"For the first time since going to police about being sexually abused by former San Jose Councilmember Omar Torres, his cousin Adrian Betancourt spoke publicly about the courage it took to come forward. In court proceedings, victim impact statements and in the eyes of many, he was known only as "John Doe." Now, Betancourt is claiming his trauma. "My name is Adrian Betancourt," he said. "I am the man who, just like many of you, just can't stand by and let injustices to happen.""
"Betancourt is the recipient of the Karyn Sinunu-Towery "Courage" Award from Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen for coming forward after he was sexually abused by Omar Torres. RELATED: Former SJ councilmember Omar Torres sentenced to 18 years in state prison for child sex abuse Rosen said it helped lead to the former San Jose Councilmember's incarceration. "Adrian's story is harrowing," Rosen said at his State of the Office speech Tuesday. "Adrian, you are my hero. You are our hero too.""
Adrian Betancourt publicly identified himself after previously being known as "John Doe" in court proceedings related to sexual abuse by former San Jose Councilmember Omar Torres. Betancourt received the Karyn Sinunu-Towery "Courage" Award from Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen, who credited his coming forward with helping lead to Torres' incarceration. Betancourt described childhood and teen-year assaults, thanked supporters, and said he speaks to give voice to vulnerable victims, including boys and men. Years of holding the trauma in contributed to addiction and homelessness. He decided to come forward when news suggested another possible assault.
Read at ABC7 San Francisco
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