Call us now 01926 402 498
Woman speaks out following six-year journey to justice
Following the conviction of a former Stratford restaurant owner, a survivor has spoken about the abuse she experienced, the impact it had on her life, and the six-year journey to justice that followed.
A woman from Warwickshire has spoken publicly about the impact of sexual abuse, the challenges of pursuing justice, and the support that helped her through a six-year criminal justice process following the conviction of a former Stratford-upon-Avon restaurant owner.
The case centred on abuse that occurred when the woman was 15 years old and had recently started a part-time job at a local restaurant.
She was introduced to the restaurant owner through a support worker after expressing an interest in finding work. What began as an opportunity to gain independence quickly became something very different.
Describing how inappropriate behaviour started soon after she began working there and escalated over time, she said:
“It started quite subtle but very quickly after that first week he began to grope me under my clothes. Any opportunity he could get where customers weren’t around he would touching me. That then very quickly moved on.”
She later confided in a friend about the abuse. Her friend encouraged her to report what had happened to the police.
The impact of Sexual Abuse
The woman described the impact the abuse had on her life long after it ended.
She said:
“No amount of scrubbing myself could make me clean.”
She also spoke about how difficult it was to tell her father and brother what had happened.
During the court case, she described feeling embarrassed that she had not been able to stop the abuse and struggling with the reality of her own family having to hear what she had experienced.
Like many survivors, she carried feelings of guilt and self-blame that did not belong to her.
Many people supported by Safeline describe similar experiences. Shame, confusion, anger, anxiety, and loss of trust can continue long after the abuse itself has ended.
A difficult road to justice
Shortly after the abuse happened and confiding in a friend she spoke to the police. However, the case took six years to reach its conclusion in court.
During that time, she attended police interviews, meetings, and court hearings while trying to continue with her education and everyday life. She described repeatedly having to revisit what had happened.
She said:
“Since reporting this, I’ve had to relive them through police interviews and meetings, each time being mentally transported back into that building with him again.”
Reflecting on the process, she described it as:
“The entire process has been a repeated retraumatisation and had I not had the strength to push through it, it may have crushed me.”
For many survivors, reporting abuse is only the first step. Investigations, evidence gathering, court delays, and legal proceedings can mean waiting years for a case to conclude. Throughout that time, survivors are often trying to rebuild their lives while continuing to engage with the criminal justice process.
The importance of specialist support
The woman said the support she received from Safeline’s Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy (ISVA) service made a significant difference throughout those six years.
Speaking after the verdict, she said:
“My Safeline ISVA has been incredibly helpful. Safeline has supported me through the whole case, attending court with me, helping to draft my victim impact statement and acting as an intermediary between me and the Crown Prosecution Service.”
She also said:
“I’m thankful to the incredible individuals who stood alongside me throughout and fought to keep my case open when it was threatened to be dropped with no reasonable explanation.”
Long delays can be one of the most challenging parts of the criminal justice process for survivors. Waiting months or years for updates, hearing dates, or decisions can leave people feeling frustrated, exhausted, and unsupported.
Throughout the case, Safeline’s ISVA service provided practical and emotional support. This included helping the woman understand what was happening at each stage of the process, attending court hearings with her, supporting her to prepare her victim impact statement, liaising with agencies on her behalf, and helping ensure her voice remained central to the process.
Having independent support also meant that when delays occurred or the future of the case became uncertain, she had someone to turn to for information, advocacy, and reassurance.
Her experience highlights the vital role specialist support services play in helping survivors navigate a criminal justice system that can often feel lengthy, complex, and overwhelming.
Her message
At the conclusion of the trial, the woman addressed the offender directly through her victim impact statement.
Reflecting on the lasting impact of the abuse, she said:
“Although I will have to live with what you did to me for the rest of my life, so too will you. No amount of justice will ever feel good enough, but thriving in spite of you is enough for me.”
Her words are a powerful reminder that while the criminal justice process can be important, recovery is not defined by a verdict alone.
Support is available
If you have experienced sexual abuse, whether recently or many years ago, support is available.
You do not have to navigate recovery, reporting, or the criminal justice system alone.
Stay up to date with Safeline’s work by following us on Social Media:
