The survivor of 14 years of rape and sexual abuse has spoken of the impact this has had on her life following sentencing:

“After what had happened to me, I had tried to block it all out and get on with my life. But over the years it has been eating away at me. I felt dirty and disgusting when I thought about it and I was ashamed to tell people.

“During everyday life, I can’t eat properly or sleep, because I am overthinking about my past, and how this now affects me with other people, it is hard for me to shut my brain off.

“I have to try and do things to keep me busy, so I don’t focus on what happened and to try and control my anxiety.

“I just want justice for what happened to me so I can try and make things better for myself, get my confidence back and try and leave what happened in the past so I can move forward with my life.”

She came forward in 2021 to police, reporting offences that first occurred when she was a child however continued until she was a young adult. Her courage led to a full investigation at her pace and the offender being brought to justice.

David Jones (01.08.1959), Moston was sentenced to 18 years at Manchester Crown Court on Friday 10 April after being found guilty of 5 counts of rape, sexual intercourse with a girl under 13, sexual assault and indecent assault. He was also given a lifetime restraining order against the victim.

Detective Constable Nicola Woods of GMP’s Online Child Abuse Investigation team said: “I would firstly like to commend the bravery of the victim who has shown immense courage and strength during this investigation.

“David Jones preyed on her innocence and repeatedly subjected her to multiple rapes and sexual assaults which continued for well over a decade. He is now behind bars, and I hope that this will give her the chance to begin to move on from this horrific ordeal.

“No matter the age of when abuse happened, if you have gone through this or have witnessed such incidents, please come forward. You will be supported, listened to, and we will do everything in our power to bring offenders to justice.”

Remember - if in doubt, report it.

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

• Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

• Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]

• Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.

---

Source: Read original article