A WOMAN has described “feeling like I can’t breathe” after bravely speaking up about the impact of rape on her life.

The woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, fought a long battle to secure justice for the horrific ordeal.

But last week at Leeds Crown Court, Vira Hussaini, 35, of Airedale Street in Bradford, was found guilty of raping a woman. He was jailed for four years and put on the sex offenders' register for an indefinite amount of time.

Reflecting on the emotional toll it has taken, the victim said she has “lost track of the amount of time” spent crying.

She left her job due to stress ahead of the trial and is relying on her savings to pay her mortgage and bills.

Meanwhile her relationship with food switches between having no appetite and comfort eating.

She opened up about reaching out to professional mental health services as well as reiki healing sessions and support groups.

In her victim impact statement, the woman said: “I have struggled tremendously and been affected in many ways.

“I have not had the energy to apply for Universal Credit, which I am entitled to as I am out of work.

“I feel that my emotional wellbeing has been greatly affected, I have lost track of the amount of times that I have cried when this incident has come into my thoughts. 

“I have also suffered with graphic sexual abuse nightmares, to the point where a close friend has heard me screaming in my sleep. I have also felt panicked and at times, like I am having heart palpitations.”

She said she feels she lost her dignity after medical photographs were taken of her genitalia and used in the court process.

She said: “I feel that I have no privacy left and I am embarrassed that so many strangers from the court process are now aware of my personal matters. Sadly the stigma of rape will always remain with me and I have to learn to continue living with that. 

“I feel that my social life has been greatly affected too, as I have become far more insular over the past few years. This has been due to the fact that I no longer feel confident and or safe, which has left me feeling socially isolated at times. 

“I have seen a negative impact upon my loved ones too. There have been feelings of anger and hurt for my father. The health of my mother has declined, yet she has tried her best to be strong for me, although I have seen the pain in her eyes. I have seen close and treasured family members and friends cry, when taking the time to support me.

“It has also taken up a significant amount of time, when trying to work through this trauma. It makes me feel sad that he could have admitted what he did and shown both acceptance and remorse a long time ago.

"This would have allowed me to access justice and closure, but instead I have had to endure the criminal court process, in order to fight for justice to be served. 

“It is hard to describe in full how I feel after the sexual violence that I was subject to, although I have tried my best to explain. 

“It has destroyed me in many ways. Ultimately what I am really trying to say is, I have air in my lungs, but feel like I can’t breathe. And I have a heart that works, but feels broken. I now plan to rebuild myself and not allow this man to destroy me any further.”

Rape Crisis England and Wales runs a free helpline on 0808 5002222 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you have just been a victim of rape or sexual assault, call 999. The sooner that an assault is reported, the more evidence police can collect to bring the perpetrator to justice.

West Yorkshire Police takes reports of historic incidents of rape or sexual assault via 101, where people can liase with a specially trained officer.