A 23-year-old woman from Quebec, Haïdy, is courageously seeking to extend her IVAC compensation as she prepares to confront her childhood abusers in court. Having endured severe physical, sexual, and psychological abuse since age four, she has recently filed charges against her mother and her partner. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a potential loss of financial support, she continues to pursue justice and healing from her traumatic past, emphasizing the lasting impact of her experiences.
A Courageous Fight for Justice
A brave young woman from Quebec, who has faced unimaginable sexual, physical, and psychological abuse throughout her childhood and teenage years, is now fighting hard to extend her access to IVAC compensation as she prepares to confront her abusers in court.
Haïdy (a pseudonym) is now 23 years old and recounts a harrowing past that began when she was just 4 years old. She endured beatings and sexual assaults by various partners of her mother, one of whom was convicted in the early 2000s.
In addition to the abuse from her mother’s partners, Haïdy reveals that her mother also mistreated her. She describes a childhood marked by neglect, physical punishment, humiliation, and invasive surveillance, including being monitored by cameras to ensure she wouldn’t eat excessively.
Trauma of Her Childhood
Reflecting on her traumatic experiences, Haïdy recalls a particularly painful moment when, at the age of 7, she was forced to watch *Aurore, the martyr child* to illustrate the harsh realities of abuse. It was during this time that she first contemplated ending her life.
When Haïdy was 10, her mother entered into a relationship with another woman, who also subjected her to abuse. For almost 14 years, she endured a life of deprivation, with only two cold showers allowed per week, all while facing physical, sexual, and psychological violence. In her darkest moments, she even resorted to drinking water from the toilet out of desperation, only to be punished further when caught.
At 17, following a work accident, Haïdy finally stood up to her mother’s partner, leading to a severe confrontation where she was strangled while her mother watched. This pivotal moment prompted her to seek help from Youth Protection Services, where she was placed in various safe environments.
With newfound courage, Haïdy filed a complaint against her mother and her partner, resulting in charges of fraud, psychological abuse, and physical violence. The legal process is set to resume next April, bringing her one step closer to justice.
Despite receiving IVAC benefits for the past three years, Haïdy was recently informed that her assistance would cease on March 6 unless she undergoes a medical evaluation, which she has completed and is now awaiting results. As she strives to complete her high school diploma, the looming trial weighs heavily on her, and she expresses concern about managing her finances amidst the ongoing struggle.
“It’s been 14 years of abuse and a lost childhood. You can’t recover from that in just three years,” she reflects, highlighting the deep scars left by her experiences.