I was 12 years old when I was robbed of my innocence. In 2003, my PE teacher at school began to sexually abuse me. He continued to do so for two years.
Children are taught to trust adults, especially their teachers, and to believe they will keep them safe. But how could a little girl believe that when she was being violated by someone entrusted with her care, in a place where she was supposed to be protected?
At 14, I finally found the courage to tell someone. I did what children are taught to do: tell the truth, trust the police and prosecutors, and believe justice will follow.
My abuser faced multiple sexual-abuse charges, including dangerous crimes against a child committed while in a position of trust, which carried the possibility of 25 years to life in prison. Instead, he received a reduced plea: two Class 3 felonies, nine months in jail, and “lifetime” probation.
I was told the plea deal would spare me the trauma of a trial. Instead, it prolonged my suffering.
Nearly 15 years later, in 2020, I was summoned back to court because my abuser sought to terminate his lifetime probation. I was stunned. I had no idea that terminating lifetime probation was an option. That’s when I l...