A victim has described the life-long effects of childhood sexual abuse and urged men it is never too late for help.
Former teacher Deborah Franklin was jailed for seven years on Thursday, October 1 for non-recent offences.
The 65-year-old, formerly of Fairfield Close in RadlettNews, denied eight counts of gross indecency with a boy under 14 between 1991 and 1995 but was convicted following a five-day trial.
The victim said: “I have carried the abuse with me throughout my life. It has been a constant shadow. Sometimes in the foreground and sometimes in the background, but always present. My life has been shaped by what happened to me when I was boy. I hope this case leads to greater awareness that women can be perpetrators of sexual abuse and boys can be victims.”
Police received a report in March 2024 and charged Franklin in March 2025. She was jailed at St Albans Crown Court and handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years.
Detective Constable Liz McGrath said: “I wish to commend the victim for his courage in reporting these crimes to the police. This investigation was challenging and complex because it involved allegations of child sexual abuse dating back more than 30 years. The impact of sexual abuse by a woman in a position of trust can be profound.”
You can report information online, speak to an operator in the Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.
Anyone in Hertfordshire who has experienced sexual abuse or sexual violence can contact the Herts Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for practical and emotional support.
The centre can arrange face-to-face support, sexual health referrals, and provide forensic medical examinations for those who want them.
To contact Herts SARC, call 0330 223 0099 or visit Herts SARC.
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