A victim spoke out about how her life has been forever changed after being raped by a teenager, with the abuse altering her brain. Aaron Haynes, now 29, from Bridgend, was found guilty of a series of sexual offenses, including rape and oral rape of his victims, during a trial at Newport Crown Court.
The court heard that Haynes committed the offenses, which included raping a girl under 13 and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, before he turned 18. The impact of the abuse was vividly described by the first victim during a sentencing hearing. She expressed how the trauma had left her struggling with PTSD, fear, shame, and guilt, affecting her sense of self and perception of the world around her.
The victim shared, “The abuse shattered me and I live with fear, shame, and guilt even though I know none of this is my fault.” She revealed how the trauma has hindered her from embracing opportunities and has left her with deep emotional scars. The victim bravely stated, “I am stronger than what was done to me, and I hope one day I can rebuild the pieces that were shattered.”
Similarly, the second victim also recounted the emotional turmoil she had to endure following the abuse. She described feeling isolated, ashamed, and haunted by traumatic memories that led her to dark places mentally. The victim expressed the profound impact of the abuse, stating, “He made me feel dirty and ashamed of myself but he can’t do that anymore.”
In his defense, barrister Alexander Greenwood highlighted Haynes’s troubled childhood as a contributing factor to his actions. Despite this, Recorder Mark Powell KC acknowledged the significant psychological damage inflicted on both victims by Haynes. The court sentenced Haynes to five-and-a-half years in prison and imposed sex offender notification requirements for a decade.
The victims’ statements shed light on the long-lasting effects of sexual abuse and the resilience required to navigate the aftermath. Their courage in speaking out serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
As the victims continue on their journey to healing and reclaiming their lives, their stories stand as testaments to the strength and resilience of survivors in the face of unimaginable trauma.
The sentencing of Aaron Haynes serves as a stark reminder of the deep-seated impact of sexual abuse and the ongoing need for justice and support for survivors as they bravely navigate their path towards healing and recovery.