A SURVIVOR of sexual abuse has bravely shared her experiences, after her abuser was sentenced today to 12 years in prison. 

Scott Boyling, 49 of King Edward Road, Basildon appeared at Basildon Crown Court today (Thursday, 13 October) after being found guilty of eight counts of sexual activity with a child. An investigation into Boyling began in January 2021 and he was quickly charged and remanded.

The victim in this case, who will remain anonymous, has shared her experience:

"This entire experience has been so difficult, but I am so grateful for how I have been treated and the respect I have received from everyone, including those at Essex Police.

"When I first reported, Detective Constable Adam Clarke came to my home prior to taking my initial statement. I remember my mum letting him in and he stood at my living room door, introducing himself and asking if he could come in.

"That might seem like something so small to someone reading this, but that respect for my boundaries in our first meeting, made all the difference and it's something which has really stuck with me.

"While I didn't have any pre-conceived ideas about what would happen during the investigation, I will say that the actual process is totally different to what is made out in tv series and films. The process was lot longer than I expected, with many delays which were out of our control.

"However, even where there were delays and there was nothing to update on, DC Clarke would check in and let me know this which was really reassuring.

"I also received an overwhelming amount of support from my ISVA Toni, from SERICC, who was at the end of the phone whenever I needed her. There were times that I just needed clarification on legal terminology or where my family had questions and she was there every step of the way.

"I remember the fears I would have about not being believed. I would be thinking, what if the police don't believe me, what if my family don't believe me and then even if they do and this goes to court, what is the jury didn't believe me.

"When the case did progress and was moving forward, I was constantly thinking, 'this is too good to be true' and I was always thinking that everything would just fall apart.

"One thing that I really want to get across to anyone who may have experienced similar things I did, is that you will be believed.

"After the conviction, I wrote DC Clarke a thank you card, which I hope begins to show how grateful I am for his support.

"Whilst I will never forget what I've been through, I do now feel that I'm in the position to enjoy life again. I have recently been on my first holiday abroad with friends and been picking up new hobbies. These are things I would never have had the confidence to do before and it's all down to the strength I have gained from this ordeal.

"I hope that me talking about my experience helps those who may be in a similar one."

Detective Constable Adam Clarke said "Boyling manipulated his victim into thinking he wasn't doing anything wrong and that his crimes against her were the norm.

"This victim has bravely proactively shared her experiences to help other survivors of sexual abuse.

"We appreciate that coming to speak to the police isn't easy, but we are always here whenever survivors are ready to report. No matter how recent the offences, took place we will always investigate, and we will surround the survivor with support to help them through it."

Synergy Essex provides support and guidance for survivors of sexual and sexual abuse across Essex. The Essex Rape Crisis Partnership is formed of three organisations:

• CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) who cover mid and north Essex
• SERICC (Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service) who cover South and West Essex
• SOS Rape Crisis who cover Southend, Castle Point and Rochford

Survivors can self-refer and receive emotional support, specialist sexual violence and abuse counselling and or specialist advocacy services, no matter when the sexual violence or abuse occurred. In addition to this, they also offer support to survivor's loved ones. 

For more information about how to get support, visit their website: Sexual violence support and advice Essex (synergyessex.org.uk)