It’s been four years since the book hit the shelves and my team and I have been inundated with stories of abuse from coast to coast ever since. We count it an incredible honour that anyone would trust me or my team to reveal their deepest pain to, to tell their most closely guarded secrets, and reveal the aftermath of trauma in their lives.

I have come to realize, and my team agrees, that writing the book and continuing to speak around our country is vital in raising awareness about this epidemic. I can shine a light into those dark corners where pedophiles and their protectors hide. I can align with those who are working to stem the tide and create new lives for victims, survivors, Victors and Advocates.

I am not, however, a therapist or counselor. My team is not educated in the counseling and therapy required to heal those in deep pain. That said, I have come across some of the most incredible healers in this country, and I know there are many more I’ll meet in the days to come.

If you are hurting because of sexual abuse or assault ~ whether it happened to you 5 minutes ago or 50 years past, whether you’ve hidden it deeply or the abuse has wreaked havoc in your entire life by abusing drugs, alcohol, sex, food, shopping, or ruined your most precious relationships…whatever it may be…you are not alone, there is help and you can overcome. I did.

Please contact the following people for help:

Lee Ferrill ~ I believe in this guy. He is an incredible counselor in Belleville, Ontario, and he’s a Victor over sexual abuse as well. He understands deeply the pain men go through when they’ve been victimized. I know Lee well, and I highly recommend him. And don’t let it stop you that he may be out of your province, Lee has a network of contacts he can access for you. He can be reached at lrferrill@msn.com.

Kim Barthel ~ I have found a new friend, and a powerful ally in the fight to eradicate childhood sexual abuse, her name is Kim and she possesses not only the education and experience in helping people heal from trauma, she’s also very wise and compassionate. Her website is www.labyrinthjourneys.com and you can contact her at (250) 479-5509 for further information.

Little Warriors ~ “Little Warriors is a charitable organization with a national focus that educates adults about how to help prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. Little Warriors also provides information about the prevalence and frequency of child sexual abuse and information about healing and support resources.” You can contact Little Warriors by going to their website: www.littlewarriors.ca. It’s important to note here that Little Warriors does not provide personal counseling, but they do have direct referral information.

Aulneau Renewal Centre ~ This is an incredible organization located in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They offer very affordable counseling in both English and French for those struggling with the long-term effects of trauma, including sexual trauma. They also have an incredible understanding about substance abuse and trauma. Aulneau is working on creating a nation wide database for those seeking help for sexual abuse and assault. Check out their website at: www.aulneau.com.

As I come across more healers and helpers I’ll update this information, so please check back for updates.

With my whole heart I wish I could call everyone who wants me to call, to visit everyone who wants me to visit…but it’s better that trained professionals tend to the needs of the broken.

I am here to shed light on the epidemic, to keep the light shining in the dark corners of sexual abuse and assault, and to raise greater awareness wherever I go.

To this day I continue to seek professional help and guidance for the issues and fall out I face from sexual abuse. I very strongly urge everyone who has even been remotely affected by abuse to seek a qualified, educated and compassionate therapist today.

Don’t wait another moment, take control of your own life. I encourage you to find your own miracle inside yourself by getting professional help…do it today.

The people of Canada have spoken loud and clear about the biggest and most vile epidemic on the planet to date, that of child sex abuse. The government has apparently heard, and now the Crown Prosecutor in Winnipeg is taking action by seeking to appeal the joke of a sentence Graham James received.

I fully stand by this action, and it is the hope of all victims, survivors, Victors and Advocates, that justice takes a huge leap forward by sentencing pedophiles to years behind bars.

As you know, this has been a trying time for my family and me. This news has helped to bring some light in a very dark area of my life.

I urge all Canadians to keep up the pressure on our politicians and our judges to change the laws and put victims of sexual abuse and assault ahead of the whining and crying of pedophiles and their lawyers.

The 19th Annual National Aboriginal Achievement Awards on APTN and Global TV on Friday, April 13th at 7:30 pm across Canada. The televised gala is hosted by myself and award-winning actress Carmen Moore live from the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver, British Columbia. Carmen and I will guide you through a charming evening of performances, celebration and stories of incredible journeys. I was so inspired by the award winners ~ it was a true privilege to be a part of this incredible organization.

