A man has courageously shared the traumatic experiences he and his twin brother endured at the hands of their malevolent uncle. Clive, the husband of their mother’s sister Maureen, exploited his proximity to the boys, subjecting them to sexual abuse until they reached 16 years old.

Ryan and Phil Fisher, growing up in ’80s Lincoln, had bright memories with their brothers but were haunted by a dark family secret of abuse. The twins, close since childhood, were vulnerable due to Phil’s early health struggles, making Ryan fiercely protective. The abuse started subtly, with Clive gradually introducing inappropriate touching through seemingly innocent games like the spider-themed activity.

During family trips to Scotland and Cambridge, Clive isolated Ryan and Phil by misleadingly claiming to make phone calls while their aunt was occupied, creating opportunities for his abuse. Ryan, overwhelmed with shame and fear, struggled to protect Phil and cope with the trauma. The abuse took a toll on Ryan’s school life, leading to behavioral issues and emotional distress that went unnoticed by teachers.

The abuse ceased when the boys turned 16, and two years later, after confiding in their brother Leighton, Ryan and Phil bravely disclosed the abuse to their parents and sought help from authorities. Despite initial family resistance, they reported Clive’s crimes, leading to his arrest and subsequent conviction.

Ryan, grappling with the aftermath, turned to destructive coping mechanisms before finding solace in his wife Helen and seeking professional help. Together with Phil, he authored a book to raise awareness and support other male survivors. Their story sheds light on the importance of breaking the silence surrounding male sexual abuse and seeking help.

If you have experienced sexual assault, resources and assistance are available through websites like www.rapecrisis.org.uk or the national helpline at 0808 802 9999. Share your story by emailing julia.banim@reachplc.com.