Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 2870

Tonight's special guest is Peter Doherty from Llantwit Major, UK. He grew up in a spiritual family and became an altar boy. Around the age of 9 or 10 a member of the parish community took a shine to him and eventually one day things took a different turn. Peter says, "I really didn’t know what was happening at the time and was confused." He goes on, "To me it felt wrong and I knew that this was something that was not right. At the same time I liked him and wanted to continue  his friendship. So when I got home and my mum asked if he'd touched me I said "no". The next time I saw him I told him I didn’t like 'the kissy stuff' and he agreed not to do it again." Many years later Peter learned he'd continued to do it, as he got arrested and was sent to prison for a short time. Peter grew up feeling angry, guilty and confused about his own sexuality. "I didn't know if I was straight or gay. I flunked all of my school exams and was told by my mum that she was very disappointed in me. I was completely lost. It was like I was stuck in childhood and unable to progress any further." Peter explains, "At school I got into trouble, and although I could get girlfriends I would push them away when I felt they were getting too close. I drank lots and I mean lots. I found it hard to stay in relationships; I always had to move around to feel safe; as though I had to hide my secret." Things eventually got better. "I started making inroads during my armed forces service. After I left I trained to become a counselor and counseled many people with all sorts of hidden trauma. My wife has helped me immensely and knows my past; my wife is My Rock. I have met fellow survivors with different experiences." Peter recommends survivors speak out.