The next thing I know I’m being grabbed forcibly between the legs.
New submission from Sarah
I was walking to work at 8am in the morning on a beautiful sunny day. As I left my house I noticed a young man on a bike wheeling around aimlessly and thought he must be a student waiting to go to school or college and enjoying the warmth of the sun like I was. I walked two blocks and was approaching a central public area, but just before I got there I heard a bike behind me on the street. I stepped to one side to allow them to pass and the next thing I know I’m being grabbed forcibly between the legs.
I can’t explain the state of shock I went into, I froze and had no idea what was going on. Then I shouted at him and he swore at me and cycled off. I stumbled forward a few steps, my head reeling, and then realised I should call the police. I called the 101 number and didn’t quite know what to call what had just happened. But I’m glad to say the police were incredible and so supportive, sending a female police officer straight away.
The reason I want to share my story is for several reasons: the first is that we have to report these crimes against us. It turns out I was probably attacked by a serial sex attacker and I hope my evidence is going to bring him to justice for much worse crimes against other women. The second reason I want to share this story is because it happened on a work day morning, in broad day light in the middle of the street and I want other people to be aware.
Finally I wanted to share my story because I have found it so difficult talking to anyone about it openly because I feel so embarrassed and affected by it. For weeks I have been scared walking down streets when there’s no one else around and I hate the sound of bikes approaching behind me. I hate how much it has changed me. I am normally the most confident and outgoing person, but this had impacted my life more than I could have imagined.
I hope these fears subside in time and I can go back to being myself. Perhaps when the individual is convicted that will be a turning point, but for now I just want to say to all women living in the Brixton/Herne Hill area please to be aware and be safe.
One Response
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Just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone here who ‘got my back’. It means so much to have the support of people you’ve never even met.
I just got a call telling me that they are prosecuting a man for my assault and that of 6 other women. He is going to be jailed, and that is in part thanks to the fact I positively identified him in a parade and kept going through the long Police process.
I am so worn by this experience, but now I’m also relieved and it’s been worth it to know this guy is off the streets and justice has been done for all these assaults.
Keep up the strength, keep reporting these assaults, and we can really make a difference
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