Gardaí have commended the remarkable bravery of a woman who waived her right to anonymity after her husband was jailed for eight years for rape and coercive control.

Sergio Correia (48) of Front Street, Ardara in Co Donegal, was found guilty by a jury earlier this year.

On Monday, his former wife Kathleen waived her right to anonymity to warn others about the dangers of coercive control within marriages.

Ms Correia’s former husband, Sergio, a native of Portugal, demanded sex from his wife at least five times per week, saying that she was not a “proper wife” to make him beg for intimacy. He was also concealing a drug habit from her. The couple has three children together.

“I lived in fear every day,” Kathleen told RTE’s Prime Time.

Kathleen has shared her story to tell others about the services and support of the gardaí and to remind victims that life gets better.

“They (the gardaí) believed everything I said. They believed in my ability to see the process through to the end,” she said.

To people in similar situations, she said: “Talk to somebody, talk to a friend or a family member. And it’s very hard to do that. It’s very hard to say it. But once you say it, things will get better.”

“No matter how hard it will be coming forward, everything after that will get easier. It takes time, but there’s a better life. That’s basically what it has been for me.”

Speaking following the sentencing of Sergio Correia on Monday, Detective Inspector Yvonne Martin said: “I would like to begin first by acknowledging Kathleen’s remarkable bravery not just in pursuing justice for the crimes committed against her, but for her courage to come forward and waive her anonymity here today.

“In sharing her story, we know that Kathleen will empower others to consider their own circumstances, perhaps for the very first time.

“Kathleen’s experience sadly sheds light on what know that many, many others are dealing with in marriage, behind closed doors in homes all around Ireland.

“Through marriage it is not your duty to accept any degree of suffering inflicted by your husband or wife.

“Through marriage you do not give up your right to consent and your own autonomy.

“As an investigator, I want to speak to any person, irrespective of gender, sexuality or relationship status, who is experiencing domestic or intimate partner abuse, and tell you that there can be a life beyond it.

“I understand that the prospect of leaving a relationship in which you are be being abused and controlled, is hugely overwhelming.

“It will feel as though you can’t leave because you don’t feel strong enough, but you are.

“With our support in An Garda Síochána and of groups like Women’s Aid and Men’s Aid Ireland or any one of the 37 locally based services located in Ireland – there can be a brighter, safer, happier future for you and your family to be free from the threats, control, physical assault, the name calling and the constant feeling of danger that you are subjected to.

“Please come to speak with us.

“Please let us support you, trust that we will listen and we will help you reach a point of safety and solitude.

“If you are more comfortable with speaking to us by phone than in person, call any Garda Station or the Garda Confidential Line: 1800 666 111

“I assure you that we will take things at your own pace and in your own time.”

Anyone who is a victim of the crime of Domestic Abuse or Sexual Violence should contact their local Garda District Headquarters or in an emergency call 999/112.

Women’s Aid 24hr National Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900 www.womensaid.ie

Donegal Sexual Abuse & Rape Crisis Centre Telephone Helpline: T: 074 91 28211 – 10am – 4pm – Monday – Friday. Freephone: 1800 44 88 44

Donegal Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) – 087 068 1964. National 24hr Helpline: 1800 77 88 88