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Table of Contents
About The Book
A memoir of trauma and transformation by a man who was haunted by childhood abuse but who fought his way back—a journey from vengeance and prison to freedom and redemption.
For a boy growing up in the 1970s, rural northern New Jersey was a year-round playground, filled with secret fishing holes, enchanted woods, and private trails to explore with friends. But this childhood idyll was snatched from Clark Fredericks by a man he regarded as a local hero: Dennis Pegg, the town’s Boy Scout leader, a law enforcement officer with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Department, and, as Fredericks would discover, a serial predator.
Through his teenage years and young adulthood, Fredericks kept silent about the horrific abuse he experienced, turning to drugs, alcohol, gambling, and sex addiction to numb the memory. For decades, he remained tormented by shame, unable to share the secrets that were eating away at his psyche—until he violently confronted his abuser.
At once heartbreaking and uplifting, Scarred is the story of a man who overcame the destructive aftereffects of violence and abuse that nearly destroyed him. Now an advocate for victims and a prominent voice in support of child abuse law reform, Fredericks powerfully illustrates the healing power of love and trust.
For a boy growing up in the 1970s, rural northern New Jersey was a year-round playground, filled with secret fishing holes, enchanted woods, and private trails to explore with friends. But this childhood idyll was snatched from Clark Fredericks by a man he regarded as a local hero: Dennis Pegg, the town’s Boy Scout leader, a law enforcement officer with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Department, and, as Fredericks would discover, a serial predator.
Through his teenage years and young adulthood, Fredericks kept silent about the horrific abuse he experienced, turning to drugs, alcohol, gambling, and sex addiction to numb the memory. For decades, he remained tormented by shame, unable to share the secrets that were eating away at his psyche—until he violently confronted his abuser.
At once heartbreaking and uplifting, Scarred is the story of a man who overcame the destructive aftereffects of violence and abuse that nearly destroyed him. Now an advocate for victims and a prominent voice in support of child abuse law reform, Fredericks powerfully illustrates the healing power of love and trust.
About The Author
Andrew Santiago
Clark Fredericks and his story have inspired major reform of the statutes that once severely limited the rights of child abuse victims to sue their abusers. He has been featured on CBS News, ABC News, in People, Los Angeles Times, and more. Now a popular motivational speaker, he remains an outspoken victim’s rights advocate. He lives in Westchester County, New York. Find out more at FreeLike-Me.com.
Product Details
- Publisher: Atria Books (July 29, 2025)
- Length: 272 pages
- ISBN13: 9781668018675
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Raves and Reviews
“Scarred is a transformational story of courageous recovery, offering solace and empowerment to trauma survivors. Join Clark on his heroic journey as he confronts his past traumas, inspiring readers to embrace self-acceptance and reclaim their lives. This gripping account serves as a beacon of hope, guiding readers to release shame and embrace resilience, just as it did for me.”
—Gabrielle Bernstein, #1 New York Times Bestselling author, The Universe Has Your Back
“Beautifully written… Clark Fredericks describes the pain and harm caused to a person over time when they are sexually assaulted as a child by a trusted adult, holding the pain inside, self-medicating with substances, loss of identity, broken relationships, depression and suicidal thoughts, and eventually snapping… Clark's story reads like an unintended thriller, with a welcome ending.”
—Dr. Leslie Dobson, clinical and forensic psychologist, author, and speaker
“Heroic [and] poignant… Clark shows us how forbidden topics and the silencing of victims gives predators the freedom to continue their abuse…. Because of Clark’s amazing advocacy work, the veil of shame is being lifted for victims, particularly male victims, of sexual abuse. Because of this book, I’m certain victims will know they no longer have to suffer in silence and begin the healing journey.”
—Dr. Christine M. Cocchiola, DSW, LCSW, coauthor of Framed
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