Rape survivor speaks out to help other women following attack in Chelmsford
She was attacked more than seven years ago and hopes her words can help other women
A rape survivor is writing poetry to help navigate her feelings after being attacked more than seven years ago in Chelmsford.
She hopes her words will help other women, as she has spoken of the emotional toll of being assaulted.
She praised the support received from detectives and independent sexual violence advisors throughout the investigation and court process.
She reported the incidents to Essex Police, which happened in the Chelmsford district in March 2019.
The man who raped her was jailed for eight years.
“The ISVAs and the investigative team at Essex Police were incredible. They believed me from the start, and I felt listened to and supported throughout.
“I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. He has rightfully been jailed for what he did to me and I’m now rebuilding myself.
“I feel like a lot of my young adult life has slipped away and I’m determined to reclaim it and move forward.
“I was made to feel like I should keep quiet and the stress of the attack has affected me both emotionally and physically.
“I started to writing poetry to help me manage my feelings. They were very dark at the start. But as I moved through the process and man who raped me was sentenced for his crimes the poems became lighter and more hopeful.
“The verses helped me, and I hope they give hope and strength to others and give them the courage to speak up and stand tall.”
Charlie Goody, 24, of Field Street, Boston, Lincolnshire, was found guilty of two counts of rape following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court in April. He was found not guilty of two counts of sexual assault and one count of rape.
On the 23rd July at the same court he was jailed for eight years and put on the sex offenders' register indefinitely.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Matthew Clarke said: “This was an incredibly challenging and lengthy investigation. I want to pay tribute to the strength and resilience of the survivor and her family.
“Goody is rightfully behind bars. And the survivor’s patience and understanding ensured we achieved this positive outcome. I hope this gives her some closure.”
The survivor wants anyone who has been sexually assaulted to find the strength to speak to someone.
“We must not be quiet anymore. We must take the power back and stand together.”
ISVA Jo, from the Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse (CARA), said:
“We have supported the survivor in this case since 2022. We have walked with her through the criminal justice system which has been long, slow and extremely frustrating for her.
“This involved making sure that she has understood the criminal justice system processes, attending meetings with her, advocating for her when her views and wishes needed highlighting, and being beside her in court for her cross-examination, the trial, verdict and sentencing.
“Above all this however, we have been there for her emotionally, to provide support through the highs and lows.
“There were times she was ready to give up and felt that she could not continue with the long fight for justice that she so strongly deserved.
“It was wonderful to be there with her when her voice was finally heard, believed and validated in court.”
The survivor also paid tribute to her therapist Ann, also from CARA, who supported and helped navigate the court process.
She said: “She helped me navigate my frustrations at the court delays. She helped me understand the way I was feeling was completely normal and gave me strategies to cope with flashbacks.
“She was amazing and its crazy that through such an awful crime, you meet people you need the most. CARA does such amazing work.”