Olawale Hassan, 33, from Falcon Avenue, Grays, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Tuesday, 6 October, for a rape attack that took place in Westcliff in February 2017.
Speaking anonymously after the sentencing, the victim delivered a strong message to other survivors of rape, urging them to contact the police immediately. She said, “My message to everyone who has been a victim of rape is no matter how much you doubt and blame yourself thinking it’s all your fault, please, please call the police as soon as possible. Don’t be afraid to.”
The victim described the intense emotions she experienced after the attack. “I can’t put into words how I felt after being raped and getting home other than being extremely scared, traumatised and still in shock and feeling so alone.”
She explained how fear and self-blame almost prevented her from reporting the crime. “I was really reluctant to phone the police after it happened. I had so many thoughts thinking they wouldn’t believe me, maybe it was all my fault because I had danced with him all night and had gotten into that car. To this day I still won’t forgive myself for getting in the car. I thought no-one would believe me but thank god for my mum’s best friend for encouraging me to phone the police on the day it happened.”
The victim highlighted the importance of preserving evidence. “By phoning the police on the day I gave them all my clothes and didn’t wash until the next day as they had to send me to SARC (sexual assault referral centre). It was very traumatic but they are there to help you and collect all the evidence they can.”
She expressed gratitude towards Essex Police for their support throughout the process. “I can’t thank Essex Police enough for what they have done for me by supporting me and believing me. They offered me counselling to help me cope and process what had happened. Even though I moved away quickly after the attack, they kept in touch and gave me regular updates. If they needed anything from me, they were always a phone call away, going out of their way to support me.”
Despite the long wait for justice, the victim encouraged others to remain hopeful. “It was extremely hard to carry on after three and a half years of waiting and hoping my case would go to court. It was easy to want to give up, but I told myself I had to trust the police, not just for me but to keep other women safe. Nothing will ever make what happened to me go away, I’m still traumatised by it now. But by pushing yourself to carry on and trusting the police, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Justice can be served, and you have a chance of being believed.”
She concluded with a heartfelt plea: “I wouldn’t want anyone to go through what I have, but if there is a chance of me helping someone who has been a victim of rape, my advice is to please phone the police as soon as possible. They are there to help you and give you the support you need. Please be strong.”
Thank you again to Essex Police.
Originally published by UKNIP.
