A woman who was violently abused by her husband for nearly three decades has shared her message to the survivors of disgraced British comedian Russell Brand.
And also has a vital piece of advice for his wife, Laura.
Carolyn Quinn’s ex, Kenneth, 51, was found guilty on 10 charges, including repeated rape, assault to severe injury and permanent disfigurement, as well as abusive behaviour.
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She claims she wasn’t allowed out of her bedroom for over a year, forced to ask if she could so much as use the toilet or make a cup of tea.
Quinn was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment, of which he has 12 years left to serve, and both Carolyn and their son have lifelong restraining orders against him.
When the news broke earlier this week about Russell Brand’s sentencing, in which he was given 10 years and six months in prison after being convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault against four women, it triggered Carolyn.
Instead of letting it undo her years of hard work to recover, it spurred her to share a message to his survivors – and his wife, Laura Brand.
“A lot of people are in denial and brainwashed by their partner – the abuser,” the occupational health and safety specialist from Paisley, Scotland, told Need To Know.
“Even though Laura hasn’t been a direct victim of Russell, she may potentially have seen his mask slip on occasions.
“For partners of any abusers, it’s so important to remember that they shouldn’t feel guilty.
“These monsters are very good at hiding who they truly are and their sinister intentions; so I truly hope Laura isn’t blaming herself right now.
“She will likely need counselling to help her recover from this.
“To his victims, though, they need to remember that they’re allowed to move on.
“Don’t get caught up in the victim bubble – you’re a survivor now.
“Yes, you’ll still get flashbacks and suffer triggers in everyday life, but you’re bigger than your abuser’s actions.
“I feel so much empathy for his victims.
“People always ask why they take so long to report rape or sexual assault, but it’s because they don’t believe they’ll receive justice.
“They’re also frightened of their abusers and most likely will be until they’re behind bars.
“In this case, justice has been rightly served.”
According to reports, Brand told a rape victim to ‘clean up the mess’ after anally assaulting her.
Hearing this sparked trauma in Carolyn, as it’s exactly what her ex-husband said, too.
She said: “Kenneth used to tell me afterwards that I should’ve put a towel down before.
“And then would force me to clean up the mess he had made by raping me.
“It was so triggering hearing Russell Brand say the same, too.”
Carolyn has bravely shared her story over the years.
While red flags began popping up at the start of her former relationship, including friends and family not feeling comfortable within his company, she couldn’t help but feel drawn to his ‘kind nature’.
In May 1993, Kenneth popped the question and the pair went on to wed, as well as welcome their son, now aged 31.
But things turned sour when, at four months pregnant, she recalls him slapping and kicking her.
Over time, she grew isolated from her friends and family, as he convinced her to move into a remote cottage in Kelso, Scotland.
The beatings continued to happen out of the blue, leaving Carolyn on edge and fearing for her life every single day.
Aside from severe bruises and cuts, she also suffered a dislocated jaw, a broken wrist, and snapped ribs.
Quinn also abused her sexually, including rape on multiple occasions.
Carolyn says she learned to cover her black eyes with thick concealer and to wear long-sleeve tops to cover her arms, to conceal the abuse.
At its worst, she claims he wouldn’t let her out of her bedroom for a whole year and a half, as he wanted to know where she was at all times.
The mum was forced to ask if she could use the toilet or make a cup of tea.
Now, though, she’s found a sense of freedom after his imprisonment – and hopes that Brand’s survivors will feel this way, too.
Carolyn said: “The day I walked out of the court, all the weight I had been carrying on my shoulders suddenly vanished.
“I’ve never looked back – no contact with him, no thought.
“It was difficult to come to terms with what I had been through and I felt angry with myself.
“But the strength I’ve regained is unbelievable.
“I’m so resilient now.
“I’m moving on with life while he’s spending his time behind bars.”
Carolyn has also found a new partner – though it’s taken a lot of steps to be able to trust men again in this capacity.
She said: “For me, it was important to truly know the person before getting involved with them.
“I had to research their background and look out for any red flags.
“I also went through counselling and attended a Women’s Aid programme, which helped me to move on.
“I think, most importantly, you should be independent on your own first before finding someone else to share your life with.”
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