Sexual abuse survivor speaks out in bid to encourage others to come forward

A brave sexual abuse survivor in Staffordshire has chosen to speak about her experiences in a bid to encourage others to come forward and seek support.

Kacey was abused and raped by her partner in 2023. We launched an investigation after Kacey bravely came forward and told us what happened to her.

Her abuser was arrested, charged, and later jailed for 13 years.

As part of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness 2025, Kacey has spoken to us about her ordeal, which she said was ‘the most horrible thing that has happened to me in my entire life’.

“You don’t expect anyone to do this to you, especially someone you’re supposed to be in a relationship with.

“He would guilt trip me into thinking he needed me and that he would change. But when you’re in a relationship like that, you realise that they will never change.”

In March 2024, Kacey made the brave decision to speak to us. She said: “I knew I had to do something to make it all stop otherwise it would have carried on.

“I have spoken to so many different police officers from different teams, but Staffordshire Police have been amazing. I couldn’t fault the support, time and help I’ve been given. None of them made it out to be my fault.

“The officers have been in contact with me the entire time, from the first time I spoke to them, during the trial and even to this day and I am so grateful for everything they’ve done.

“I wish I had done something about this sooner, I just kept thinking it’ll get better and he’ll change.”

Kacey added: “If someone were to ask me what I’d say to other people in a similar situation I’d tell them to report it without hesitation. I’d tell them to leave the situation, report it no matter how small it seems and get help.

“It is not your fault.”

Anyone who is a victim of sexual abuse can call us on 101 or use Live Chat on our website. 

There are a range of services available to victims of sexual abuse that can be found on our website: https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/

 For more information on sexual abuse and sexual violence awareness week, visit https://sexualabuseandsexualviolenceawarenessweek.org/