Dorset charity sees rise in convictions for sex offences

Betty, whose name has been changed for legal reasons, was 14 years old when she was first manipulated and sexually exploited by an older man.

She said the abuse she suffered continued for a number of years.

“Sometimes he would lock me in his house at night and sexually abuse me,” she said.

“He gave me money for drugs and alcohol, so I started self-medicating to help with the problems.

“It would just be one big spiral.”

Emergency services removed Betty from the area for her own safety after she attempted suicide.

She returned to Dorset when she was 17.

STARS supported her during the trial and her abuser has now been sentenced to nine years in prison.

Betty said that without the help of her ISVA, she would not have been able to appear in court.

She said: “She was standing next to me the whole time in the courtroom, in the gallery, while I was giving my statement. When I did the questioning, I decided to do it without screens.

“I left the courtroom wanting to fall to the floor.

“I can hardly describe it, it was like a weight was lifted off my shoulders.”