My first Victor Walk in 2013

This is me on May 23, 2013. At the first ever #VictorWalk. Theo Fleury had started a nationwide movement that took off like wildfire, sparking people to talk openly about child sexual abuse for the FIRST TIME EVER. 

Him and I had not yet met. 

I was in Calgary at this moment, after volunteering to coordinate the Walk in Calgary. A courageous and small group of us rallied to read victim impact statements and raise awareness about this epidemic. 

On May 23, 2013, I was still a closeted victim of child sexual abuse. I had been holding a secret for over 20 years. You can see it in my body language. I was afraid, I was ashamed and I was dead-set on not sharing. 

But the universe took over.

I listened to 10 people share, I said nothing. The rally was coming to a close. A young girl and her mother got up and shared of the girl’s abuse. She was courageous. I wasn’t. But in that moment, I felt compelled. I got up on the mic and I told my story for the first time.  

It was a viral day of media events, as Theo had just approached Ottawa after walking all the way from Toronto for the cause. There were reporters at the Calgary rally. I was now “out” as a survivor of child sexual abuse. I was TERRIFIED of the reaction I may get. Rejection. Accusations. 

NONE OF THAT HAPPENED.

In that moment, I went from victim to VICTOR. I was flooded with support. I wrote my “Victor” statement on social media and I opened the doors to my new life of being free. 

In the days following the #VictorWalk, I reached out to Theo. 

We met and I was brought into his Victor family. A group of people who embraced me fully and together we started the Breaking Free Foundation. 

20+ years of pain and suffering. Of feeling “different” and “bad” only to realize I am part of the most common experience in the world. May 23, 2013 was the first day of the rest of my life. Freedom—finally!

Victor Walk gave me a voice.

I’m a better sister and daughter to my family because of it. I am a more capable friend. I am a more empathetic professional. I am a stronger person. 

I am a VICTOR. 

Today is #VictorWalk day. It is different this year, but you will see many stories like this shared on social media today. 

Read them. Believe them. 

Sincerely,

Amber Craig
Breaking Free Foundation Co-Founder