A young woman's journey into healing takes her on 'a walk'

Warning – explicit language

 

"This was my poster that has so much truth behind it. I was 12 he was 30. I can't even describe the feeling I had when everyone finally showed up. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, it meant the world to me that you showed up to support this cause to show some awareness. These are the people I want to help; the ones just like me".

Nini Lafrance, now a single young mom living in Akwesasne, was sexually assaulted at a young age. As a teenager, Nini didn't look her age and to her assailant, that was the premise he used to take advantage of her. Nini has since gathered her strength and used every bit of it to take herself on a path of healing. Through all her meetings giving a statement, through all her cross accusations, and through all of her of court proceedings.

Still on a path of healing, she wanted to reach out to others who have been sexually assaulted. This past weekend, Nini, her family and close friends did a "Freedom Walk". Participants started at Kastowa Gas and walked to Generations Park. They practiced safe distancing, had their temperatures taken and wore masks.

On her Facebook post it stated, "I'm not with any organization and I chose to do this on my own. We will get through this as a community."


Once they arrived at the park, a few spoke about their experiences and their path to healing. The name of the walk came from her Mom.

She said, "My mother and I were sitting there and I couldn't think of a name and she came up with the name freedom. To us it means to be free from all the pain, guilt and shame, and all those negative feelings and energies that come along with getting raped or being sexually assaulted.

Family and friends have stood by her and walked with her on Saturday.

Nini plans to do a walk at least once a year, she also plans to organize a talking circle for the young girls to share her path of healing and to teach them "it isn't their fault".

Nini stated, "There's so many things I want to do to help these young girls. My goal one day is to have my own program fom women and men who've been sexually abused. I want to also work with people in addictions. I just wantt to give back because when I was getting raped, I didn't have really any programs to help me. I've been through every stage in court. I've done a lot of healing and continue to do so. It's hard work.

 

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