In their courtroom statements, family members said the girl lost weight, suffered migraines, and became distrustful of others.

They spoke of how she dropped out of school after being shunned by friends, and was the target of gossip and innuendo in the small community, where maintaining anonymity in connection with the case was all but impossible.

Then it was the girl’s turn to speak:

“People are quick to judge me. They want to look at my past, not who I am now.”

She said before the sexual incidents began she’d viewed Bernard as a good friend and source of support.

“But I’d never in my life wish the hurt I’ve been going through on my worst enemy.”

Before imposing the sentence, Perkins took to task those in the community who have assigned blame to the victim.

“She is not at fault, and anyone who thinks so is ignorant.”