Oliwia Zawislak, a 19-year-old university student from Gloucester, has bravely spoken out following a terrifying sexual assault that took place on the night of August 31 last year. The attack was committed by Abdolrahman Banafsha, a 20-year-old asylum seeker from Iran who arrived in the UK by small boat earlier this year.
Oliwia was walking home alone from a night out when Banafsha initially passed her but then turned back to follow her at a distance. When she stumbled in a side street, he grabbed her from behind and lifted her off the ground. Despite her protests and telling him she had a boyfriend and needed to go home, he maintained a tight grip.
She asked to use the restroom of a nearby pub, but the establishment was closed. Banafsha then forcibly dragged her to his residence in Cheltenham. Inside the house, Oliwia attempted to escape via the bathroom but was overpowered when Banafsha pushed her down, attempted to kiss her, and groped her over her clothing. She screamed, kicked him off, and managed to flee, immediately calling her boyfriend.
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Banafsha was arrested the same day and has since been sentenced to 27 months in a young offender institution after pleading guilty to two sexual assault charges. He will also be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for ten years.
Opening up about the aftermath, Oliwia revealed the deep emotional and psychological impact the assault has had on her life. She has struggled with physical contact and even altered her appearance by dyeing her hair and getting tattoos to distance herself from her previous identity. For a long time, she relied on her boyfriend for support, particularly for travel to and from work.
Throughout the trial, CCTV footage and police interviews detailed the chilling events inside Banafsha’s home. Despite her resistance and repeated cries to stop, Oliwia was unable to prevent the assault until she found the strength to fight back and escape.
Judge Julian Lambert described the incident as an “utterly terrifying ordeal” and noted the predatory nature of Banafsha’s conduct, sentencing him accordingly. The probation service also assessed him as a high risk to public safety, especially towards women.
By waiving her right to anonymity, Oliwia hopes her story will inspire other survivors to come forward and seek justice. “If it weren’t for the support from those around me encouraging me to report it, I might never have done so,” she said. “It’s vital that more women speak out if they’ve suffered abuse.”
Detective Constable Helen Goode praised Oliwia’s bravery, urging the public to stand against perpetrators who abuse others for their own gratification.
A Home Office spokesperson confirmed that any foreign national convicted of serious crimes and sentenced to over 12 months in custody is subject to deportation under UK law.
Oliwia’s courage highlights the importance of support and justice for survivors of sexual violence, sending a powerful message that no one should suffer in silence.