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Stolen Voices: A sadistic step-father. Two children violated. Their battle for justice.
He beat them, he abused them, and he tortured them. He broke their dreams. But they came back stronger.
‘Terrie and Paul are two of the bravest people I have ever met. I have only shared the briefest glimpse into the true horrors this brother and sister have endured, but I rarely come across cases this bad. After the unspeakable abuse and shocking betrayals, two incredible human beings came through – to inspire us all.’
Sara Payne OBE, co-founder of Phoenix Survivors
Terrie and Paul’s step-father had been living with them for six months when the abuse and grooming began. What started as innocent conversations and goodnight kisses quickly developed into something far darker and depraved.
Everyday Terrie was assaulted and abused; her rapes were photographed, filmed and shared. Paul was regularly taunted and mercilessly beaten. But despite the bruises and the scars, and the desperate pleas for help, no one saw their pain.
But through it all they stuck together, battling for their childhoods for over a decade and masterminding creative ways to outwit their stepfather and buy themselves fleeting moments of joy.
In March 2013, thirty years on, Terrie and Paul made the brave decision to give up their right to anonymity to tell of the years of abuse they endured at the hands of their recently convicted step-father and raise awareness for the ongoing battle for justice for victims of child abuse. A powerful testament of what can be achieved through courage and love, this is their inspiring story.
‘Terrie and Paul are two of the bravest people I have ever met. I have only shared the briefest glimpse into the true horrors this brother and sister have endured, but I rarely come across cases this bad. After the unspeakable abuse and shocking betrayals, two incredible human beings came through – to inspire us all.’
Sara Payne OBE, co-founder of Phoenix Survivors
Terrie and Paul’s step-father had been living with them for six months when the abuse and grooming began. What started as innocent conversations and goodnight kisses quickly developed into something far darker and depraved.
Everyday Terrie was assaulted and abused; her rapes were photographed, filmed and shared. Paul was regularly taunted and mercilessly beaten. But despite the bruises and the scars, and the desperate pleas for help, no one saw their pain.
But through it all they stuck together, battling for their childhoods for over a decade and masterminding creative ways to outwit their stepfather and buy themselves fleeting moments of joy.
In March 2013, thirty years on, Terrie and Paul made the brave decision to give up their right to anonymity to tell of the years of abuse they endured at the hands of their recently convicted step-father and raise awareness for the ongoing battle for justice for victims of child abuse. A powerful testament of what can be achieved through courage and love, this is their inspiring story.
304 pages, Paperback
First published March 13, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 2, 2021
Abusive step-father, mother turned a blind eye?? seriously? Not noticing the red flag?.
The siblings came out strong, more love and power to them. Thanks for sharing the story - never know what happens behind the closed doors.
The siblings came out strong, more love and power to them. Thanks for sharing the story - never know what happens behind the closed doors.
May 16, 2018
Stolen voices i say stolen life's
After reading this book I cried for these two children Paul and Terrie how can a depraved monster like this animal still live . Paul and Terrie had a terrible childhood with there stepfather he was controlling and manipulating he battered those children and took his stepdaughters innocence away from her Paul asked for help from school it didn't happen the authorities who were supposed to protect children let these children down as did there mother how could she let him rape her daughter and her away with it she was as bad as he was . But they lived through it grew up into decent adults and survived 5 STARS for this brother and sister .
After reading this book I cried for these two children Paul and Terrie how can a depraved monster like this animal still live . Paul and Terrie had a terrible childhood with there stepfather he was controlling and manipulating he battered those children and took his stepdaughters innocence away from her Paul asked for help from school it didn't happen the authorities who were supposed to protect children let these children down as did there mother how could she let him rape her daughter and her away with it she was as bad as he was . But they lived through it grew up into decent adults and survived 5 STARS for this brother and sister .
January 21, 2016
Very hard to read. Most of the book I was angry at the mother and tried to not focus on that. I liked how it went back and forth from the authors preservative to her brothers side of the story and what each of them were thinking in that moment of torture
October 15, 2017
It's truly hard to imagine that there are people (I can hardly even use this term in regards to this monster) like this in the world... so depraved and so evil.
