AN Ellesmere Port rape survivor is taking part in the Miss Cheshire Finals to show how she has got her confidence back and empower others who have suffered abuse.
Chester University graduate Shannon Ault, 23, says she is taking part in the Miss Cheshire Finals on May 26 to empower herself and support others who have been abused or endured similar ordeals.
Just four months after reporting that she had been raped to police, Shannon is preparing to take to the catwalk with a powerful message.
Shannon graduated from the University of Chester
Shannon said: "My reason for applying for Miss Cheshire was I needed to gain my confidence back. I was always so confident. I had danced and performed since I was three, did it at GCSE and A-level and a degree. I graduated from University of Chester with an Upper Second Class (2:1) BA Honours Degree. My confidence was through the roof, having taken part in the event twice before. That was until I was raped. There is never an easy way of telling people that. It got to the point where it felt like a dirty secret and it isn't!
"I did nothing wrong. Anyone that has been through sexual or domestic abuse did nothing wrong. It didn't matter what clothes I was wearing, the perfume I had on or what colour lipstick I had on.
"No means no."
Shannon said in the following weeks and months, she reached a crisis point. But fortunately she came out the other side with a renewed commitment to help and support others.
She added: "The unfortunate thing about survivors is the dehumanisation; you have to go through of full body exams, interviews with the police, reliving it over and over again, for the possibility of it not even making it to court."
Shannon's case was dropped due to lack of evidence.
She added: "Only six percent of cases get a guilty verdict. I was put through hell. I am now vulnerable and low and really lacking in confidence but so proud of myself because I did everything I possibly could for myself, and any future victims."
Shannon is a finalist in the Miss Cheshire competition
Shannon says she suffered with depression and anxiety, and even attempted suicide. But with the support of her friends and family she is now more determined than ever to help others by talking about what happened to her and raising money for vulnerable youngsters.
She added: "I am incredibly lucky and thankful that I am still here. I couldn't have got through the roughest part of this traumatic event without such amazing family and friends. I'm now getting the support I need and well and truly on my to getting back to my weird and wonderful self. Which is why I urge both men and women to come forward and tell someone if this has happened to you. Not necessarily reporting it, even a friend or family member.
"As long as someone is there for you to talk to when you're low. You'll be saving yourself in the long run.
"Gaining the title of Miss Cheshire will give me the opportunity to spread awareness to others, so they know they're not alone, they're never alone. Please vote for me, donate, show your support."
Shannon says she is getting back to her 'weird and wonderful' self
Shannon said rather than the out-dated view of beauty contests, the Miss Cheshire competition is about girl power and boosting confidence. She is using the process to raise money for a children's charity.
She said: "I have taken part in the finals twice before. I really enjoy the event and meeting up with the other contestants. It's something I really love doing, I come alive on the catwalk. It's an amazing feeling to me.
"Miss Cheshire is not a beauty pageant. It specialises in boosting girls confidence, having that extra support network, making life-long friends along the way and fundraising for the amazing Variety Children's Charity, who care for disabled and disadvantaged children.
"Beauty is about being the best version of yourself."
Shannon has been fundraising through collections and car boot sales
Shannon has been fundraising in the local area and has set up a justgiving page.
She added: "My goal is to raise as much money as possible.
"I will be organising plenty of fundraisers in the local area as well as a justgiving page available to anyone who cannot make the events but would still like to donate.
"Information of all my fundraisers can be found on my Facebook page."
The Miss Cheshire 2019 public vote will open in five weeks.
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