A courageous man has come forward to share the traumatic experiences he and his twin brother endured from their malevolent uncle. The uncle, Clive, who was married to their mother’s sister, Maureen, exploited his close relationship with the young boys, subjecting them to sexual abuse until they reached the age of 16.
Growing up in Lincoln in the ’80s, Ryan and Phil Fisher cherished their childhood memories of playing with their other brothers. However, a dark family secret haunted their upbringing, leading Ryan to bear the burden of guilt for nearly three decades.
The twins, who were very close, could not recall precisely when Clive initiated his abusive behavior. Ryan suspected that Clive began grooming them from the moment he entered their lives. In a recent interview with Crime Monthly, Ryan recollected the distressing moments of abuse, detailing how Clive’s manipulative tactics escalated gradually.
During family trips to Scotland and Cambridge, Clive manipulated situations to isolate Ryan and Phil, exploiting the absence of their aunt Maureen to carry out his abusive acts. Despite feeling scared and ashamed, Ryan struggled to protect his brother from the torment they faced.
The abuse took a toll on Ryan’s well-being, affecting his behavior at school and personal hygiene. Eventually, the abuse ceased when the boys turned 16, bringing a sense of relief but also leaving lasting emotional scars.
After mustering the courage at 18, Ryan and Phil confided in their brother Leighton, who encouraged them to seek help from support services. Following a heart-wrenching revelation to their parents, the brothers reported Clive’s crimes to the authorities, leading to his arrest and subsequent conviction.
Despite the legal resolution, Ryan battled with the aftermath of the abuse, resorting to destructive coping mechanisms. However, with the support of his wife and counseling, Ryan found solace and embarked on a journey to aid others in similar situations.
Collaborating with author Toni Maguire, Ryan and Phil penned the book “Please Protect Us,” aiming to dismantle the stigma surrounding male survivors of sexual abuse and inspire others to share their stories.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, resources and assistance can be accessed through www.rapecrisis.org.uk or the national telephone helpline at 0808 802 9999. Share your story by emailing julia.banim@reachplc.com.
Stay informed with Daily Mirror as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for quick access to the news that matters to you.