‘I lost trust in myself and people. I live in fear’

The rape victim’s impact statement detailed how she had always preferred her own company and she had no words to describe the impact the rape had on her life.

“It was an invasion of my privacy. I feel vulnerable.

“The word sex did not exist when I was growing up. Being my age, it is hard to break this taboo. I would rather be silent and forget what happened. I want to live in the present and get on with my life, but I need to break through the taboos, embarrassment, and shame.