How would you feel if someone that you knew for 20 years turned out to be a monster? That’s exactly what happened to Catherine St. Germain, when she found out that her husband had sexually abused her 15-year-old daughter Alyssa.
It happened less than a year after they got married
Catherine thought that she had finally found her “happily ever after” when she got married to Aaron Tyrell Scott, a Navy veteran. She describes him as hard working, intelligent, friendly, and very close with his friends and family. He also had three children of his own, 2 girls, and 1 boy. One of his daughters was a year younger than Alyssa.
However, all of that immediately changed when she got a call from the police, saying that he had sexually assaulted her daughter. The assault happened less than a year after they got married.
Photo from: Facebook.com/Catherine St. Germain
A wolf in sheep’s clothing: Sexual Abuse
Catherine’s world turned upside down as the man that she thought she knew turned out to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing. She kicked him out of their home and immediately filed for divorce.
Scott, however, maintained his innocence until DNA evidence came back positive, showing that he did indeed abuse her daughter. He was sentenced to 90 days in jail and eight years of sexual offender probation.
However, she was not happy with the court’s decision not to inform the mothers of Scott’s children about the conviction. She shares, ‘”Stranger danger” is a joke,’ and then adds “Monsters look and act normal. They are very good at hiding who they really are.”
Overwhelming support for her family
Since Catherine’s brave decision to post a video on Facebook, she has received overwhelming support for her and her family.
A Facebook user named Abby Alt posted this comment on her video: “This breaks my heart. However your strength, and willingness to share your story is really incredible. I am proud of you.”
Another user, named Tiffany Armstrong had this to say: “You’re an amazing woman! Your bravery and strength are incredible. I apologize deeply that you and your family had to face that unforgivable b******t.”
Catherine hopes that her video will educate people and urge other victims of sexual abuse to come out and spread awareness.
Watch her powerful video below:
Keeping your family protected
Catherine urges parents to know about the warning signs of sexual abuse. She says, “All parents should learn about how pedophiles choose and exploit their victims; all children who disclose about their abusers should be believed.” Here are some of the warning signs that you should watch out for:
For younger children:
- Inappropriate sexual behavior for their age.
- Bedwetting, especially if the child has already outgrown this behavior.
- Does not want to be left alone with specific people or afraid of being away from a caregiver.
- Excessive fear or worry.
- Fear of being alone at night; nightmares.
For teens:
- Sudden weight loss or weight gain.
- Shows signs of physical abuse, such as bruises.
- Depression.
- Anxiety, or being too worried.
- Self-harm and suicidal behavior.
- Drug use or alcohol abuse.
Sources: dailymail.co.uk, facebook.com, rainn.org
