A survivor of Alexander Westwood's abuse has spoken out about her traumatic experience, saying his 15-year sentence is "not enough." The actor, who appeared in popular TV shows, was convicted of 26 crimes against children, including sexual assault and rape.
The survivor, now 24, described how Westwood "love-bombed" her with gifts and romantic gestures when she was 17, but later became abusive. She said he would penetrate her with his fingers despite her clearly saying no, and that she had to resort to biting him and pushing him away to try to escape the abuse.
The survivor suffered from panic attacks and attempted to take her own life due to the abuse, and said that she felt "trapped" in the relationship because Westwood was close to her family. She didn't speak out until 2023, when she began a new relationship and her partner told her that her experiences were "not normal" and "illegal."
Westwood was sentenced to 15 years in jail, with a 26-year restraining order preventing him from contacting the five victims. The survivor said that she wishes she had evidence of the abuse to help her cross-examination in court, and thinks that self-test DNA kits could be a step in the right direction.
The survivor's experience highlights the issue of abuse and the importance of believing victims. She said that the abuse has left her with nightmares and emotional scars, and that she still feels a sense of fear and anxiety.
Westwood showed no remorse during his sentencing, smirking in the dock at Wolverhampton Crown Court. The court heard that the abuse against his first victim started when she was just six years old, and that Westwood had encouraged a 10-year-old boy to touch himself as part of a "game."
Ordering Westwood to serve at least two-thirds of his 15-and-a-half-year term in prison before he is eligible for parole, the judge also said that he must spend four years on licence. The survivor's case highlights the need for greater support for victims of abuse and for more effective ways of preventing abuse in the first place.
The survivor is now advocating for self-test DNA kits, which she believes could provide evidence in court and help to prevent abuse. She said that being able to provide evidence is a huge thing, because with abuse, it can make you feel like nobody's ever going to believe you.
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person, or go to the Samaritans website. PAPYRUS offers specialised suicide prevention support for young people, with their HOPELINE247 available every day of the year, 24 hours a day.
