A WOMAN raped by a former partner has said the attack will always be with her.

The victim, who has partially waived her anonymity, was speaking after Gary Parkinson, 48, of Weets View, Barnoldswick, was jailed for four years on Monday for rape.

She said that she had made progress since the attack at the Central Working Men’s Club, Earby, in June, but would always carry “baggage”.

She said: “I try not to let it affect me but I guess I will always have baggage from it.

“In the weeks after the attack I was worried about going out and I always make sure I am with someone late at night now.

“But it hasn’t stopped me going out and I won’t let it happen.

“I am possibly a little less trusting now but I don’t think it has changed me that much.”

The couple had been together for around 10 years before separating four months before the attack.

She said: “I was relieved when he pleaded guilty in court because I didn’t have to go over it all again.

“When I was told he had said he was sorry in court it did make me a feel little better.

“It is his family I feel sorry for, he is still one of their loved ones and it must be difficult for them.”

She described the first 24 hours after the attack as the most difficult and harrowing time.

“It was a family member who called the police,” she said. “To be honest I didn’t really want to at first, but I’m relieved that they did.

“The first 24 hours are awful, you can’t have a shower yet that is all you want to do.”

Now the victim is urging other people who have been the victims of rape to come forward even if they have been involved in a relationship with the person.

She said: “It is incredibly difficult and takes an awful lot of courage and bravery but it is the right thing to do.

“The police were brilliant and really supportive.

“I would say to others please go forward and go to the police.

"It is hard but you will be doing the right thing.”

Detective Inspector Jim Elston, from Pennine Division’s Public Protection Unit, said: “There is a lot of support out there for victims from ourselves and other agencies.”