Police officer shares story of survival from sexual abuse to inspire victims
She hopes her experience encourages others to come forward
A police officer based in the north of Essex has shared her story of surviving childhood sexual abuse in an effort to inspire others to seek help.
The officer, who joined Essex Police to protect people at risk, was sexually abused as a child and reported the abuse 10 years later after recognising similar cases while working as staff for the police.
“There was a case which came into the police, and I realised something similar had happened to me and that it was wrong,” she said.
Initially feeling embarrassed and doubtful that she would be believed, she eventually found the courage to speak to the Child Abuse Investigation Team.
“The penny dropped and the support and kindness I was shown made me feel like my problems had been taken away,” she shared.
Her story comes during Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, encouraging others who have suffered abuse to come forward.
After reporting her experience, the officer decided to become a police officer to protect vulnerable people.
She has been serving for five years and believes her past enables her to offer empathy and compassion to those at risk, particularly young girls.
“Reporting you have been a victim of sexual violence is an incredibly difficult thing to do, and this awareness week is one way of raising awareness and understanding,” she said.
“But I want to reassure any victims that if they feel ready to come forward, the police will do all they can.”
Support from the investigative team and the Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse (CARA) helped her navigate her emotions and see her abuser jailed for his crimes.
“I continue to work hard to protect myself emotionally from what happened,” she explained, sharing that long walks with her Golden Retriever provide solace.
Her story is shared with hope that it may encourage even one person to come forward.
Detective Superintendent Natalia Ross underscored Essex Police's commitment to tackling sexual abuse and violence.
“In 2025 we solved more rape cases than we did in 2023 and 2024 combined,” Ross said.
“I’m so grateful to this officer for sharing her experience. She has found a way to take this awful thing that happened to her and use it to help others.”