STORY 32
I signed an NDA in order to receive money for therapy a few decades ago, the process was easy. While signing was entirely my decision, the NDA is still impacting my life.
I am a survivor of childhood physical and sexual abuse. After running away at 14 and not returning, I lived my life alone. Everyone knows about the abuse; it was only me that did not agree to forget about it.
When I was in my late 20’s and had started a family, my past began to haunt me. I immediately started therapy to ensure my own children and marriage would not fail due to my trauma. I was very angry that we had to pay for my therapy, so I filed a case against my mother and stepfather in my province to pay for the therapy. We had a discovery hearing at which time my parents saw a judge. I heard after the fact that they were told to settle. In order to receive my funds, I had to sign an NDA. They never disputed the abuse.
In 2016, I learned that my mother and my abuser lead a charmed life in another province. It was shocking when I had successfully removed them from my thoughts and life for 40 years! I spoke with my previous lawyer and asked her what the ramifications were to me if I made the small community aware of the situation in order to better chose a representative. After explaining to me what my risks were, she said one thing that stuck… The truth is a complete defense. I sent 6 packages all the same. They contained the transcripts from discovery, a letter detailing my story. I sent them to various public figures. I received 2 replies…One from the local election official that determined there was no requirement to disqualify her from the election. She won, but later resigned due to public pressure. And another handwritten note expressing sympathy and an apology.
In December 2016, I was served with documents claiming slander among other things and refers to my signed agreement. January 2017, I flew to the other province to respond to the charge. While there I had a wonderful lawyer who filed my defense the next day, adding in the usual counterclaim talk for costs. This is where it sits. I am not allowing this to go quietly into the archives. Canadian Law is going to have to fix this one. My case is still before the courts!!! I would love to be the first person released from the NDA in Canada.
