Foster Carer Reveals Horrific Details of Modern Slavery Victim's Ordeal and Healing Journey
A foster carer has shared the distressing story of a woman who endured a quarter of a century of modern slavery in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, describing her fragile state upon rescue and the slow, painful path to recovery. The victim, now in her 40s, was found by police in March 2021 after being held in what the carer called "Dickensian conditions" at the home of Amanda Wixon, who was recently jailed for 13 years for her crimes.
Initial Trauma and Physical Condition
When the woman first arrived at her foster carer's home, she was described as frail, timid, and unwell, with severe anxiety and an inability to accept physical affection. The carer, who remains anonymous to protect the victim's identity, noted that the woman was very skinny and required immediate medical attention. "She wasn't used to things like that. It was really hard even giving her hugs. She didn't want me to hug her," the carer explained. Within a week, however, the victim began to show signs of trust and affection, marking the start of her emotional healing.
Years of Abuse and Neglect
The victim was first held at Wixon's house at the age of 16, where she suffered mental and physical torment for decades. According to the carer, the woman was forced to perform all household chores, including cleaning and ironing, while being denied basic necessities like adequate food and hygiene. "She would get scraps. She just wasn't being looked after at all. It was just horrible," the carer said. The abuse included physical violence, such as being locked in a room with black bags over the windows to block out light, and having washing-up liquid squeezed down her throat and bleach poured on her face, leaving scars.
Delayed Justice and Systemic Failures
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 recounted. The victim, who referred to Wixon as "the witch," remained terrified of her abuser, even experiencing a hysterical reaction upon accidentally encountering her in a supermarket during the trial. The carer criticized the authorities for failing 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," she said, calling for a wider inquiry to prevent similar cases.
Ongoing Recovery and Future Hopes
Despite the trauma, the victim is now making progress in her recovery. She is undergoing therapy, attending college to improve her limited education, and has taken several holidays abroad, including trips to the Mediterranean. The carer is dedicated to helping her experience the life she missed out on, with plans for a big cruise in the future. "She's enjoying life now because I'm trying to show her a life that she didn't have before," the carer said. The victim has also grown her hair as she always wanted, symbolizing her newfound freedom and self-expression. However, the carer emphasized that recovery will be long, with the woman still living in fear and needing closure from the legal outcome.
The carer expressed hope that sharing this story will raise awareness and prompt action to protect others from similar fates. "There needs to be a shake-up and I hope that nobody else goes through what she's been through. It's been horrendous," she concluded, highlighting the victim's resilience and capacity for love despite her past suffering.
