A hidden legacy of child sexual abuse has blighted “generations” at the island’s sports clubs and other institutions, according to shadow sports minister Michael Weeks.

Commending football coaches Andrew and David Bascome for going public about their own experiences, Mr Weeks called it “an old affliction, one that results in untold emotional hardship and shattered lives” — one that had been “concealed beneath the surface for generations”.

Meanwhile, a top police officer called for victims to come forward to enable the investigation of abuses — and Mark Pettingill, chairman of a joint parliamentary select committee on sex offenders, told The Royal Gazette that policy proposals safeguarding children were to be presented “early in the new year”.

Andrew Bascome also revealed that his abuser was still in the community, prompting fellow coach Maceo Dill called for a criminal investigation.

While the Bascome brothers were unavailable for comment yesterday, a police spokesman said that “as in all investigations, police require a direct complaint from the victim before we can commence”.

“However, it would not be appropriate for us to comment in any detail regarding any specific matter.”

Asked on the committee’s progress, Mr Pettingill said that “dealing with sports clubs and all organisations that deal with children is very much part of what we are looking to address”.

He called Andrew Bascome “a very good friend” and said that Mr Bascome had alluded to his ordeal some years ago.

Adding that sexual predators were far from exclusive to clubs, Mr Pettingill said parents needed to be aware that “often places where they think children are safest are less safe” — and that the committee would shortly advise on “proper protocol, not just for sports organisations but every organisation”.

“We had hoped to have it done this session, but unfortunately this session was cut short,” Mr Pettingill added, in reference to the postponement of Parliament until February of next year.

Yesterday’s police statement to victims came from Detective Superintendent Sean Field-Lament, who said there was no time limit to reporting such matters.

“If you have been a victim or know of incidents of child sexual abuse, report them so that we can investigate to the fullest of our ability.”

Statements should be “carefully considered to avoid compromising potential investigations”, he said, conceding that such incidents could be “highly emotional and devastating” in a small community.

“As always, any information received will be treated with the strictest confidence.”

Mr Weeks applauded the Bascome brothers for giving a voice to “the many victims who are afraid to speak out”.

“Many in our community are suffering the ramifications of sexual abuse at a young age.”

Childhood trauma was often a root cause of substance abuse, depression, anxiety, isolation and poor academic achievement, he said, making prevention “an utmost priority”.

Saying many organisations had “proactively incorporated procedures to protect the children under their care”, Mr Weeks added: “We, as legislators, must follow their example.”

He pointed to the efforts of the abuse charity Scars Bermuda in outlining deficiencies “which we should act upon, including requirements that those imprisoned for these crimes complete mandatory counselling before release.

“Although we stand with these victims, until we have done this and other recommended actions, we cannot provide them with the justice and assistance that will enable them a peaceful and happy future and protect future generations from these same ordeals. We must do better.”

For information or to report a matter, contact Detective Inspector Mark Clarke of the Serious Crime Unit on 717-0282, e-mail mclarke@bps.bm, or contact the confidential Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-8477.