GWENT Police and Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert has told victims that "help is available" following the sentencing of Met Police officer Wayne Couzens.
Couzens was given a whole-life sentence on Thursday, September 30 for the kidnap, rape and murder of Sarah Everard.
He will never be freed from jail for crimes that the judge said were "warped, selfish and brutal offending, which was both sexual and homicidal."
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PCC Jeff Cuthbert said: "My thoughts today are first and foremost with the friends and family of Sarah Everard.
"Nothing can ease the pain they will be feeling but the use of a whole-life prison sentence does at least mean the perpetrator will see out the rest of his days behind bars.
"This deeply troubling incident has inevitably raised serious questions about the abuse and sexual harassment that many women encounter every day.
"This appalling crime must now be used as a turning point for women’s safety in the UK and as a springboard for a wider conversation on how we stop all forms of violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence.
"If you have been a victim then help is available and I would urge you to come forward.”
Mr Cuthbert's comments follow a damning statement on Couzens from the Police Federation.
John Apter, national chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said after Couzen's sentencing: “This predator is an absolute disgrace to the police service, and I am totally ashamed that he was ever a police officer.
“I am proud to carry a warrant card, but this vile individual’s abuse of that authority has cast a shadow on all those who work within policing.
"He has brought disgrace to our uniform.
“The way he took advantage of Sarah’s trust makes me feel sick to the stomach.
“No sentence will ever ease the pain for the family and friends of Sarah or undo the terrible damage this disgusting man has done.
"He doesn’t deserve to have another single day of freedom and I hope every day he spends in prison is a long one."
Victims are encouraged to report incidents to Gwent Police via their Facebook page, 101 or calling 999 in an emergency.
The Welsh Government run a free helpline service, called Live Fear Free, that provides information and advice for people suffering with domestic abuse or sexual violence.
You can visit the Live Fear Free website here or call the helpline on 0808 8010 800.
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