Description
The bravery of two women has led to an abuser being jailed for nearly two decades.
Emma Clarke, 34, came forward in 2021 to report Luke Anderson had raped her in 2015 and she has now waived her right to lifelong anonymity, saying: "I hope my story and my voice can help towards stopping the stigma related to survivors of sexual abuse."
Anderson, 33, and previously of Halifax in West Yorkshire, was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on Monday (10 November) for five counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault. He was jailed for 18 years and told he must sign the sex offenders' register for life.
He had been found guilty of the crimes in August after a court heard Anderson abused Emma and another woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, between 2015 and 2019.
In a statement given to South Yorkshire Police [SYP] following the sentencing hearing, Emma said:
"One of the first emotions we learn as a child is shame. The same emotion that is drilled into us when we are abused.
"I hope that my story, and my voice, can help towards stopping the stigma related to survivors of sexual abuse. I was silenced for a long time doing what I thought was right to protect myself from judgement and the fear of what would happen if I spoke out.
"It took me years to build up the courage to speak up, and if my story can encourage one person to speak up, or even stop feeling shame, then it's worth it.
"The process of speaking out isn't easy. The interview and court process is traumatic, but getting justice makes it all worth it and I'd like to thank Barnsley Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Services, South Yorkshire Police, and my family and friends who have supported me through this journey.
"I hope that my story is a reminder that this can and does happen to anyone. My truth is out to protect my daughters, my sisters and my friends, as well as your loved ones.
"My name is Emma. I was raped. This is my voice. My story. No shame."
A second survivor of Anderson has also provided a statement to SYP. She said:
"I am releasing this statement to take control of my story. While the verdict brings a sense of justice, it does not erase the pain or the lasting impact of what I have endured.
"However, it does bring an opportunity for truth - and for me to stand as someone who has survived, fought, and finally been heard.
"I want to make it clear that no one should ever have to suffer in silence. I also want to say that I could not have gone through this without the incredible support I received from SYP, my ISVA, and my family and friends.
"Their belief in me and their constant support have carried me through some of the darkest times.
"If my decision to come forward helps even one other person find the courage to speak out, then it will have been worth it."
Detective Sergeant Matthew Mellor, whose team led the investigation into Anderson's abhorrent offending, said:
"The bravery shown by both of these women throughout every stage of this deeply difficult process has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I want to start by thanking them for it.
"Their decision to report the abuse inflicted by Anderson has led to a dangerous offender being put behind bars for almost 20 years.
"By law, Emma Clarke would have been entitled to lifelong anonymity as all survivors of sexual abuse are. But she has bravely waived this right in the hope that her story will lead to more people feeling empowered to come forward and report abuse to us.
"We are 100 per cent committed to tackling all forms of sexual abuse in South Yorkshire and every single report is thoroughly investigated.
"If you have been raped, sexually assaulted, or sexually harassed, you can report to us in confidence online or by calling 101. If you don't feel able to report to police, try and talk to someone you trust. You can also seek specialist and confidential support via the 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line."