2008 Photo Contest, Contemporary Issues, 2nd prize
Photographer

Lorena Ros

Panos Pictures

01 January, 2007

The library lavatory where Jose's abuse took place. Jose (23) was abused by the neighborhood librarian when he was 13. His abuser showered him with gifts and money. Jose's mother found out when he was 16, pressed charges, and the librarian was sentenced to seven years in prison. The last available study, conducted in 1994, indicated that 23 percent of girls and 15 percent of boys under the age of 17 in Spain had been sexually abused. Most abused children will never speak of their experience. As an adult survivor, Jose believes that disclosing his personal story will contribute to the prevention of future child sex abuse.

About the photographer

Lorena Ros

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