Sean Mccann Speaks out on Sexual Abuse Suffered As a Child

VOCM
October 3, 2014

http://www.vocm.com/newsarticle.asp?mn=2&id=49708&latest=1

[with audio]


A well known local public figure is coming out about sexual abuse he suffered as a child. VOCM's Linda Swain reports.

Sean McCann of Great Big Sea has announced that he was the victim of sexual assault at the hands of his former priest when he was 16-years-old. He says after denying the abuse to himself for over 30 years, and resorting to alcohol to numb his pain, he has decided to speak out.

McCann recently attended a Recovery Breakfast in London Ontario, where he heard from speaker and former abuse victim Paulie O'Byrne who inspired him to share his own truth. O'Byrne is a London-based hockey player who was abused by a former hockey mentor. He resorted to drugs, and overdosed three times before coming to terms with the abuse that almost ruined his life. He says since starting to acknowledge the abuse, and sharing his story, he's come to terms with the embarrassment and shame that nearly destroyed him.

McCann shared his story online this week, saying that he is taking back what was stolen from him, his innocence, his confidence and his trust, and knows that he is not alone.

www.seanmccannsings.com/blog