AND….

On April 14th tune into CMT at 8:30 pm for “Employee of the the Week” hosted by CMT personality, Casey Clarke. Victoria Banks and I will be competing in the “Trucking” episode. “Employee of the Week” challenges two celebrities to compete against each other, trying their hand at a “normal” person’s job for the day. It could be any number of tough, grueling and often dirt-inducing occupations such as an industrial laundry, a fish distributor, a mechanic shop or a greasy diner. A regular ‘Joe’ in that occupation becomes the celebrities’ boss for the day and leads them through three grueling tasks. You’ll love this show!

I have not suffered a relapse.

I am tired. I am hurting like every single victim, survivor, Victor and Advocate who deals with childhood sexual abuse day in and day out. I am deeply immersed every day in my own recovery and the pain of thousands. I receive on average over 20 messages a day from people telling me the worst moments of their lives, seeking relief and comfort, answers and help. I’m one man in the midst of an epidemic. I thought could power through it all, I cannot.

So I am doing what is best for me and for my family ~ I’m taking a bit of a break to continue my focus on healing, and to keep my family with me on that track.

I am not perfect, I am not without faults. I am however, a well-known figure, and to that end I wanted to keep all those who have invested time, tears, energy, secrets, prayers, pain and support posted about my journey and where I’m headed.

So stay tuned, I anticipate that within the next few months I’ll be announcing the next big direction I intend to pursue ~ it’s going to be exciting, and I’m going to be rested and focused!

These past few months have been tougher than I anticipated. Not many people have to see the face of their rapist in every newspaper, on thousands of websites, next photos of their own in several publications, and on blogs all over the place. Not many people have to give public interviews and answer questions about their rapists for weeks on end. I have. And I thought I was powering through it, that it wasn’t affecting me all that much. I was wrong.

I began to have flashbacks; I began to seek comfort with a few people who didn’t have my best interests at heart. Thankfully I’ve recognized this was happening before anything bad happened, and I’m recommitting myself along with my family, to seeking professional help with a very understanding and knowledgeable counselor. Overall, I feel relieved to have this help and this understanding of what it’s like to be a Victor over child sex abuse.

I want to thank you…all of you…who have prayed for me, who have sent me encouraging messages, who have shared your own stories with me. I can never tell you enough how much that means to me.

I’m going to take the next few months to focus on continuing my path to healing, and I encourage you all to do the same. I’m not perfect, no one is, so I want to be sure to let you all know that I struggle like you do, I face what you do, and I’m committed to never ending my quest for healing.

I share this in a public way with you because, as I’ve long said, you’re only as sick as your secrets, and I don’t want to have any more secrets. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, and although I’ve stumbled along the way, I know that with your help we can change the world for victims of sexual abuse.

No longer.

Theo and I speak to men all over and we tell them: YOU, like us, are not alone; the effects are far-reaching & sometimes feel never ending, but there IS a place & time for healing. It is NOW. I stand here today, a Victor over sexual abuse & I along with Theo, offer you our voice.

This sentence today is nothing short of a national travesty because we know that childhood sexual abuse has reached epidemic proportions in our country. Graham James once again perpetrated his crime and spread his sickness right through the courts of Canada. He conned the judge with his “poor me” and “I regret” statements. His lawyer defended the indefensible, and he’s been rewarded for doing so and Graham James is laughing all the way back to the life he’s always led knowing that justice for him is but a blip on the radar.

Today as we speak there is a boy out there going about his life, dreaming his dreams and hoping his hopes…until…Graham James crosses his path. And cross his path he will, because that’s what he does; he preys upon the unsuspecting all the while knowing not much will happen to stop him. The courts of Canada have guaranteed that. The saddest part is that there are MANY Graham James; different names, in different towns & cities, in your own communities & yes, possibly even in your own families. Yes, I said it. They are everywhere. It is time that the predators know that they need to take notice and be scared ~ there is no place for you to hide; we are shedding light in those dark corners where you cower.

