A WOMAN has urged victims of sexual offences to reach out for help and report their experiences to police.

The woman, from North Wales, courageously spoke about her experience as a victim of voyeurism in the hope of helping others find the strength to pursue justice.

"I never expected something like this to happen to me," she explained.

"It wasn't until two days after it happened and I was getting ready for work that it set in how bad it was.

"I had a massive panic attack. It was really affecting me and has changed how I interact with and trust people.

"When it happened, I had such bad anxiety, I had to go to the doctor.

"I was very paranoid and self conscious and am even now. I just wanted to stay at home."

The woman said the period of time between first reporting the crime and the matter proceeding to court was difficult.

"There were times when I thought this isn't going anywhere," she said.

"I got it in my head that no one believed me and that I was just being dramatic.

"But when I heard he'd been convicted [after trial], I just burst out crying.

"I thought - they believe me."

On her message to victims of sexual offences who may be unsure about reaching out for help, she added: "I can't stress enough that you have to stick with it.

"There were days when I didn't feel like it was worth it, and that I should just get on with my life.

"But that's letting them win.

"Don't let your own thoughts get the better of you and try not to talk yourself down.

"If a person has committed a crime, you should come forward because if they get away with it, the next person might not take it as well as you.

"Be as mentally strong as you can. You've done nothing wrong - you're a victim and you can forget that sometimes.

"As long as it can take, and as frustrating as it can be, the police are working their best to get the best outcome for you.

"It can take time, but in my experience it is worth it."

The woman said in her experience, voyeurism is a difficult offence to come to terms with.

"Sometimes in your head you can think it's not actually that bad," she explained.

"But voyeurism is a very serious crime.

"If I'd never seen the camera, [the defendant] would have images of me that he could go back to a million times and I'd never have been aware that my privacy had been invaded.

"He'd have been able to play back what he did to me.

"In my case I am lucky I found it and stopped it, because if those images get out there, they're out there forever.

"If you think people are doing things like this, definitely come forward."

More information on North Wales Police's response to tackling Violence Against Women and Girls can be found here - Operation Unite.

Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) lead for North Wales Police, Chief Superintendent Jason Devonport, said: “Voyeurism is an act committed for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification by observing another person doing a private act, knowing the other person does not consent.

“It is an offence that is taken extremely seriously by North Wales Police, as are all sexual crimes of any nature. The impact it can have can be devastating and long lasting, and for some, life changing.

“We take every report of violence against women incredibly seriously and urge anyone who has experienced such behaviour to get in touch with us.

"You will be listened to and supported.

“It is vital that women and girls have complete faith in the ability of policing to keep them safe.

“Our mission is to make North Wales the safest place in the UK to work, live and visit. Please be assured that any reports made to us will be treated seriously and with priority.”