Speaking Out: Male Abuse Victim's Brave Stand

The victim ofHazel Templetonhas said she 'stole his childhood' after she sexually abused him at just 12 years old as he speaks out in the hopes other males will not sit in silence.

Hazel Templeton Sentenced
HazelTempleton, 79,was sentenced to nearly two years in prison at Laganside Court on Tuesday, March 11 after admitting seven sexual offences against a 12 year old boy that took place between July 1, 1984 and August 31, 1984.

Courage to Speak Out
As he jailed the mother-of-two, Judge Mark Reel said Templeton had 'acted for sexual gratification and took advantage of a child.' Now, in the hopes of encouraging other men and boys to speak out about the abuse they may have suffered, her victim has issued a statement describing the terrible impact Templeton's actions have had on him throughout his life.

Message of Support
He said: 'For so many years all I felt was absolute confusion. The basis of any childhood is that you can trust adults. The need to keep a secret of that magnitude from friends and family led to me shutting down.'