In a shocking lawsuit, Hilary McKean, a California resident, has accused her brother Mark Hanson, the owner of Bricoleur Vineyards in Sonoma County, of repeatedly sexually assaulting and raping her during their childhood. The alleged abuse occurred over a six-year period when McKean was between the ages of 8 and 14. McKean recently came forward with these accusations, having repressed the memories for decades.
According to McKean’s lawsuit, Hanson would enter her bedroom at night and subject her to various forms of sexual abuse, including unwanted sexual intercourse, penetration, oral sex, forced masturbation, choking, and even foot-fetish kinks. These traumatic experiences have had a lasting impact on McKean’s mental health, leading to depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
California’s statute of limitations allows victims of sexual assault to file lawsuits within five years of realizing the abuse and its psychological consequences. As such, McKean is seeking unspecified damages for the difficulties she has endured as a result of the alleged assaults. Her lawsuit also demands a jury trial.
McKean’s recollection of the abuse resurfaced in the spring of 2022 while she was working on a memoir. She believes that societal pressure to protect family reputations often hinders survivors from speaking up about their experiences. McKean emphasizes the importance of open dialogue and asserts that sharing these stories is essential for healing both individuals and society as a whole.
Hanson, through his attorney, vehemently denies the allegations and accuses McKean of fabricating the entire story for financial gain. However, given the seriousness of the accusations and the potential legal implications, Hanson’s attorney has not yet responded to requests for comment.
It is crucial to note that anyone who has experienced sexual assault can seek support and assistance. In New York, individuals can call 1-800-942-6906 for free and confidential crisis counseling. Outside of the state, the 24/7 National Sexual Assault hotline can be reached at 1-800-656-4673. These resources provide vital support for survivors during their healing process.
