I’ll never forget...
Finally, in 2015, I decided I’d had enough. I have to go to the police, report him,
I resolved. Telling them everything that’d happened wasn’t going to be easy.
But, determined, I contacted the police, and an officer took my statement.
He was so lovely and understanding.
‘I didn’t think anyone would believe me,’ I told him, sobbing.
‘You are believed and you will get justice,’ he reassured me.
Shortly after, I learnt that Jock had been arrested. He denied doing anything wrong, claiming everything I’d said had been made up.
So, in June this year, at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, I had to give evidence via video link.
My support worker Eleanor was my rock throughout.
‘You can do this,’ she encouraged me.
So I bravely told the court the whole story.
And, thankfully, the jury believed me.
John Andrew Slater, 55, was found guilty of five sexual assault charges against me and another victim.
He was jailed for two years, was made to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years, and was handed a 10-year non-harassment order.
That was the most important thing – that he could no longer control me.
He’d controlled so much of my life. But not any more.
‘It’s over,’ I sighed, relieved that justice had been done.
Just knowing I still have my freedom while he’s had his taken away is enough for me.
Now I’m trying to make a fresh start.
Jock Slater has destroyed so much of my childhood, left me with such bad memories.
But I’m not going to let him plague my future.
Slowly, I’m learning to put the abuse behind me, and forgive him for what he did.
But, even if I manage to forgive, I’ll never, ever forget.
He left me with such bad memories… I won’t let him plague my future