B.C. abuse victim goes public to help others
Global News
An Abbotsford woman who was sexually abused as a child is speaking out after suffering years of abuse at the hands of her stepfather, starting at the age of just 12 years old.
WARNING: This story contains some disturbing details. Discretion is advised.
An Abbotsford woman who was sexually abused as a child is speaking out after suffering years of abuse at the hands of her stepfather, starting at the age of just 12 years old.
Nicole Lauder, now 27, told Global News that most of those assaults were taking place in her own home.
“There’s not a single part that it didn’t touch and that it didn’t impact emotionally, mentally, probably was the biggest one,” Lauder said. ” I struggled a really long time. I had some really low points in my life, unable to attend school, unable to focus on anything other than trying to get through the day. I was very lost.”
On Jan. 20, her abuser, 60-year-old Leonard Debad, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, to be followed by three years’ probation after pleading guilty to the charge of sexual interference of a person under the age of 16.
The names of victims in sexual abuse crimes and details that can identify them are protected under a publication ban.
However, in a rare move, Lauder asked the court to lift the ban on her name.
“It was only really protecting him, and you know I have nothing to hide,” she said.
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