Coming clean - part 2

Almost two years ago - I stepped out and posted a blog about stepping into my own power. ( See this blog "A Roaring Woman coming clean" http://roaringwomen.blogspot.ca/2010/10/roaring-woman-coming-clean.html)

Yesterday after hearing a compelling campaign to end violence against women on 660 news - part of the Rogers Mega Communication company, I decided it was time to step a little closer to the plate.

I issued the following press release - and it has been met with media coverage.  The link to the media coverage is below.  It is time now, to ROAR - not just about business but about life!

Communications company gives victim and business leader courage to speak up

Violence has affected even the leaders in our society

On May the 9^th a communications giant announced a campaign to end violence against women.  It was then that Mandie Crawford realized it was time to speak up and reveal a 35 year old secret that very few knew – that continues to affect her daily. Crawford is the former Business Woman of the year (2010) for Calgary Alberta and also former Police Officer of the Year (2000) for Oakville Ontario.

As a young teen she had treated her sexual abuse and molestation as a skinned knee.  It was not nearly as important – or so she thought - as the death her Aunt experienced from the same abuser.  Both were violence against women.

“This violence has affected myself and my family for over 35 years.  It was a life changing event for me – that left unreported resulted in the violent death of my Aunt – and over 3 decades of sadness and loss for my family” says Crawford. 

“I have heard - and silently supported ending violence against women ever since – but I have never gone public with my story for fear of making my family and others uncomfortable.”   After hearing this campaign launched by a communications giant – she decided it was time to speak up.

“Violence – no matter how small the victim may perceive it - is never small.  It changes who we are”, continues Crawford – who despite battling depression her entire life, has received several awards for achievement – a citizen hero being just one.

Violence against women can include physical violence, sexual abuse and molestation and verbal threats. These are just a few ways to identify the ways women are assaulted.  It is reported to affect up to four in ten women in our society.  Victims are often silent because they do not want to appear victims, are afraid of reprisals from the perpetrator, don’t believe the justice system can protect them and are even afraid they will be blamed (or blame themselves) for the event(s).

Crawford admits that the silence from victims has to end. 

“Yes there is awareness –however until leaders like myself step up to the plate and speak out – and let other women know it has happened to people like myself – how can we expect the less assertive to report the crimes against them.  How will we address this problem head on if so any of us remain silent”.  Moving forward, Crawford cites that there is a book in the works – but has not yet decided when to release it.  “My sole purpose today is to have the courage to speak up – so others will have the courage to do the same”

Mandie Crawford is the President of Roaring Women Ltd – Canada’s premier business support organization for women.  She was voted Calgary Business Woman of the Year in Calgary for 2010.  She was also awarded Police Officer of the Year (2000) in Oakville Ontario as a police officer with Halton Regional Police Service.  She was also awarded a Citizen Hero award from Haldimand Norfolk Police in 1995 for identifying and reporting a sexual predator while on a hike in Simcoe Ontario.

She is the mother of four children – one of whom recently testified as a result of her own sexual assault.  Details cannot yet be released as the case is awaiting the courts decision.

Mandie Crawford is living outside of Calgary AB, can be reached for interview or comment using the contact data below.

Mandie Crawford
e. president@roaringwomen.com

Rogers media has picked up the release and broadcast this as a top story all day May 10th 2012

Here is their link on the web to a short written piece:http://www.660news.com/news/local/article/361272--business-leader-encourages-victims-to-come-forward-after-morning-for-change