Essex woman shares her story after ex-partner jailed for rape and harassment
Ebony Boatwright is hoping it'll help support others facing abuse
An Essex woman has waived her right to anonymity to speak out about the harrowing impact of being raped and harassed by her former partner.
Ebony Boatwright, 30, is hoping to “shift the shame” and show others a way forward following the ordeal she endured.
Her ex-partner, Harrison Ackland, was imprisoned for 18 years at Basildon Crown Court for raping, assaulting, and harassing Ebony.
Ackland was found guilty of six counts of rape, assault occasioning ABH, harassment, intentional strangulation, and controlling/coercive behaviour earlier in the year.
Upon sentencing on 11th May, he received an extended licence for six years in addition to 18 years of imprisonment.
He is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will remain on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
Ebony reflected on her experience: “That experience was the hardest thing I have been through in my entire life. If I’m honest at times I did not think I would survive."
Despite a restraining order against him, Ackland invaded her home in October 2024, reacted violently after her return from an evening out, and subjected her to repeated assaults and rapes.
Ebony courageously shared her journey: “Taking that big step to report his crimes and seeing him remanded after being charged was so important to me. It felt like a big weight had been lifted off my shoulders."
She expressed gratitude to the jury for their verdict and evaluation of her odyssey.
The support she received from officers and her Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) has been crucial to her moving forward.
Detective Sergeant Rebecca Martin noted: “Ackland’s offending was sustained and violent, and this sentence reflects the gravity of his crimes. She Ebony has shown remarkable strength and resilience throughout this process."
Alongside the Southend, Essex, and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board (SETDAB), Essex Police work to address domestic abuse through initiatives such as the Reflect campaign.
The project poses the question to perpetrators: do they recognise harmful behaviour within themselves? By reflecting on their actions, support is available to help change these behaviours.
Ebony supports the campaign, stating: “As a victim of extreme abuse, this campaign is invaluable as it focuses on what we all want and need to see: a real change in behaviour."