Lydia Gouardo, now 62, has come forward to recount the harrowing 28-year ordeal she endured at the hands of her stepfather. The torment began in 1971 when she was just eight years old and locked up in an attic. Despite multiple attempts to escape, authorities returned her to her abuser, resulting in physical and psychological scars from the abuse, including burn marks from scalding water and acid.

The abuse continued until her stepfather’s death in 1999 without drawing suspicion in the quiet village of Crecy-la-Chapelle near Paris. Lydia also faced mistreatment from her stepmother, Lucienne, who was aware of the abuse but did not intervene.

In 2008, Lydia bravely shared her story, revealing the relentless cycle of rape and torture she endured. Lucienne received a suspended prison sentence for failing to stop the abuse. Despite the trauma, Lydia found the strength to speak out after the case of Josef Fritzl in Austria came to light, where a similar pattern of abuse and confinement was revealed.

In her book “The Silence of Others,” co-authored with journalist Jean-Michel Caradec’h, Lydia expressed solidarity with Elisabeth Fritzl, hoping to provide support as they both survived similar traumatic experiences. She criticized the lack of media attention her case received until after the Fritzl case gained global recognition.

Living in a small town near Paris and raising her nine children, Lydia conceals her acid scars with long clothing. Despite the challenges, she remains resilient, cherishing life and facing each day with gratitude and determination.