Foster Carer Reveals Heartbreaking Recovery of Woman Enslaved for Quarter of a Century
A foster carer has spoken out about the traumatic recovery of a woman who endured 25 years of mental and physical torment in what she described as "Dickensian conditions" in an English market town. The victim, now in her 40s, was rescued by police in March 2021 after being held captive since the age of 16 by Amanda Wixon, who was recently jailed for 13 years for her crimes.
Initial Struggles and Emotional Barriers
When the woman first arrived in a safe environment, she was frail, timid, and deeply anxious. Her foster carer, who remains anonymous to protect the victim's identity, noted that she could not bear physical affection, such as hugs, and would wake at 3am to take hot showers in an attempt to feel clean. "She was very skinny. I had to take her to the doctors and get lots of appointments and try and feed her and show her love," the carer explained. "It was really hard even giving her hugs. She didn't want me to hug her. So I used to say to her: 'You know, when you're ready, I'll be here for you'. And within the week, she turned around and started being loving."
Horrific Abuse and Living Conditions
Gradually, the victim opened up about the abuse she suffered at Wixon's house in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. She was fed scraps, forced to perform extensive housework, and subjected to violent attacks. "[Wixon] would bash her, lock her in the room, black bags over the windows so she couldn't get any light," the carer said. "Her abuser squeezed washing-up liquid down her throat and poured bleach on her face. She's got scars on her mouth. She did all the housework, cleaning, ironing, everything. She was a proper slave." The victim was denied basic hygiene, education, and freedom, with her abuser controlling every aspect of her life.
Delayed Justice and Ongoing Fear
The case took five years to reach court, a delay that left the victim confused and distressed. "She said [Wixon] shouldn't be allowed to be walking around and I had to explain it to her but it was really hard, she couldn't understand. It's not fair at all," the carer remarked. The victim, who refers to Wixon as "the witch," remains terrified of her abuser, experiencing panic attacks even after her imprisonment. During the court proceedings, an accidental encounter in a supermarket left her hysterical and petrified, highlighting the deep-seated trauma she still carries.
Calls for Systemic Change and Inquiry
The foster carer expressed dismay at the failure of authorities to intervene earlier, noting that the victim had once contacted someone in authority but was ignored. "Nobody did anything. They just left her there to suffer. I personally think it's appalling. There should be something done about it," she asserted. She called for a wider inquiry to prevent similar cases, emphasizing the need for greater alertness and support systems to protect vulnerable individuals from such horrendous abuse.
Steps Toward Healing and a New Life
Despite the challenges, the victim is making progress in her recovery. She is undergoing therapy, attending college to improve her literacy, and has enjoyed holidays abroad, including trips to the Mediterranean. Her carer is dedicated to helping her experience the life she was denied, saying, "I'm trying to fulfil the life she didn't have when she was younger. She's such a beautiful person. She's got a lot of love to give. She's kind and warm. She's lovely." The woman has also grown her hair as she always wanted, symbolizing her journey toward reclaiming her identity and freedom.
