The world renowned photographer and former judge of “America’s Next Top Model,” Nigel Barker, opened up about a traumatic childhood experience. During the live taping of his Sirius XM talk show, “The Gentleman’s Code,” Barker revealed that he was sexually assaulted at a young age. According to the radio report, Barker was walking to school one afternoon when he was approached by an adult male, seemingly 40 years old.
The man first lured him into giving directions, then proceeded to push him into a strange building. Barker said, “I was screaming and thrashing. Luckily for me I kicked him hard enough to where I could run out, and run all the way home.” Barker denotes he was able to break free with some scratches to his neck, and and nothing more than a damaged state of mind.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in the United States. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, the goal of SAAM is to raise public awareness about sexual assault and educate methods of prevention in the community. In honor of SAAM, Nigel Barker spoke heavily about the stigma regarding men and sexual assault. He made it a point to declare that men are less likely to report instances of abuse. “I didn’t tell anyone, I was humiliated, scared and worried,” said Barker. He continued on urging the importance of parents maintaining an open line of communication with their children. Although Barker’s wife, Cristen Barker, was skeptical of him being this open with the public about this experience, Barker moved forward hoping to educate and positively influence listeners and victims of assault.
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