My plea to Judge Gerard Boyle
As the recent nominee for administrator of the YDC settlement fund, and with a history of presiding over the Merrimack County Teen Court, I am hopeful that Gerard Boyle has the expertise, empathy and moral fiber to provide fair outcomes for the survivors of the former Sununu Youth Services Center.
However, I believe it is essential that he become trauma-informed, if he is not already. Most importantly, I urge him to issue an apology on behalf of the State of New Hampshire to the survivors. An apology does not draw down the YDC settlement fund, yet it could provide meaningful healing and acknowledgment to those who suffered.
I am a survivor of child sexual abuse, and the impact has been a lifelong struggle. Initially, I faced overwhelming feelings of poor self-esteem, believing I was “damaged goods,” along with shame, a lack of self-confidence and a deep loss of trust. I did not come forward about my abuse until I was 28 years old — more than 20 years after the initial assaults. The delay was due to confusion, extreme anger, shame, feelings of betrayal and an inability to verbalize my trauma. Only with the help of a psychologist was I able to speak about my abuse.
Judge Boyle, please do not compound the trauma that YDC survivors have already endured for years.
I urge you to recognize the signs of grooming and trauma when making your decisions. False reporting by survivors is extremely rare.