Xinyan PhotographY.
As far as good matches go, Gloria Masters and Scott Beard, a detective inspector in the New Zealand Police, are a perfect fit. From their shared love of music, dancing, fitness and comedy, to a desire to give back to the community and save vulnerable children. Gloria – a child sex abuse survivor and advocate on a mission to keep Kiwi kids safe – and Scott, one of the country’s most high-profile police officers, who publicly led the Grace Millane murder investigation in 2018, met last January at a film documentary screening. Gloria was on the post-film panel and Scott bought two of her books.
From friendship to romance
“The friendship started from there,” says Scott.
The pair kept in contact and Scott became involved in her charity, before a romantic relationship “naturally” bloomed last winter. Speaking to the Weekly from their home north of Auckland, the couple, both 64, say their initial connection developed from mutual recognition of the work they do in child sexual abuse.
“It also turned out there was a connection between one of Gloria’s children and one of mine… small world,” smiles Scott.
“We discussed and laughed about that, and later realised we have so many similar interests and just clicked on so many levels.”
With six kids and five grandchildren between them, Gloria felt a “deep connection” with Scott, sharing that until meeting him, she wasn’t considering a serious relationship.
“Then this one came into my life and I thought, ‘Oh, okay, there he is,’” she grins. “His level of understanding… I hadn’t experienced that before.”
A shared mission to protect kids
Gloria – the author of three books, a former teacher and child therapist – has a charity called Handing the Shame Back Foundation and a podcast of the same name. Which is now in 93 countries, and she has presented to Parliament on child sex trafficking. Scott has been involved in child sexual abuse investigations for most of his 45 years working in the police. He’s led child abuse teams and conducted research papers on the topic.
In April, Gloria launched a powerful book called Keeping Kids Safe: A Roadmap for Teachers, Parents and Others. Which was funded by an overseas donor, to go into every New Zealand school. The book advises how to prevent, recognise and respond to child sexual abuse. Her next goal is to get the book into every preschool. This month, Gloria is promoting a campaign to raise awareness of a global hand sign for under-16s – a simple three-step hand gesture that kids can use in front of a trusted adult to ask for help. The concept was developed overseas during Covid lockdowns for victims of domestic violence and Gloria has adapted it for children. Scott has recently accepted the role of ambassador for the Global Hand Sign for Under 16s.
“We know it has been used in this country,” tells Gloria. “A seven-year-old girl and a 16-year-old have recently been reported using it, signalling their teacher or guidance counsellor. I’m so proud of that.”
Finding strength in each other
Nowadays, Gloria feels strong and positive, but in moments of vulnerability, she turns to Scott, who offers distraction.
“It might be YouTube clips of Ricky Gervais, just so we can have a laugh, or we put music on and dance,” he tells.
“It’s never going to go away working in the child-abuse world, but you’ve also got to mentally and physically look after yourself.”
Gloria likes that Scott makes her laugh, saying, “We love ’70s and ’80s music – he plays a mean air guitar and we love going to see cover bands. It’s like we’re both
kids ourselves, really!” Scott enthuses, “Life is great with Gloria. With all the support we give one another, we make a great team.”
Facing health challenges together
That fun mindset is important, as Scott shares that his health isn’t great right now. He is undergoing a month of radiation treatments for cancer. He was diagnosed in 2019 with aggressive prostate cancer and had his prostate removed. Two years later, he got thyroid cancer and at the same time, a melanoma was discovered – both requiring further surgery.
“I’ve had to have check-ups every three months,” he tells.
“In the middle of last year, my PSA [prostate-specific antigen] levels went up,” he adds, explaining that his oncologist suggested radiation and hormone treatment. “I am told it is precautionary, so I’m staying positive.”
Gloria responds warmly, “Not on my watch, you’re not going anywhere!”
Living for today
The pair is looking forward to two upcoming holidays. The first is in September, when they head to the US, Canada and Alaska for a month. Where they’ll go sledding with huskies and whale watching. And next year, they’re off to Fiji with Scott’s children and grandchildren for his 65th birthday.
Gloria says, “Life is to be lived. We’ll still do our serious work, but we are always laughing. We’ve got this moment… this day.”
Scott agrees, “Let’s live for the now.”
For more information, visit handingtheshameback.org
