In a harrowing case that has drawn national attention, a man, now 32 years old, has publicly shared his story of alleged captivity and abuse that lasted nearly two decades. Known only as “S,” the man was rescued from a home in Waterbury, Connecticut, in February, having reportedly been held against his will since the age of 11 by his stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan.

S’s first public statement was released through the non-profit organization Survivors Say, marking a significant moment in his journey toward reclaiming his identity and autonomy. In his statement, he declared, “My name is my choice, and it is the first of many choices I will make for myself now that I am free.” This declaration comes after a life marked by isolation and abuse, during which he weighed just 68 pounds at the time of his rescue.

S’s ordeal began in 2004 when he was taken out of public school by Sullivan, who is now facing serious charges, including first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, and first-degree unlawful restraint. Following the fire that ultimately led to his rescue, Sullivan, who initially posted a $300,000 bond, has claimed her innocence and is currently free while awaiting trial. In a recent court hearing, the prosecution sought to impose stricter bail conditions, including house arrest and GPS monitoring, citing the strength of their case and S’s fear of Sullivan.

The circumstances surrounding S’s captivity are chilling. He recounted how he would sneak out to find food and water during his years of confinement, and he even resorted to drinking from a toilet due to severe restrictions on his access to basic necessities. S expressed gratitude for the care he has received since his rescue and thanked those who have supported him, including a GoFundMe campaign that has raised nearly $295,000 to assist with his recovery.

In his statement, S emphasized the importance of sharing his story, not just for himself but to advocate for justice against the crimes he endured. He stated, “I ask everyone involved in my story to fully cooperate with the authorities who are helping me seek justice for these crimes. This isn’t just a story; it’s my life.” He hopes to shed light on the broader implications of his experiences and the systemic failures that allowed his captivity to go unnoticed for so long.

Sullivan’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 22, and as the legal proceedings unfold, the case continues to raise concerns about child welfare and the mechanisms in place to protect vulnerable individuals. The Waterbury police have stated that they have never encountered a case quite like this, underscoring the severity and complexity of the situation.

As public interest in the case remains high, it is crucial to respect S’s privacy as he navigates this challenging chapter of his life. His journey from captivity to freedom represents not only a personal triumph but also a call to action for society to address the issues of abuse and neglect that can occur behind closed doors.