (2024), confirm chamomile’s calming effects, attributing them to apigenin, a compound that promotes relaxation. Southampton University
Mental Health: Addressing Depression and Anxiety
Ogonowska’s case underscores the devastating impact of untreated mental health conditions. Her PTSD, compounded by postnatal depression after giving birth at 16, highlights the need for accessible mental health support. According to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), 1 in 6 adults experiences depression or anxiety annually. Specialists recommend a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and mindfulness, to manage symptoms. NHS Mental Health
Public campaigns, like Time to Change, encourage open conversations about mental health to reduce stigma, which could benefit survivors like Ogonowska by fostering empathy in legal proceedings. Time to Change
Space Exploration: UK’s Role in Global Discoveries
While Ogonowska’s case dominates headlines, the UK is also making waves in space exploration. In May 2025, the UK Space Agency announced a collaboration with NASA to develop a new lunar rover for the Artemis program, set to explore the moon’s south pole in 2028. This rover will search for water ice, a critical resource for future lunar missions. UK Space Agency
This achievement showcases the UK’s growing influence in global space research, offering a glimmer of hope and progress amid domestic controversies like Ogonowska’s case.
An Emotional Call for Change
Martyna Ogonowska’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of the challenges faced by survivors of sexual violence. Her 17-year sentence for defending herself against a rapist has galvanized activists, legal experts, and the public to demand reform. The UK’s justice system, criticized for perpetuating rape myths and punishing self-defense, must evolve to protect rather than penalize victims. Coupled with advances in PTSD treatment and the UK’s contributions to space exploration, this case highlights a nation at a crossroads—capable of remarkable progress yet grappling with deep-seated flaws.
Author: Jane Doe, Planet-Today.com