It's also very hard to read how EVERY SINGLE PERSON in their lives didn't believe them or do anything about what was right before their eyes. The system truly is fucked up.
And Terri and Paul truly are amazing! Thanks for sharing your story. I hope it helps make the world a better place for other children that feel that they are not being heard and for adults and persons in places of responsibility take action and actually listen!
It's also very hard to read how EVERY SINGLE PERSON in their lives didn't believe them or do anything about what was right before their eyes. The system truly is fucked up.
And Terri and Paul truly are amazing! Thanks for sharing your story. I hope it helps make the world a better place for other children that feel that they are not being heard and for adults and persons in places of responsibility take action and actually listen!
September 1, 2017
2.75*
This was an extremely difficult book for me to read. The writing was adequate; but, how can I say I enjoyed reading what amounted to nearly 325 pages of relentless sexual, emotional and physical abuse and torture. I was absolutely furious with the mother, for not only siding with the sick bastard, but for failing to protect her children. Can anyone be that stupid?
I applaud Terri and Paul Duckett for finally speaking out but very much doubt they are survivors.
I hope this sicko gets his just rewards in the prison system. He certainly deserves it.
This was an extremely difficult book for me to read. The writing was adequate; but, how can I say I enjoyed reading what amounted to nearly 325 pages of relentless sexual, emotional and physical abuse and torture. I was absolutely furious with the mother, for not only siding with the sick bastard, but for failing to protect her children. Can anyone be that stupid?
I applaud Terri and Paul Duckett for finally speaking out but very much doubt they are survivors.
I hope this sicko gets his just rewards in the prison system. He certainly deserves it.
April 21, 2015
This is a hard book to say that you "like". I can't say I enjoyed the story at all, but I think it is an important book to read. It was a struggle to finish it. Some parts had me feeling sick to my stomach, others I cringed at as if in pain myself, but in the end there is some closure, though it is not a "happy" ending.
September 7, 2015
Wonderfully written but hard to read at times. The things these children had to go through just broke my heart and made me uncomfortable. I almost cheered at the end when they finally were able to talk about it.
September 24, 2015
Too horrifying to be fiction. That guy deserves a death sentence.
October 13, 2015
The horrendous things these children went through will haunt me. Well written, I finished it in two days, couldn't put it down.
August 29, 2024
I always find these books hard to rate as they are an experience not a story. I couldn't put this down. I was shocked by the severity of what they went through as children and the frequency with which it happened. I am appalled by how the mother was either unaware or turned a blind eye, and so easily believed Peter's lies. And I am mortified by how many people the children told what was happening, that did nothing. They could have prevented so much of this from happening but they either did nothing or they too were naive enough to believe Peter's lies. I am upset for them that they lived through this but am proud of their bravery and resilience to have come through the other side. I hope the other prisoners find out what Peter did and make him suffer, and I hope he dies in prison and never gets released. He deserves no less!
November 3, 2026
What an absolutely heartbreaking story. I have such admiration for Terrie and her brother Paul. As a mum, my heart just broke for them and how much love and care they so deserved. The story, written in their words just highlights how scary controlling and coercive behaviour can become and how clever abusers can be at manipulating everyone and anyone. I like to think that professionals and safeguarding nowadays is taken much more seriously when children make disclosures because the horror Terrie and Paul lived through is just unimaginable. I’ve hugged and kissed my two babies so much over the last few days since reading this. I tried to google to see if there were any more recent updates on how they’re doing but couldn’t see anything. I just am so so so pleased that they finally got their voices heard after all these years. A very hard read, but important too.
February 21, 2018
Recommend
Oh wow , these two kids are survivors . I really feel for Terrie she went through pure hell . What that piece of trash did to her and her brother I do hope he dies in prison I hate child abusers and when it comes to men touching little girls I go mad. That is a touchy spot. Had it done to me more than my share. Men should be killed when they rape little girls. I do not care who they are. Kill them. Sorry this was done to you. Your book was hard to read I can imagine writing it was hard for you both. I wish I could give you both a big hug.
