‘I was raped by a childhood friend – I want others to know what he did’

I was raped by a childhood friend – I want others to know what he did

A Call for Greater Transparency

I was raped by a childhood – Hayley Watkins, a 24-year-old woman, has chosen to reveal her identity to highlight the shortcomings she perceives in Scotland’s sex offender registry system. Her goal is to ensure that public awareness of her rapist’s conviction is more accessible, as she believes the current setup fails to provide clear information about those who have committed serious sexual crimes. By stepping forward, Hayley aims to encourage other victims to come forward and share their experiences, emphasizing the importance of transparency in addressing sexual violence.

“You can’t find it anywhere that he has been convicted of a serious sexual crime, and I think people should be able to know that,” she said. “People have to rely on rumours and gossip to get factual information, and that just doesn’t make sense to me.”

The incident took place in February 2020 at Jordan Learmonth’s home in Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway. At the time, both Hayley and Jordan were 19 years old, and their relationship had been built on years of shared childhood memories. She described how the attack unfolded: after spending time together, they continued drinking, turned on the television, and eventually, she fell asleep while Jordan was on top of her. “Essentially, I had woken up to him on top of me, and at that moment I just knew I needed to get out,” she recounted.

Hayley’s account was later corroborated by DNA evidence, which played a critical role in Jordan’s conviction. Despite his initial denial, stating he wasn’t near her and that nothing happened, the proof was undeniable. “He just denied it, said he wasn’t near me and nothing happened,” she explained. “That was later used in court, and it helped to get him convicted.”

A System in Need of Change

After a lengthy trial delayed by the pandemic, Jordan was found guilty in August 2022. He served three and a half years in prison and was released in February 2026, though he remains on the sex offenders register for life. Hayley, however, expressed frustration that the conviction wasn’t widely publicized. “It was a really long day when the jury went out. It came back as a unanimous decision that he was found guilty, and it was an unbelievable relief,” she said.

She also shared her mixed emotions following the sentencing. “Jordan was my friend. It was hard dealing with the betrayal of trust—that my friend could violate me in ways he did. I still had that part of me that felt as if he was my friend,” she reflected. This personal connection added to the emotional weight of the case, as Hayley navigated the complexities of betrayal while advocating for systemic reform.

Advocacy for Public Access

Hayley now hopes to see Scotland adopt a searchable, open database for sex offenders, akin to the systems used in the United States. Such a platform, she argues, would empower communities with proactive information rather than relying on reactive updates. She has submitted a petition to the UK parliament, urging improved transparency and public awareness of sexual offender risk.

“While systems exist in Scotland to manage sexual offenders, public awareness of these systems is low, and information is often reactive rather than accessible,” the petition states. “This leaves individuals and communities unsure of how to recognize risk or take steps to protect themselves.”

The current system allows people to check if someone is a registered child sex offender through the police. However, no equivalent process exists for adult sex offenders. This gap in information, Hayley claims, leaves victims and the public vulnerable, especially when the offender is someone known and trusted. “I got in touch with Ra” she continued, but the article ends there.

Hayley’s journey began the morning after the attack when she visited her GP. She praised the support she received, describing the doctor’s patience and empathy as crucial in her decision to share the story with her family and report it to the police. “My doctor was so supportive, he was patient with me, and that positive experience then led me to tell my family and go to the police station to tell the police,” she said. “I never felt like they didn’t believe me. They were very professional, but also patient and empathetic concerning the crime that took place. I never once felt judged.”

Government Response and Future Goals

The Scottish government stated that public safety is a priority in managing registered sex offenders, emphasizing the use of multi-agency protection arrangements and strict notification protocols. Offenders who breach these requirements face up to five years in prison. However, Hayley argues that the system’s lack of accessibility undermines its effectiveness.

She is keen to collaborate with Scottish ministers to implement changes that would improve transparency and make the register more user-friendly. Her vision includes a centralized, publicly searchable database that mirrors the clarity and efficiency of U.S. systems. “I want Scotland to have a system where people can easily check if someone has a history of sexual offenses,” she said, underscoring the need for proactive awareness.

Hayley’s story has sparked a broader conversation about the visibility of sexual crimes and the role of public databases in safeguarding communities. By sharing her experience, she not only highlights the personal impact of the case but also calls attention to the systemic issues that can leave victims feeling isolated. Her advocacy aims to ensure that others in similar situations are not afraid to speak out, knowing their stories can be documented and shared with the public.

Impact and Broader Implications

Hayley’s campaign resonates with many who have experienced sexual violence, particularly those who felt their attackers were close to them. She believes that greater transparency can help dismantle the stigma and silence that often accompanies such crimes. “I want people to know what he did,” she said. “It’s not just about him—it’s about the people who might be affected by his actions without knowing.”

Her efforts also reflect a growing demand for policy reforms in Scotland. While the sex offenders register exists, its limited reach and lack of public accessibility leave much to be desired. Hayley’s petition and public calls for change are part of a movement to bridge this gap, ensuring that victims’ experiences are not forgotten and that communities can take informed steps to protect themselves. As she continues her advocacy, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of visibility in addressing sexual violence and supporting those who endure it.