Factors Influencing a Rape Victim’s Decision to Report After Two Decades

Lauren, whose real name is not being used, understands the significant effort involved in reporting. She was aware of the strong internal resistance she felt against reporting the incident to law enforcement. “I was really reluctant to come forward myself… but I would say, it really helps to set you free,” she said. “I thought that I was going to lose my family, I thought I might… lose my friends. I even, stupidly, thought I might lose my job… because I hadn’t safeguarded others properly, but now I see that’s not the case at all.” “You will be believed and supported,” she added. Brian Furneaux, a badminton coach residing in Ipplepen near Newton Abbot, received a 13-year sentence in October for two counts of rape and nine counts of sexual assault. Lauren, his victim, was 15 years old when the events occurred, while Furneaux was 38. She chose to contact the police over two decades following the abuse she experienced. “It’s been the nasty secret that I’ve carried around for a long time, that I’ve felt a lot of guilt and shame about.”Coming through it, and knowing that I’ve still got the support and love of my family and friends, it’s really liberating and it makes you feel justified,” she said. Lauren stated that she had “buried it all in the back of [her] mind” and continued living her life. However, a series of incidents subsequently triggered her trauma to come “rushing back.” A post on Facebook informed her that Furneaux continued to coach children. She observed him with a young girl in his vehicle, and engaged in an important discussion with a friend. “I learned that he was still coaching and… I wanted to protect the others. It hadn’t occurred to me really that he might still be coaching and that I might not be the only one,” she said. Recounting an event in a car park, she stated: “I saw Brian with a young girl in the passenger seat… and when he saw me looking… he quickly sped off and there was no-one in the passenger seat. “When I was with him he used to make me crouch down in the footwell and I think that’s what he made her do.” Subsequently, a discussion took place with a friend while on a walk. This walk unexpectedly led Lauren to one of the sites where she had experienced abuse. “We were walking round there and she was like ‘are you OK?’ and I just blurted it all out.” Her friend advised her that she believed Lauren should report the incident to the police. “It was what we now call grooming,” she said. “He would give me a bit of extra attention and give me things. He gave me branded clothing for coaching.” “Grooming is so subtle and parents need to be alert to it, because he did a really good job on my parents; they thought he was wonderful and everyone I spoke to thought he was wonderful.” “I thought ‘I’m never going to be believed, I can’t possibly come out with this because no one will believe that he is capable of that’.”I had a good supportive home life. There was nothing particular to single me out. I think everyone should be aware that it could happen in your household, it could happen with your children.” Lauren indicated that her motivation for speaking with the BBC stemmed from her belief that other victims exist. Detective Constable Tamsyn Dingley, the investigator for the case, stated that the conviction demonstrated that sexual offenses from the past, even without forensic evidence, can lead to successful prosecution. “[People] might think they don’t have evidence, they might think they won’t be believed, but you won’t know until you come and talk to us,” she said. “Come forward if you’re one of [Brian Furneaux’s] victims, or you’ve got your own case… come forward and let us do our job the best that we can.” Individuals impacted by the subjects discussed in this report are encouraged to visit BBC Action Line. The content is copyrighted by BBC in 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the material found on external websites. Information regarding the BBC’s policy on external links is available.