Man sues family friend over ‘sex abuse’

Independent Newspapers

Pretoria - A young man who was allegedly molested by a family friend for three years from the age of 12, has – more than a decade later - confronted his “abuser” and is claiming nearly R2.5 million in damages.

The man, who is in his early 20s, did not tell anyone about his ordeal as a child. But things became too much for him as he became depressed.

He has approached the Pretoria High Court and is claiming R2m in damages for the emotional trauma he was subjected to. He is also claiming about R500 000 for past and future therapy sessions.

Both parties are from an affluent part of Pretoria. The defendant is not being named, to protect the identity of the alleged victim.

It is stated in papers that the sexual advances by the older man began in 2000 and lasted until 2003. The alleged abuser was a family friend who gradually became more involved in the then-12-year-old’s life. It is stated that the relationship included “emotional bondage, physical caresses, the exposure and touching of genitals, masturbation and verbal sexual communication”.

The man ran a business and involved the youngster in it.

According to a statement, the then-boy’s parents had busy careers and the “perpetrator” made himself indispensable as a friend who cared for their son.

The boy perceived the man to be a “kind and loving person” who took care of his emotional and physical needs at a time that he, as an emerging teenager, was vulnerable.

It is alleged the older man instructed the child to perform certain sexual deeds, under the pretence of “educating him sexually”.

The older man also convinced the child’s parents to allow him to move to a school where he was a member of the governing body.

After three years, the parents terminated the friendship between their son and the man after realising the boy was becoming moody.

It is stated that the young man is irritable and suffers from depression, insomnia and post-traumatic stress disorder. He often relives the sexual encounters.

According to court papers he has spent R14 000 on sessions with a psychologist and it is expected he will need therapy for the rest of his life.

The older man has denied all the allegations.

Pretoria News