Survivor Stories: Strength, Resilience, and Hope

Real stories of overcoming and empowerment

SAFE icon

Survivor's Stories

Discover powerful stories from survivors who have overcome immense challenges and found hope, strength, and empowerment. These personal accounts highlight resilience, courage, and the transformative journey of healing. Explore their experiences to gain insight, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of the impact of gender-based violence and the path to recovery.

Chelsie
October 17, 2025
My justice no longer appears in the form of punishment or apologies - it looks like peace when I wake up in the morning.
Crystal tells her survivor story
September 23, 2025
I refuse to let the sadness and trauma of the past consume me today. My goal is to help every mother know that there is always hope on the other side of the threshold.
WhiteEagle tells her survivor story
August 12, 2025
With all the hardship WhiteEagle has endured in her life she has committed herself to healing. She connects with her ancestral bloodline and uses her gifts to connect with spirit and provides healing not only for herself but others.
Jane
By Deb Lawson April 14, 2025
Jane is an Ontario survivor of three decades of sex abuse and trafficking. She is a brave survivor who shares her message of hope to other victims.
Sarah
By Deb Lawson March 18, 2025
Sarah participates in a video interview using her own voice to let other victims of crime know that though each victim is unique, no victim is truly alone.
Billie Jo Barrett, a survivor of domestic abuse
March 2, 2025
For myself, knowing how difficult it was to come forward, it concerns me that other women will be afraid to come forward as well, knowing that in most cases, these situations don't usually ...
January 13, 2025
“Tell your story. Shout it. Write it. Whisper it if you have to. But tell it. Some won't understand it. Some will outright reject it. But many will thank you for it. And then the most magical thing...
Tulips, a symbol of Catherine's survivor story
December 31, 2024
Catherine is currently in the final year of her studies, and she hopes to become a psychotherapist like her mother to provide support to other survivors within the community.
Sian, a SAFE survivor story
November 26, 2024
“I am very happy and deeply grateful for my wonderful new life and for my family and friends who helped me achieve it.”
Ashley, a Survivor's Story
November 1, 2024
Ashley is a survivor and is proud to be a member of the SAFE Committee.
Show More

Almost two thirds (64%) of people in Canada know a woman who has experienced physical, sexual, or emotional abuse

- Canadian Women’s Foundation

See Our Upcoming Events

Join SAFE at upcoming events dedicated to empowering survivors, raising awareness, and fostering community connections. From workshops to advocacy initiatives, these events provide opportunities to learn, support, and take action against gender-based violence. 

Subscribe to the SAFE Newsletter

Stay connected with SAFE! Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on events, inspiring stories, and ways to support survivors. Join our community and be the first to learn how we’re making a difference together.

* indicates required