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Reclaiming Our Reality
Sigmund Freud, claiming that sexual abuse survivors are unable to discern between truth and fantasy
appointed therapists to do so on their behalf. Freud is long dead, but that idea has persisted.
So, when I was sexually assaulted by my therapist, it was an uphill battle to hold her accountable: Because of her position,
she had been given the power to define my reality. I reached out to police, victim services, and her professional association.
None did the right thing. Trauma survivors need voice, but they listened to her voice, not mine.
To paraphrase author Bell Hooks, for those who have been silenced, speaking and coming to voice are necessary
acts of resistance and self-transformation.
I am fortunate to have many people in my life who have allowed and encouraged me to use my voice and who have listened.
First and foremost I thank my children and grandchildren, my chosen family, and my friends.
You all inspire me to do better every day. To Daniel who nominated me, thank you for believing in me.
And to the Crowchild family and Tsuut'ina, whether you know it or not, you gave me the means to escape the horrors
of my childhood Siiyasgaas (thank you). And to Coast Mental Health, thank you for the extraordinary work
you do every day, but also for creating an award that recognizes that survivors deserve their own voice
and that we are more than the bad things that bad people have done to us.
Bernadine Fox
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