Hilary McKean has filed a lawsuit against her brother, Mark Hanson, the owner of Bricoleur Vineyards in Sonoma County, accusing him of raping and sexually assaulting her multiple times over a six-year period when they were young. McKean, now 60, repressed the memories of the alleged abuse for many years but recently recalled the traumatic events. California’s statute of limitations allows victims of sexual assault to bring cases to court within five years of realizing they were abused. McKean, who currently resides in Montana, is seeking unspecified damages for the psychological struggles she has faced as a result of the alleged assaults, including depression and PTSD.
According to McKean, the abuse began when the family moved to a new house where her and Hanson’s bedrooms were near each other but far from their parents’ room. McKean alleges that her brother subjected her to a range of sexually abusive acts, including unwanted sexual intercourse, penetration, oral sex, forced masturbation, choking, and foot-fetish kinks. The memories of the abuse surfaced in the spring of 2022 while McKean was writing a memoir, prompting her to speak out about her experiences. She believes that it is important to break the silence surrounding such traumatic events in order to promote healing, both for herself and for society as a whole.
Hanson has denied the allegations made by his sister, claiming that she fabricated the story in an attempt to extort money from him. Through his attorney, Hanson stated that McKean invented details with the intention of painting him in a negative light and seeking financial gain. McKean, however, remains steadfast in her accusations and is committed to seeking justice through a jury trial. She emphasizes the importance of speaking out about abuse and breaking the cycle of secrecy that often surrounds such traumatic experiences within families and communities.
The legal battle between McKean and Hanson highlights the complexities often involved in cases of sexual assault, particularly when the perpetrator is a family member. While McKean has come forward to seek justice for the alleged crimes committed against her, Hanson has vehemently denied the accusations and characterized them as untrue. The case underscores the importance of supporting survivors of sexual assault and providing them with avenues for seeking accountability and healing. It also serves as a reminder of the psychological toll that past trauma can have on individuals and the significance of addressing and processing such experiences in a healthy and supportive environment.
McKean’s lawsuit against her brother raises important questions about the impact of childhood sexual abuse on survivors and the challenges they face in coming forward to seek justice. The case also sheds light on the ways in which repressed memories can resurface later in life, prompting individuals to confront past trauma and seek healing. By speaking out about her experiences, McKean is not only seeking legal recourse for the alleged abuse she endured but also advocating for greater awareness and support for survivors of sexual assault. Her case serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of breaking the silence and stigma surrounding sexual violence and promoting a culture of accountability, healing, and empowerment for survivors.
