'Shift the shame': Essex woman speaks out after ex-partner jailed

An Essex woman has waived her legal right to anonymity to talk about the impact of being raped and harassed by her former partner.

Ebony Boatwright wants to “shift the shame” and hopes that by sharing what happened to her she can show others that there is a way out.

30-year-old Ebony spoke this week after her former partner Harrison Ackland, of Morris Avenue, Billericay, was jailed for 18 years for raping, assaulting and harassing her.

She said:

“That experience was the hardest thing I have been through in my entire life.
“If I’m honest at times I did not think I would survive. The abuse was so significant and impacted every part of my life.
“I shrank myself to try and be as invisible as possible, but in the end you realise you can’t change them by changing yourself.”

In October 2024, despite being subject to a restraining order preventing him from contacting her, Ackland was in Ebony’s home.

He got angry after she returned from an evening out, grabbed her by her hair, screamed in her face, and slapped her.

When she got upset, he shouted that “if she just listened then things like this wouldn’t happen” and Ebony said this was a pattern of behaviour.

He raped her repeatedly.

Ebony said:

“There was what I would describe as a trauma bond between us and if he had not been found guilty and jailed I feel like his incessant contact and behaviour would have worn me down.
“Taking that big step to report his crimes and seeing him remanded after being charged was so important to me.
“It felt like a big weight had been lifted off my shoulders.
“He denied the offences and I had to go through a trial, but I’m so grateful to the jury and want to express my thanks to them for listening and returning a verdict which has helped me move forward with my life.”
Ebony said she feels she has been lifted up by the support she received.
“The officers in this case and my ISVA were absolutely amazing and I do not think I would have been able to get through it without them.
“I feel positive that the mood around these types of offences and violence against women is changing. We must shift the shame.
“There is a strength in sharing, we are stronger together, bonded by our shared experience.”

In January, 28-year-old Ackland was found guilty of six counts of rape, assault occasioning abh, harassment, intentional strangulation, intentional suffocation, engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour following a trial at Basildon Crown Court. He previously admitted breach of a restraining order.

At the same court on Monday 11 May Ackland was given a 24-year sentence, made up of18 years immediate custody with a further six years on extended licence.

He is also subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be on the sex offenders register for life.

Detective Sergeant Rebecca Martin said, said:

“Ackland’s offending was sustained and violent and this sentence reflects the gravity of his crimes. I hope it goes some way to help Ebony as she rebuilds her life. She has shown remarkable strength and resilience throughout this process.
“She is also committed to helping others by sharing her experience and talking about what happened to her. That is truly remarkable.
“As a force we are dedicated to tackling violence against women and ensuring those who commit these type of offences are arrested and brought before the courts."

DS Martin added:

“The tenacious and tireless work of the officer in this case should also be commended. Her work has ensured that Ackland’s sentence is very strong and protects not only Ebony, but all women, from him.”

As part of Essex Police’s ongoing commitment to tackling abusive behaviour we have launched an updated version of our Reflect campaign in February.

Working in partnership with Southend, Essex, and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board (SETDAB), and collaborating on real behavioural change success with new service provider Cranstoun, our Reflect campaign continues to confront domestic abuse in Essex.

It focuses is on asking perpetrators if they recognise harmful behaviour in themselves to Reflect on their abusive behaviour and get help to change.

This ongoing campaign is supported by Ebony who said:

“As a victim of extreme abuse this campaign is invaluable as it focuses on what we all want and need to see, a real change in behaviour.
“I hope the perpetrators don’t want to be that person. But in order to change you have to accept accountability for your actions.”

Free support for survivors of sexual violence in Essex