Survivor Jennifer Samson confronts child sex abuser Brendan Joel Rivers-Kennedy in court over his crimes
Covid nurse Jennifer Samson for years has been forced to stay quiet about the child sex abuse wrought by her brother-in-law. Today, that changed.
Police & Courts
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She survived the worst betrayal a child can endure – now Jennifer Samson is using her painful experience to fuel her empathy and passion to help others in need.
On Monday, after years of legally-enforced silence, Ms Samson confronted her abuser and brother-in-law, Brendan Joel Rivers-Kennedy, in the District Court.
In her victim impact statement, she reminded Rivers-Kennedy he faced a maximum life sentence, while she worked as a nurse to help SA battle the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I am now a proud frontline healthcare worker in the Covid response … the treasure in the wreckage of this crime is that my empathy has found new depths and dimensions,” she said.
“I can understand hidden emotion, and particularly understand how to help victims currently experiencing or recovering from abuse.
“I am going to use the power that I have to assist people in their vulnerable moments, ensure their safety, and advocate for their justice.”
Rivers-Kennedy, 28, of Mawson Lakes, pleaded guilty – on the morning of his scheduled trial – to one count of maintaining an unlawful sexual relationship with a child.
He assumed a brotherly role in Ms Samson’s life when she was a teenager and, after promising to help her cope with mental health issues, repeatedly abused her.
In her statement, Ms Samson – who gave The Advertiser permission to identify her – said Rivers-Kennedy had taken away “any sense of innocence I had”.
“I was a schoolgirl who had never kissed a boy … I was so deeply abused I didn’t acknowledge I was in danger anymore … I was numb,” she said.
She said his crimes had split her family in two, with Rivers-Kennedy’s wife – her stepsister – and many relatives siding with him and “victim-blaming” her.
“I can assure you the court system does not mind the cost of a survivor’s mental health, in the line of justice,” she said.
“Evidently neither does (Rivers-Kennedy), using the last millimetre of control he had over me to enter a guilty plea at the absolute last opportunity.
“I hope this conviction of maintaining an unlawful sexual relationship with a child has changed at least one view of innocence in that family.”
Ms Samson said seeing Rivers-Kennedy taken into custody “like the sick-minded criminal he always has been” helped, but could not heal, her pain.
“Nothing will reverse the horrific effect he has had on my life, like dragging mud on a white carpet,” she said.
“I can only hope he has a sliver of understanding of the blatant abuse I endured at his hands … you will never be forgiven.”
Judge Ian Press remanded Rivers-Kennedy in custody for sentencing next month.
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