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FORCEWIDE
Whilst this may be a special time of year for many, full of merry celebrations with loved ones, sadly there can also be a dark side for some people who have the heavy weight of trauma on their shoulders preventing them from feeling the true magic of the festive season.
For those who have suffered sexual abuse, the holiday season can be a difficult time of year, which is why we are highlighting the support and help that is available to anyone who is suffering, through our Tell Someone campaign.
When Jamie was ten years old, she was sexually abused by someone she trusted. Last year, her abuser was sentenced to 24 years in prison for nine counts of sexual assault.
This September, Jamie waived her legal right to anonymity and bravely told her story on camera to encourage other victims of sexual abuse to tell someone. She is now taking the opportunity to continue to emphasise her message throughout the festive period too.
For years, Jamie’s abuser took advantage of her, and she missed out on childhood magic as she suffered in silence. As a mother, she also faced family Christmases with a heavy cloud looming over her.
But in 2019, Jamie made the brave decision to pick up the phone and tell someone about her abuse, helping to start her personal healing journey and ultimately resulting in her abuser being jailed.
We caught up with Jamie, who said: “Speaking to the police gave me a great sense of control over a situation I previously felt powerless in.
“Throughout the whole process I felt supported and although the time from initial interview to prosecution was lengthy, there was never a time I didn't feel listened to or understood.
“I think this particular time in my life has shaped me into who I am today, and it has given me the opportunity to be seen and heard when as a child I only ever felt hurt or ignored. I've taken back all aspects of control and I feel positive and confident about my future.”
Jamie’s story is one of trauma, hope and healing and she was ready to share it with the world.
The film contains topics viewers may find distressing. If you have been affected by Jamie's story, reach out for help and advice via the links below.
If you've been raped, sexually assaulted, or abused, whether recently or not, we're here for you. When you are ready, you can report rape and sexual assault to us online.
But if you’re not ready to talk to us, or if you want extra, independent support, there are lots of people who can help.
You're in control, and it's up to you who you talk to and what help you get.
You can speak to these people and organisations privately and confidentially, and unless they think someone is in serious danger, they won't share anything with us.
For more information, including guidance about specialist help, please click here.