Oh wow , these two kids are survivors . I really feel for Terrie she went through pure hell . What that piece of trash did to her and her brother I do hope he dies in prison I hate child abusers and when it comes to men touching little girls I go mad. That is a touchy spot. Had it done to me more than my share. Men should be killed when they rape little girls. I do not care who they are. Kill them. Sorry this was done to you. Your book was hard to read I can imagine writing it was hard for you both. I wish I could give you both a big hug.
January 7, 2020
This is a true account from Paul and Terrie and the horrors they had to endure with life with there step father. Its a harrowing read and although well written it seems wrong to say it was enjoyable. Couldn't put it down.
December 2, 2022
It was a good read, but a very sad story. This book may not be for everyone as there are very descriptive parts about what happened to Paul & Terrie. Their stepdad is a monster & I hope he stays behind bars forever! He should never be allowed out & able to do this to anyone ever again!!
July 20, 2017
Cannot get to grips with how someone could do those things to two children. will have to get the other books to see what happens to this family.
August 6, 2017
How brave to share their horrendous childhood. My heart goes out to them.
April 2, 2020
Good read
Good read read in 3 days very well written the man got his just desserts Terrie and Paul are so brave
Good read read in 3 days very well written the man got his just desserts Terrie and Paul are so brave
August 1, 2023
Why did I pick this book up? Someone I know and respect recommended it.
This book is incredibly disturbing. I found myself unable to read many passages. I found the salacious narration highly disturbing. Many of the events are told verbatim from videos. That takes it to another level. It's child pornography. It's something that most people can't stomach. I certainly can't. And that's why it should be read, even if great chunks of text must be skipped. If the book were clinical, it would not have the impact.
Unfortunately, the book badly needs an editor. It is riddled with glaring grammar and spelling mistakes. I would have rated the book higher.
Otherwise, it fills me with joy that Peter is in jail, and hope he stays there for a very long time.
This book is incredibly disturbing. I found myself unable to read many passages. I found the salacious narration highly disturbing. Many of the events are told verbatim from videos. That takes it to another level. It's child pornography. It's something that most people can't stomach. I certainly can't. And that's why it should be read, even if great chunks of text must be skipped. If the book were clinical, it would not have the impact.
Unfortunately, the book badly needs an editor. It is riddled with glaring grammar and spelling mistakes. I would have rated the book higher.
Otherwise, it fills me with joy that Peter is in jail, and hope he stays there for a very long time.
May 4, 2025
What a book very sad and I’m glad they stood up to him.
May 5, 2014
It is incredible what the human mind, body and soul can endure. This story depicts a strength and bravery from two tortured people that is a rarity. As a person who experienced something akin Paul's situation (from the hands of my stepmother), I can empathize with the anger and need to outwit his aggressor. I'm grateful these siblings shared their story and amazed at their ability to do so...it's one thing to live through something like this and a whole other to relive it in the telling.
June 16, 2014
This book should be required reading for all teachers, social workers, police and anyone working with children. There were so many missed chances to help these children who were the victims of a dangerous, manipulative man who knew how to present a respectable face to the outside world. Appalling to read how Paul Duckett found the courage to speak out and was then handed back to the sadist who was abusing him and his sister!
March 2, 2016
What a horrible story. Hard to believe it's true! Those poor kids. And scary how no one noticed or believed them when they did try get help. Although the topic is distressing, the writing is engaging and almost upbeat. It is heartening that somehow these two siblings managed to overcome the horror and brokenness that they had survived. They are more than survivors: they are conquerors.
April 12, 2014
God bless the children , no child should ever go thru what this brother and sister did , it's heartbreaking. It was nice to read that he " evil sicko stepdad" was arrested and charged with some of the abuse, left up to me I would like to see him locked up and the key thrown away!!
May 19, 2014
This was a creepy book as it showed what child abuse and labor really was from the child's point of view.
August 5, 2014
Heartbreaking
October 17, 2015
What an amazing book. What them poor children went through was horrendous!!!!
October 17, 2015
Heartbreaking.
Terri and Paul are an inspiration to anyone in a similar position. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Stay strong.
As for their step father. No words needed. Vile.
Terri and Paul are an inspiration to anyone in a similar position. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Stay strong.
As for their step father. No words needed. Vile.
November 10, 2015
quel témoignage émouvant ........
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews