Anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse should “take hope” from the conviction of serial sex attacker David McDougall.
That is the message from Fife Women’s Aid, who described the case as “appalling” and assured the victims of other abusers that they will be listened to and believed if they are brave enough to step forward.
McDougall who was found guilty of 14 charges, including six rapes and other sex offences at a trial last month is facing life imprisonment when he returns to Glasgow High Court to be sentenced in April.
The Courier reported on Saturday how Kira Dixon, the former partner of the serial sex attacker, was beaten and raped by McDougall as she slept.
In an interview with The Courier, 28-year-old Ms Dixon, who has been rehoused in Fife with the help of Women’s Aid, waived her right to anonymity to bravely expose the violence she endured.
Giving a graphic account of the injuries she suffered during the turbulent relationship and of the times she attempted to fight back, she said she felt as if her “heart had been ripped out by a monster” and that she had been “let down” by the 31-year-old.
At the High Court on Friday, McDougall was described by Judge Michael O’Grady as “a very dangerous man”.
A string of women were subjected to his violence during a 15-year period at addresses in Methil, Buckhaven, Glenrothes and Kirkcaldy.
A social work report said any woman he may have a relationship with in the future “would be at risk of serious harm”.
Ruth Thomson, general manager of Fife Women’s Aid, told The Courier: “Fife Women’s Aid fully understand how difficult it is for victims of abuse to seek support and report incidents to the police.
“In this case, five women have bravely come forward and, as result of their evidence, an extremely dangerous man will be brought to justice.
“Unfortunately, it is often the case that individual instances of domestic abuse form part of a pattern of serial offending.
“Whilst each victim may feel very alone and vulnerable, in reality a catalogue of offences, multiple victims and a long history of criminal behaviour is not unusual
“No one service alone can tackle the issues of domestic abuse which blight every community in Scotland, but by working together, with partners like Police Scotland, Fiscal Services, health and others we believe that a real change is possible.
“A two pronged approach bringing serial perpetrators to account and ensuring that victims get the care and support they need is a high priority for us all.
“Women’s Aid organisations exist across the country and are here to support any women, children and young people who have experiences of domestic abuse.
“We know that recovery from abuse is a journey, not an event, and that journey can take many different forms.
“Whether it is safe temporary accommodation, on-going emotional support, dedicated services for children or advocacy to attend court hearings Women’s Aid services are here to help, on your own terms.
“We would urge anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse to take hope from the outcome achieved in this appalling case.
“Domestic abuse is a crime and never acceptable. Victims will be listened to and believed. Support is available to assist you and services will investigate and prosecute offenders, whenever possible.”
Fife Woman’s Aid can be contacted on 0808 802 5555 or by emailing info@fifewomensaid.org.uk.