The words of the courageous wife and mother who was haunted by 16 years of anguish after being raped should be etched in the minds of all those attackers who think they have escaped the law.

She issued a message of hope to all women who had suffered similar experiences, that convictions are within reach, and they can claim their lives back.

She spoke out after a major advance in forensic technology lead to a ten year jail sentence for Martin Done, 44, who donned a Ku Klux Klan style hood, and threatened her baby with a knife while he attacked her.

Done was caught after his DNA linked him to the offence.

The woman, who was 22 at the time, is full of praise for the police, saying she has nothing but respect for them. She says the officers involved have been incredible. Coupled with the advances in DNA profiling, they have handed her her life back again and allowed her to start feeling normal.

Above all she hopes all woman who had suffered similar experiences will draw strength from the outcome of the case.

It is really important, she says, that the message goes out to victims that the police are waiting to listen, stressing "you will be believed," adding "they care about you and help in so many ways". She says you cannot pretend it won't be traumatic - it's not an easy process ... "but you have to trust".

The significance and weight of her words should not be underestimated.

This case proves that no matter how long it takes, and as technology and detection skills develop, there is no hiding place. Any victim in doubt should also digest the woman's comment that after the guilty verdict she went shopping for the first time grinning like a Cheshire cat.

Our hopes and best wishes for a great new life go out to her and her loved ones.