THE survivors of a Wye Valley sex abuser who preyed upon them decades ago have encouraged others to report similar incidents after their attacker was convicted.

The two women, who have lifetime anonymity, spoke out this week to support other survivors of abuse to report offences to the police, if they have not been able to do so.

Their plea is to anyone who may have suffered, or knows of someone who has been subjected to, similar offences to them to speak to police.

It follows the sentencing of their abuser, Kirk Jacobson, 47, from Bridstow near Ross, who was sentenced to a total of 11 years in prison for the offences which took place more than 30 years ago in Herefordshire.

He was convicted of seven counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 14 and four counts of gross indecency with a girl under 14 years of age at Worcester Crown Court in March of this year.

In a personal statement to the court, one of the survivors told of her ordeal at the hands of Jacobson, saying: “My mental health has been hugely affected; I suffer from severe anxiety and depression along with post-traumatic stress disorder and I have health anxiety.

“However, since disclosing the secret that I kept for so many years things have improved, and my anxiety is not so crippling. I have been able to take control back for my own body.”

To Jacobson she said: “You took what should have been a happy childhood and upturned my world meaning I lived in emotional chaos and pain, feeling very alone.

“I’m alive today because I was determined not to let you win and take anything else. I can promise you I will continue to live because I’m not giving you any power to control anymore.”

This week she and another survivor of Jacobson’s abuse spoke out to say seeing justice done had helped them to move on with their lives and both were glad they had reported his offences to West Mercia Police, stating they hoped it would encourage others to do the same.

“Finally reporting his vile actions to police and getting justice has helped us both cope with the long-lasting effects of his appalling behaviour,” they said in a joint statement.

“We would encourage anyone who has suffered similar abuse or worse, or anyone who knows of someone who has, to report it to officers.

“They will support you every step of the way, listen to you and bring the perpetrators before the courts where appropriate.

“Predators like him should not be walking free after what they’ve done while survivors have to live with the consequences.”

You can find advice about child abuse and child sexual exploitation via the links under this section of our website here Advice about child abuse | West Mercia Police.

You can report sexual offences and rape at West Mercia Police’s website.Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.