A CONNECTICUT man who was allegedly held captive for more than 20 years by his stepmother has broken his silence after marking a heartbreaking milestone.
The man, who goes by the name ‘S', put out an emotional statement with support from the nonprofit Survivors Say.
It comes shortly after S celebrated his first-ever birthday party when he turned 32.
His statement reflects on the alleged abuse he received over the years as he looks to his future.
He said: “I am choosing a new name for myself, and I will use that name as I reclaim control over my life and my future.
“My name is my choice, and it is the first of many choices I will make for myself now that I am free.”
He was rescued from the alleged abuse after intentionally setting his home on fire back in February.
The man was reportedly just 68 pounds when he was found, and authorities have claimed his condition was similar to an Auschwitz survivor.
Doctors told investigators that “pieces of his teeth would break off” when he tried to eat because of “severe tooth decay”.
The victim had also allegedly “not bathed in a year or two”, according to a police affidavit.
He was reportedly found by first responders in a fetal position.
“I am a survivor of more than 20 years of captivity and domestic abuse,” S said.
“I was held prisoner in my home from the time I was taken out of the fourth grade at age 11 until two months ago at age 31 when I purposely set the fire that helped set me free.
“I am speaking out today to begin the process of reclaiming my life and to have my say in how my story is told.”
His stepmother Kimberly Sullivan, 57, has pleaded not guilty to assault and kidnapping charges.
She is alleged to have starved and abused him while keeping him in a tiny “back storage space” for more than 20 years.
Sullivan's lawyer has claimed the victim's late father was responsible.
The victim was allegedly only given two bottles of water per day, which he would sometimes use to wash himself.
An investigation found that the man's father died last year and biological mother had given up custody when he was a small child, MailOnline has reported.
S added: “I am much better and stronger than I was the day the first responders carried me out of my home.
“I am beyond grateful for the care I have received since then. To all the health care professionals who have helped and nurtured me, thank you.
“In addition to all of your care, I appreciated the chance to have my first ever birthday party to celebrate turning 32.”
S also thanked law enforcement and first responders as well as the team at Safe Haven.
The nonprofit is helping organise a GoFundMe for him to support the costs for his medical and dental care, housing, therapy and legal fees.
The fundraiser has raised more than $280,000 at time of writing – closing in on its $300,000 target.
