A 77-year-old therapist from Brighton, identified as Gerald Peck, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for sexually abusing a female client. The victim, a woman in her 40s, reported that Peck assaulted her during therapy sessions. Peck, who presented himself as a body and energy therapist, convinced the victim that intimate contact was necessary for her treatment, leading to multiple incidents of sexual assault over time.
Peck was found guilty on two counts of assault by penetration and three counts of sexual assault. He was also issued a restraining order and ordered to compensate the victim with £9,730 for therapy expenses within 10 months. The court emphasized that Peck exploited his position of trust to engage in inappropriate and abusive behavior beyond professional boundaries.
Following the victim’s courage in coming forward, Detective Constable Jazz Gannon highlighted the importance of maintaining ethical boundaries in therapeutic settings. The victim’s resilience played a crucial role in uncovering the truth and raising awareness about safeguarding measures within therapy environments.
If you have experienced sexual violence or know someone who has, there are support services available. You can report incidents to the police through various channels for assistance and justice. Visit the Sussex Police website for information on support and advice for victims.
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