A courageous lady has publicly addressed her experience following the incarceration of her rapist, Gary Baxter, encouraging other victims to summon the bravery to report their assaults.
Gary Baxter of Husseys Lane, Kington, was sentenced to imprisonment for one count of rape at Worcester Crown Court. The 46-year-old received a sentence of three years and ten months in prison and was mandated to register as a sex offender until further notice.
His victim testified at his trial until Gary Baxter altered his plea to guilty, resulting in his incarceration on January 26 of this year.
The woman, who possesses everlasting anonymity, is encouraging more women and men who have been assaulted in Worcestershire and Herefordshire to step forward.
In an exclusive interview, she described how she was raped in October 2020, calling her attacker ‘controlling and manipulative’.
She added: “Gary Baxter took my car keys so I couldn’t escape. Later he managed to rape me. I’m a physically strong woman but I was no match for him. “I was in shock. But I knew I was raped. After this I really wasn’t sure If I wanted to report him.
“Would I be believed? It’s his word against mine. Some rapes are so violent the woman has physical injuries. I didn’t. What evidence would there be to ‘show’ I was raped? Why didn’t I fight more? These and many other questions were running through my mind. But I knew a crime had been committed against me.
“After the two days I went to the sexual assault referral clinic SARC to check me over and gather evidence while I was still deciding what to do. The nurses there are very supportive. They talked through all the options to help me make an informed decision. I agreed to an examination and samples. I was under no pressure to report to the police. It was here I felt the full magnitude of what had happened to me. I was so scared and traumatised but I decided I didn’t want Gary Baxter to get away with it.
“So I decided to report to the police. The police were, for the most part, professional and sensitive while they interviewed me. I gave my evidence and was referred to many agencies to support me emotionally and to support me through the criminal justice system. One of the agencies I couldn’t have done without was the Rape Crisis Centre or The Sexual Violence service. I was assigned an advocate who supported me all the way through the criminal justice system.
“Many survivors decide not to report their abuse for their own reasons. If this is you I do hope you reach out and get support.
“Whatever the outcome of reporting it is a very empowering process to speak out against your abuser. To stand up and fight. When all control is taken from you, this can help you take some control back. I’m speaking now because I wish you to know you are not to blame. They made the choice to rape you. It’s not a loss of control on their part. There’s nothing you said or did to deserve it. You are not weak. You are not a victim You are a survivor. You will be happy again.”
The judge further ordered Gary Baxter may be placed on the barring list by the disclosure and barring service with restraining orders applied for until further notice. A victim surcharge of £190 was also imposed on Gary Baxter.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 111 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.