Health

Betrayed by a Friend: The Heart-Wrenching Aftermath of Assault

2025-06-01

Author: Michael

A Night That Changed Everything

In a chilling account, Bryony Piggin, 20, bravely shares her harrowing experience of being sexually assaulted by someone she once considered a close friend. After a seemingly ordinary night out in Norwich, everything changed in an instant.

A Shocking Betrayal

Bryony waived her anonymity to detail the devastating betrayal she felt after her former best friend, Stefan Nikolic, 20, was found guilty of assault by penetration. "We were inseparable," she recalled, reflecting on the trust that had been shattered.

The Night of the Assault

The assault occurred in April 2023 after a night out with friends. While Bryony had welcomed Nikolic to stay over, she was horrified to awaken to the violation of her trust. "It was incomprehensible that my best friend would do something like that to me," she lamented.

Life After Trauma

The repercussions have been profound. Bryony, now grappling with the aftermath of the assault, has been unable to work and has faced crippling anxiety, forcing her to drop out of her Open University course. "I avoid leaving the house... Trauma makes it impossible to carry on," she shared with tears.

Facing the Legal Battle

Despite Nikolic's denial of the charges and claims of consent, a jury at Norwich Crown Court convicted him of the crime on March 31. Prosecutor Giles Fleming highlighted that two years later, Bryony still suffers from severe emotional distress.

The Ongoing Struggle

In her victim impact statement, Bryony revealed the long-lasting effects of the assault: "He didn't just violate my body, he took the person I was. Even now, I can still feel his touch." She described her struggle with PTSD and how she scrubs herself "raw in the shower" in a futile attempt to cleanse the trauma.

Justice Served, but Healing Ahead

The court sentenced Nikolic to two years in prison, suspended for 24 months, and placed a five-year restraining order on him. Recorder Simon Levene emphasized that Nikolic had misread the situation and acknowledged his lack of maturity.

A Call for Awareness

Bryony's story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of sexual assault and the betrayal that can come from those we trust the most. She hopes that by sharing her experience, she can encourage others to speak out and seek help.