The YDC Fund must continue to compensate survivors of sexual and other abuse perpetrated by YDC state employees in YDC facilities. Do not allow this fund to be quietly dismantled or set aside to die on the vine.
The recent firing of former Justice John Broderick — without cause — appears to be a calculated move to divert fund resources for other state purposes. This decision is an outrage.
Governor Ayotte has severely undermined the pursuit of justice for YDC survivors by removing a well-respected, honest and long-standing mental health advocate like John Broderick. Replacing him with a political appointee is akin to putting the fox in charge of the henhouse. Broderick’s role was not political — it was personal, compassionate and rooted in justice.
Furthermore, it is a harmful misconception to assume that survivors falsely report their abuse. In reality, disclosing such trauma often takes immense courage and, for many, decades of internal struggle. Survivors commonly delay disclosure due to fear, shame, confusion and societal stigma.
Tragically, our society — including families, lawmakers and even the courts — continues to fail survivors of sexual abuse. Too often, family members remain silent out of fear or denial. Some still mistakenly believe that child sexual abuse is strictly physical or that children forget these experiences. But as Dr. Bessel van der Kolk explains in “The Body Keeps the Score,” trauma leaves a lasting imprint — physically, emotionally and psychologically.
I liken child sexual abuse to the murder of the soul. A child’s innocence is erased in
an instant during the first assault. Lacking the maturity and cognitive development
to understand what has happened, the child is nonetheless deeply imprinted by the
trauma—particularly in the amygdala, the brain’s emotional memory center.
Immediately following the abuse, a child often experiences crushing feelings of
shame, guilt, and profound betrayal. Guilt arises because children, in the face of
trauma, instinctively believe they did something wrong. The betrayal is even more
devastating because the abuse is committed by an adult — often a trusted caregiver
or relative — who is supposed to provide love and protection.
I am a survivor of child sexual abuse, which occurred between the ages of 3 and 11. Much of my young adulthood was spent grappling with the aftermath — trying to heal from the trauma inflicted by a predator. The confusion, fear and poor decisions resulting from my abuse delayed and disrupted my higher education, career, relationships and family life.
Healing from child sexual abuse can take years of intensive therapy. That’s why I call it the murder of the soul — because the impact is lifelong, deeply embedded and incredibly difficult to overcome.
The state of New Hampshire must do better by its children and its adult survivors. Appointing a political figure to oversee the YDC Survivors Fund is a dangerous and misguided decision. Such a person will not have the depth of knowledge or emotional insight that Justice Broderick brings to the table. He has personally listened to survivors, understands their pain and acknowledges their truths.
His long-standing service and professional integrity make him uniquely qualified to administer the YDC Fund with the compassion, experience and justice it demands.
Please reinstate Justice John Broderick. He is the only person who should be administering the YDC Survivors Fund.
Paula Czech Lesmerises
Concord