Warning: This video and story contains details of sexual abuse, spiritual abuse, coercion and abortion, which some people may find distressing.
When Ann was a young woman in her early 20s, she experienced horrifying abuse at the hands of a Church of England priest in Gloucester.
Now in her 80s, she has felt able to come forward to share the story of what happened to her, seeking to empower other victims and survivors to speak out.
She said, “If my story enables even just one person of any gender to consider moving out of that dark place they are in, I shall feel it worth my painful journey to arrive here and share.”
Get support: If you have been affected by any of the the issues that Ann shares, and would like to speak to a member of our Safeguarding Team please get in touch.
The Diocesan Safeguarding Team may be contacted using these details:
01452 835516 (Mon-Fri, 9-5)
07944 680320 (Out of hours, Mon-Fri)
Out of hours: Phone cover for advice/guidance over weekends and bank holidays is provided by the thirtyone:eight safeguarding helpline. They can be contacted on 0303 003 1111
Please also visit our safeguarding page which includes contact details for other support agencies.
https://gloucester.anglican.org/about-us/safeguarding/survivors/
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Thank you Ann for sharing your traumatic and painful story.
What an exceptionally brave lady you are.
I hope that you find some peace, which you thoroughly deserve.
What a brave woman. So difficult to share such a painful experience I know, but I do hope that you can move forward and have some peace in the later years of your life.