A courageous man has spoken out about the traumatic abuse he and his twin brother endured at the hands of their malevolent uncle. The twins, Ryan and Phil Fisher, who grew up in ’80s Lincoln, were victims of their uncle Clive’s sexual abuse until they reached the age of 16.
Despite cherishing happy memories of their childhood with their other brothers, a dark family secret plagued Ryan and Phil, with Ryan blaming himself for almost thirty years. The twins, who were very close, were targeted by Clive from a young age, with Ryan recalling how the abuse began subtly but progressed to disturbing games that involved inappropriate touching.
During family trips to Scotland and Cambridge, Clive would isolate Ryan and Phil, taking advantage of moments when their aunt Maureen was occupied. Ryan, though scared and filled with shame, felt a strong urge to protect his brother but was often paralyzed by fear.
The abuse took a toll on Ryan’s school life, leading to behavioral issues and academic struggles. Following years of enduring the abuse, the twins finally confided in their brother Leighton at the age of 18, who supported them in seeking help from the authorities.
After reporting the crimes to the police and their parents, Clive was arrested and eventually served time in prison after pleading guilty. Despite the truth coming to light, Ryan faced a challenging journey of coping with trauma through unhealthy habits until meeting his supportive wife, Helen, who helped him seek counseling and find healing.
Now, Ryan and Phil have collaborated with author Toni Maguire to write a book titled Please Protect Us, aiming to break the silence around male sexual abuse and encourage others to share their stories. Their message resonates with those who have experienced similar trauma, providing hope and support for survivors.
If you have experienced sexual assault, resources and assistance are available through www.rapecrisis.org.uk or by calling the national helpline on 0808 802 9999. Share your story by emailing julia.banim@reachplc.com.