Katie Knowles, the wife of television presenter Nick Knowles, has courageously revealed in a new video that she was raped by her father for "years and years." The 35-year-old, who married the 63-year-old presenter last year, posted the emotional clip to her Instagram followers, marking the first time she has spoken publicly about the sexual abuse she endured.
A Harrowing Disclosure
Sitting in her car, Katie stated: "I have never spoken about this publicly, other than to friends, family and even then not everyone. I was raped by my dad for years, years and years." She explained that while the trauma occasionally resurfaces, extensive therapy has helped her achieve a balanced perspective. Katie emphasised the importance of addressing women's safety, noting: "Things like this, if you know a woman, if you are a woman, if you're a mother to women, just anything, any affiliation with women, I think we should be worried looking at the news."
Confronting the Reality of Abuse
In her powerful message, Katie highlighted that while not all men are perpetrators, the majority of domestic violence and sexual abuse is committed by men. She reflected on her personal experience, stating: "In my case it was a man. It's almost always in sexual abuse like that, someone that you know or a family member or a partner, or an ex-partner. Almost always." Her mood had recently "dipped" after reading a CNN exposé into a global online rape academy where men share tactics for drugging and assaulting women, often within relationships.
Katie described the everyday fears women face, sharing an incident where she walked from the gym to her car with keys tightly gripped, wearing a sports bra and shorts. She expressed frustration: "I'm not asking for attention or rape, I sweat profusely at the gym but everyday with menopause so I wear this. And I'm really aware walking that, is anyone looking at me? I was at the gym and there were guys shouting and stuff and standing next to me at the machine. We shouldn't have to worry anymore."
Support and Personal Life
Following the video, Katie was inundated with messages of support from followers who thanked her for sharing her ordeal and raising awareness. Katie has two daughters from a previous relationship, while Nick has four children from three different relationships. He shares a daughter and son with ex-wife Gillian, another son with dancer Paula Beckett, and a third son born in 2014 with ex-wife Jessica.
How They Met
Katie previously shared that her two children befriending Nick's son led to the couple getting to know each other. They first met in 2021, and Katie admitted she initially didn't like Nick much, describing herself as shy and quiet while he is extroverted and chatty. However, a coffee date allowed her to see they had much in common. The pair married in a lavish six-figure wedding at Braxted Park, Essex, last summer.
If you've been affected by issues raised in this report, support is available from Rape Crisis England & Wales 24/7 on 0808 500 2222 or chat online at 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk.
