Brave Dublin Survivor Charlene Masterson Shares Disturbing Details of Abuse by Father David Masterson, Choosing to Waive Anonymity for the Sake of Other Victims

Charlene Masterson’s choice to reveal her identity marks a courageous step in confronting her father, David Masterson, who received a 17-year prison sentence for a disturbing campaign of sexual abuse.

At 56, David exploited his relationship with Charlene, beginning his abuse when she was just 18 and continuing for seven years.

Despite having the legal right to anonymity due to her father’s crimes, Charlene felt it was essential to speak out for the sake of justice.

A Relentless Campaign of Abuse

Charlene’s story unveils a harrowing blackmail scheme orchestrated by her father.

The abuse started in 2007 with an anonymous text threatening to expose personal information unless she complied with twisted demands.

Unbeknownst to her, the individual behind those messages was her own father, who manipulated the situation by pretending to be someone else, coercing her into degrading situations while blindfolded and listening to music.

As the abuse unfolded, Charlene recognized that her father had controlled her life long before the actual incidents began.

“I stopped seeing him as my dad from the moment he laid his hands on me,” she shared.

The term “father” became a painful reminder of betrayal and disrespect.

Breaking the Silence

In her impactful victim statement, Charlene addressed the pervasive stigma surrounding sexual assault in Ireland.

She has since become an advocate for victims, striving to create an environment where others can come forward without fear.

Her message is clear: “It’s important for people to realize that if anyone has been raped by someone they don’t know, they can remain anonymous. I wanted to help, even if it was just for one person.”

The Unraveling of a Disturbing Plot

Charlene described how the abuse began with strange messages from an unknown number.

Feeling panicked and desperate for help, she reached out to her father, expecting support.

Instead, he forced her into situations that would lead to her repeated victimization.

The manipulative nature of her father’s actions became increasingly apparent as he feigned concern for his job while exploiting her vulnerability.

The horrifying reality of her situation hit home when she discovered a DVD recording of some of the abuse.

This marked a turning point, shifting the abuse from a hidden terror to an open horror that she could no longer ignore.

The Fight for Justice

After years of suffering in silence, Charlene’s friends intervened, leading to her mother confronting David.

Since that moment, he has been estranged from both Charlene and her mother, only seen occasionally during court proceedings.

Reflecting on her father’s lack of remorse during the trial, Charlene expressed her disappointment.

“I thought there might be some acknowledgment of his actions, but there was none,” she recalled.

A Message of Hope

Charlene aims to use her experience to inspire others to come forward.

She highlighted the importance of support systems for victims and praised organizations like the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre for their invaluable assistance.

Public figures, including then-Taoiseach Micheál Martin, also recognized her bravery and the impact of her story.

While Charlene once envisioned a future filled with family and happiness, the trauma she endured has altered those dreams.

Yet, her resolve to speak out continues to shine, proving that even amidst unimaginable pain, hope and courage can lead to change.

For anyone affected by similar issues, resources and support are available through organizations like Rape Crisis.