Devon rape victim tells why she reported it, 25 years later

Lauren (not her real name) knows how much it costs. He knows how loud the voice in his head is telling him not to go to the police.

“I was really reluctant to come forward as well… but I can tell you, it really helps set you free,” she said.

“I thought I would lose my family, I thought I might lose my friends. I even foolishly thought I might lose my job… because I didn’t protect others properly, but now I realize that’s not the case at all.”

“You will be believed and supported,” he added.

In October, Brian Furneaux, of Ipplepen, near Newton Abbot, was sentenced to 13 years in prison for two counts of rape and nine counts of sexual assault.

His victim, Lauren, was 15 years old at the time. Her decision to go to the police came more than 20 years after the abuse she suffered.

“This was a disgusting secret that I carried around for a long time and felt so much guilt and shame about.

“Getting through this and knowing that I still have the support and love of my family and friends is really liberating and makes you feel vindicated,” she said.