Fritzl daughter finds love with guard

Elisabeth Fritzl, the Austrian woman locked in a cellar for 25 years by her father Josef Fritzl, during which time she was repeatedly raped and gave birth to seven children, has begun a relationship with one of the bodyguards assigned to look after her when she was released from her incarceration last year.

According to a report on the Austrian news site, oe24, she and the bodyguard - who is identified only as Thomas W and is said to be several years younger than the 42-year-old Elisabeth - are in love and living as a couple. "He never leaves her side," a source told the website. It is her first normal relationship with a man since she was kidnapped by her father at the age of 18.

The relationship is said to have been of great psychological benefit to Elisabeth Fritzl. It has enabled her to discontinue her regular psychiatric sessions and even take her driving test.

Roderick Orner, a British consultant psychologist, told the Independent that it was not unusual for victims of this kind of trauma to start intimate relationships because they need to build up their trust. "It can be very positive and we should welcome it," he said.

However, he warned that trauma victims can also suffer from "attachment difficulties" and can find themselves unconsciously entering into a new relationship in order to repeat past trauma experiences. "This is why they will need professional advice and support," he explained.

Josef Fritzl, 74, pleaded guilty  to all charges against him earlier this year and is serving life imprisonment. ·