A firefighter's courageous decision to speak publicly about being sexually abused has prompted Cumbria's crime commissioner to urge other victims to speak up.

Ade Kevern, 45, spoke about his ordeal and the devastating effect of the childhood abuse in the hope he would encourage other victims to realise that it is the perpetrators and not their victims who should feel shame.

His abuser was jailed last year.

All victims of sex crimes are entitled to anonymity but Mr Kevern, from Whitehaven, believes that by speaking out he has sent out a powerful and empowering message to other victims.

Reacting to his decision, Cumbria's crime commissioner Peter McCall said he hoped it would encourage other victims to report offences, no matter how long ago they happened.

He said: “I admire the bravery of Ade for speaking out. For him it has been a difficult journey and for many victims this is often so. But from Ade’s story, if he hadn’t taken that journey, he would still have been in a very desperate place.

“We know that sexual abuse in men is under-reported. My message is simple to all victims of sexual abuse and violence: no matter if you are male or female please come forward."

Support for victims has significantly improved in Cumbria in recent years. The Bridgeway Centre in Penrith offers consistent support to victims, who can go there directly if they do not want to go to the police.

Mr Kevern said: “It took me 34 years before I felt strong enough to talk about what had happened to me. I confided in a friend and it took another couple of years before I could come forward and report to police what had happened to me. Words cannot describe the horrendous journey I have been on and the impact of being sexual abused at aged nine. The trauma and shame affected every aspect of my life.

“I lived through some very dark days consumed in a fog of depression.

“Things are different for me now. Breaking my silence and seeking professional help has set me on the path to recovery. I still have a long way to go and the journey will continue, but I have learned there is an opportunity to live life and not simply endure it.

"I'd encourage others to break their silence and take the first steps to get the help they need and so rightly deserve.”