Local author inspired to share her story of abuse

LETHBRIDGE – Kelli Benis is a local real estate agent, turned author.  She put pen to paper, sharing her journey of healing after enduring years of childhood sexual abuse.

“It was just telling my story over a year, and the different emotions that I was feeling, and how much relief I felt finding the community of other victors of childhood sexual abuse and connecting with them.”

Benis’ journey of shredding the shame all began at Theo Fleury’s 2013 Victor Walk in Ottawa, where she was inspired to stand against childhood sexual abuse.

“It was attending that walk and seeing hundreds of everyday people that had been affected, and then learning the statistics.”

Benis has built relationships and gathered strength from the events she’s taken part in.  She and Fleury even share the same tattoo, the symbol of his walk.

For Benis, her book is not about reliving her abuse, but sharing her journey of healing.

“What I’ve done is extreme, you know, talking publically, writing a book, you know, isn’t your typical response, but what it does is gives people the permission to have that conversation and there is so much healing in the conversations.”

At the age of four, her abuse began, lasting nearly 10 years. She remained silent for over 40 years.  Speaking out is about healing, but also helping.  She wants parents and children to know their predators.

“When I was a child being abused by my grandfather, I would hear ‘Don’t talk to strangers, don’t do this and don’t do that”, I was terrified of that.  What I didn’t know was that I was experiencing was the very thing my parents and teachers were trying to protect me from.”

Benis is hopeful that through sharing her story, she will spark others to stop, and share.

“Usually it starts with a conversation, so don’t be afraid to have it.”

You can learn more about Benis’ story at kellibenis.com