Sex attack victim is afraid of being alone
Danny Foley from Meen Listowel at Tralee Court house on Wednesday. Credit: Photo by Domnick Walsh
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A 24-YEAR-OLD mother of one held back tears as she braved 50 or so of her attacker's supporters to tell a judge how her ordeal on June 15, 2008 had led to suicidal intentions.
In a victim impact statement at the sentencing of convicted sex assaulter, Danny Foley of Meen, Listowel, his victim spoke of the nightmares she has had since being attacked by her friend of nine years.
"I was prescribed antidepressants. I had suicidal intentions and I couldn't cope with what was going on," she told the court. "I was physically unable to care for my son and was not sleeping due to nightmares."
The Listowel woman, who was commended by Judge Donagh McDonagh for her remarkable dignity, said that the events of June 15 2008 have made it impossible for her to trust men outside of her family, and for weeks after the incident she felt uncomfortable around men and could not sit in a room with them.
In a frail and broken voice, the woman said that she had to be in the company of her mother and sister at all times up to six months after the attack and was afraid go to the shops alone, even to the supermarket.
She still feels vulnerable when undressed and insists on having her sister in the house when she takes a bath so as not to be alone.
"It has taken away my confidence and I had very little respect for myself," she said. "I felt like I was the one on trial and it was extremely difficult to relive what happened," she said. "I felt hurt and [felt] that people didn't believe me. The experience will stay with me forever."
Since the sentencing, the mother of one says she has been overwhelmed by the support she has received, adding that this has made her stronger.
"I am amazed and really, really grateful to the huge number of people all around the country and even around the world who have sent messages of support. That support is keeping me going. I can't believe that all these people believe me and took the time to write," she said. "I have cried so much during the past few days and I cried again reading those messages."
Determined to be strong for her son — who she says is, thankfully, too young to know what's going on — the woman said that it is he who makes her smile every day and who puts hope in her eyes.
