Ending the Silence of Sexual Abuse:
Releasing the Shame and Secrecy of Childhood Trauma
by Kelli Benis
About the Book
The Unexpected Journey to Releasing The Shame and Secrecy of Childhood Trauma
When Kelli attended the Victor Walk in Ottawa in 2013 to help raise awareness to childhood sexual abuse, she could never have guessed how her world would change. What began as a quest to enlighten others about this epidemic of abuse that shrouded itself in secrecy, quickly evolved into a journey of self-awareness, the strength of community and a new understanding of the devastating effect that silence has on individuals and society as a whole.
Throughout the year that followed, Benis learned of the lasting impact that childhood trauma, of all types, has on people well into their adult lives. As topics such as PTSD, anxiety, shame and poor self-image were discussed, it became clear that regardless of the type of trauma, the key first step to healing was the one thing that people suffering feared most…releasing the secret.
Kelli takes us with her through her journey in a determined effort to help others take their first steps toward living their lives free of shame.
Publication Date: Dec 2 , 2015
185 pp. 5.5 x 8.5
Kelli has presented a learning series hosted by the Sexual Violence Action commitee, a collaborative which includes:
- Lethbridge Regional Police Services
- Lethbridge Crown Prosecutors
- University of Lethbridge Counselling Services
- YWCA Lethbridge and District
- Lethbridge Family Services
- Lethbridge Regional Police Victim/Witness Services
- RCMP Victim/Witness Services
- Southwest Alberta Child and Family Services and Alberta Health Services Sexual Health Centre. The mission of SVAC is to provide leadership, coordination and a unified voice on issues of sexual violence in Southwestern Alberta.
The attendees feedback was as follows:
Thank you for sharing your story with us, you are an amazing woman!
Excellent presentation. Thank you for sharing, there is a world after the shame – life can go on – even if it takes time.
Exceptional! What a privilege to hear her story. Great information.
Interesting – will be an excellent resource person.
Amazing story – so glad she shared it with us.
Powerful
Absolutely amazing presentation.
Phenomenal speaker.
Amazing! Everyone should hear her speak
About the Author
Kelli Benis was born in Calgary, Alberta and raised in Lethbridge, Alberta where she currently lives with her husband Lou. She has 2 children and 2 stepchildren. Raised by her loving parents, she was the younger of their 2 children and was sexually abused by her grandfather from the age of 4 until 12. Cloaked in the silence of shame, she kept her secret for 20 years before she was able to find the courage to tell her immediate family. It would be another 20 years before Kelli was able to tell her story to the world, fueled by the inspiration provided by attending the Victor Walk with Theo Fleury in Ottawa. Kelli is passionate about inspiring others to come forward and find their voices in the hope of raising awareness about this issue, which thrives in an atmosphere of silence.
For more information on Kelli Benis please visit her Twitter account at @kbenis1. Her most recent speaking event can be viewed here. www.kellibenis.com
Praise for: Ending the Silence of Sexual Abuse
“Kelli Benis is living proof that there is strength in sharing our stories and there is healing power in releasing shame. Kelli gets it that we’re all interconnected and that healing takes teamwork. Everyone’s story is vitally important – “Ending the Silence of Sexual Abuse” reinforces that and will inspire you to share your own.”
Kim Barthel and Theo Fleury (co-authors of “Conversations with a Rattlesnake”)
“Raising her voice to help other victims of abuse find theirs—Benis has written a book that is brave, honest and inspirational. She shows that however traumatic our experiences may have been, we can heal and break free from the shackles of the past. Perhaps the book’s greatest gift is its powerful message to victims of abuse that they are not alone.”
Glori Meldrum, Founder and Chair, Little Warriors
“An insightful recounting of a year where Benis’ healing journey is punctuated by synchronous events that highlight the power of shedding the shame associated with child sexual abuse. A story of courage and the strength of community.”
Cynthia Bland, President, Voice Found
“It takes great courage to heal our past trauma, to break the chains of shame and use our life experiences for good. Kelli Benis is one divinely courageous woman. Her determination to heal runs deep in her veins and her passion to inspire and empower others is palpable.”
Sue Dumais, Author of Heart Led Living – When Hard Work Becomes Heart Work
Interview with Peggy Voth
What began as a quest to enlighten others about this epidemic of abuse that shrouded itself in secrecy, quickly evolved into a journey of self-awareness, the strength of community and a new understanding of the devastating effect that silence has on individuals and society as a whole.