Beth
Kitchener, Ontario
The Healing Project
Featured Creator, February 2021
Beth’s Story
Content Warning: Childhood sexual trauma.
“For a long time, I wasn’t open about my sexual trauma, for fear of being defined by it.”
I first agreed to do this project for myself
I first agreed to do this project for myself. To be brave and show that it is okay to share this piece of myself to the world.
I do not want to defined as a victim and through talking about it, I’m healing. I’d love to help other people who have gone through my situation.
And you never know who will read this. Maybe there will be a 12 year old that reads this and realizes that they are not alone and that there is hope.
Beth’s Childhood
Beth grew up in a large blended family that was chaotic and fun, but it also caused a nightmare situation that took her innocence away prematurely. She is a survivor of childhood sexual trauma.
The weight of the situation resulted in her withdrawing from her family. As a child, Beth struggled with having the vocabulary to describe what happened. And In her late teens, she finally opened up to her family about it.
Instead of finding support, it caused a rift.
Now as an adult
Now as an adult, Beth has found healing through support groups, friends, and through healthy outlets and has gained perspective on the confusing trauma and split between her family.
And feels very passionate about encouraging others to educate themselves about trauma proactively and learning how to address sexual trauma in a positive way that doesn’t shame the child.
“Parents need to be more aware of the red flags of trauma. As awful as it is to talk about it, you need to protect your kids and be proactive.”
“There is no ‘right way’ or ‘pamphlet version’ of addressing trauma. It’s a difficult subject for everyone involved. The best thing to do is make it a conversation before anything could potentially happen.”
Things parents can do
I think parents should have conversations with their kids about what consent is and what physical boundaries are. Developing a strong level of communication at a young age is important.
Teaching your children anatomically correct names for all body parts ensures they have the vocabulary to communicate with you.
Parents should also have a healthy understanding of who their kids are hanging out with and get to know their children’s friends’ parents.
Finally, notice very abrupt behavior changes in your child such as mood shifts or bed wetting at an older age.
If your child has experienced trauma, be supportive and allow them to heal at their own pace in a way that is useful to them.
Seek the advise of a professional therapist. Seek multiple opinions as not every therapist will fit with your child or the situation. It’s okay to explore your options.
For my tote bag design
I chose a milk carton to represent my experience of going through sexual trauma as a child and feeling alone throughout the entire process.
“It’s okay to cry over spilled milk” is a twist on the phrase that is used to silence people’s pain and emotions after experiencing trauma. As I grew through the healing process, I took my voice - and power - back by allowing myself to cry through the pain and regain my childlike joy.
As a reminder to anyone reading this, it’s okay to cry over spilled milk.
The Healing Project:
The Healing Project was created to normalize the conversation around healing. We partnered with three individuals overcoming sexual trauma to share their healing journey with us and to design tote bags that continue the conversation.
Each Community Box includes three tote bags. You can select the designs at checkout. Every tote bag includes a matching sticker!
About the Tote:
The Classic Canvas Tote Bags are 100% heavy canvas, measure 15” x 15” x 3”, and are the perfect lifestyle tote for your everyday needs. Our Travel Tote Bags are also heavy canvas, measure 20” x 15” x 5”, and are wide enough to fit all of your travel and grocery needs.
We support local. Our tote bags were screenprinted in the Waterloo Region by a living wage employer and our labels were sewn on by a seamstress in Guelph.
Profit Sharing:
The Community Company is a social enterprise that is in the process of becoming a Certified B Corporation. We strongly believe in Linked Prosperity, meaning that as our business grows, our community of partners should benefit and grow alongside us. You can learn more about Our Promise here.
Our three Creators for The Healing Project were paid $50 for their time, and earn 5%-12% from every sale. Additionally, 10% of all revenue will be donated to our two charity partners on this project: Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis and Sexual Assault and Support Centre Waterloo Region.