A BRAVE victim of rape has spoken up about her ordeal in the hope it will encourage others who have suffered sexual attacks to speak up.

The woman was one of two victims of Albanian sex predator Altin Bushati who subjected the women to prolonged and violent attacks, forcing them to have sex with him.

He was jailed for a total of 13 years and will be deported to his native Albania following the conclusion of his sentence.

One of the victims, who is remaining anonymous, gave the evidence that helped put him behind bars and her message to others in similar situations is "be brave and report it to Essex Police"

She has decided to speak out now about her experience and the support Essex Police provided her. 

She said: "From start to finish the support I have had from Essex Police has been good. I still receive support now and have done throughout the investigation, charge, trial, conviction and sentencing.

"The whole process from start to finish was long but I'm aware these things take time. Essex Police were there the whole way, only an email or a phone call away.

"Offering a listening ear and encouraging me when I wanted to give up. Reminding me that I was the victim. That I had not done anything wrong. He had.

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"On the day of the trial again the support I received was great. They were there every single day, making sure I gave my evidence in the best way possible.

"They helped secure the guilty verdict and made sure that he received the toughest sentence possible.

"If anybody who was in my position was worried about coming forward and reporting such a crime: My advice would be to do it.

"Essex Police were there with me with their support, and most of all they believed me. They believed in me and I knew with their help I could get what I was due. Justice.

"I urge any person to come forward, be brave and report it to the police."

If you want to report an offence or information about an offence you can call Essex Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

You can also contact [L]https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ [L+]Crimestoppers anonymously via the link or by calling 0800 555 111.