Theo and I call upon all Canadians, those who have suffered, and those who stand with the suffering, to demand that our government change the laws and empower justice to be all that it could be, and to do all that it should. We are calling out to our politicians to stand up for the 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys who will be sexually abused before the age of 18 in our country. We are standing up against a weak justice system and demanding change now. Theoren & I are calling out to YOU, the people of Canada & the World to take this issue NOW, to our politicians, & DEMAND change. Ask for, & receive answers, for CHANGE & REAL JUSTICE, or simply refuse to cast your vote for that constituent.

My name is Todd Holt and I stand today, with Theoren Fleury, & with ALL those who have suffered or are suffering, as a Victor over sexual abuse and an Advocate for change.

No longer.

Theo and I speak to men all over and we tell them: YOU, like us, are not alone; the effects are far-reaching & sometimes feel never ending, but there IS a place & time for healing. It is NOW. I stand here today, a Victor over sexual abuse & I along with Theo, offer you our voice.

This sentence today is nothing short of a national travesty because we know that childhood sexual abuse has reached epidemic proportions in our country. Graham James once again perpetrated his crime and spread his sickness right through the courts of Canada. He conned the judge with his “poor me” and “I regret” statements. His lawyer defended the indefensible, and he’s been rewarded for doing so and Graham James is laughing all the way back to the life he’s always led knowing that justice for him is but a blip on the radar.

Today as we speak there is a boy out there going about his life, dreaming his dreams and hoping his hopes…until…Graham James crosses his path. And cross his path he will, because that’s what he does; he preys upon the unsuspecting all the while knowing not much will happen to stop him. The courts of Canada have guaranteed that. The saddest part is that there are MANY Graham James; different names, in different towns & cities, in your own communities & yes, possibly even in your own families. Yes, I said it. They are everywhere. It is time that the predators know that they need to take notice and be scared ~ there is no place for you to hide; we are shedding light in those dark corners where you cower.

Theo and I call upon all Canadians, those who have suffered, and those who stand with the suffering, to demand that our government change the laws and empower justice to be all that it could be, and to do all that it should. We are calling out to our politicians to stand up for the 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys who will be sexually abused before the age of 18 in our country. We are standing up against a weak justice system and demanding change now. Theoren & I are calling out to YOU, the people of Canada & the World to take this issue NOW, to our politicians, & DEMAND change. Ask for, & receive answers, for CHANGE & REAL JUSTICE, or simply refuse to cast your vote for that constituent.

My name is Todd Holt and I stand today, with Theoren Fleury, & with ALL those who have suffered or are suffering, as a Victor over sexual abuse and an Advocate for change.

No longer.

Theo and I speak to men all over and we tell them: YOU, like us, are not alone; the effects are far-reaching & sometimes feel never ending, but there IS a place & time for healing. It is NOW. I stand here today, a Victor over sexual abuse & I along with Theo, offer you our voice.

This sentence today is nothing short of a national travesty because we know that childhood sexual abuse has reached epidemic proportions in our country. Graham James once again perpetrated his crime and spread his sickness right through the courts of Canada. He conned the judge with his “poor me” and “I regret” statements. His lawyer defended the indefensible, and he’s been rewarded for doing so and Graham James is laughing all the way back to the life he’s always led knowing that justice for him is but a blip on the radar.

Today as we speak there is a boy out there going about his life, dreaming his dreams and hoping his hopes…until…Graham James crosses his path. And cross his path he will, because that’s what he does; he preys upon the unsuspecting all the while knowing not much will happen to stop him. The courts of Canada have guaranteed that. The saddest part is that there are MANY Graham James; different names, in different towns & cities, in your own communities & yes, possibly even in your own families. Yes, I said it. They are everywhere. It is time that the predators know that they need to take notice and be scared ~ there is no place for you to hide; we are shedding light in those dark corners where you cower.

Theo and I call upon all Canadians, those who have suffered, and those who stand with the suffering, to demand that our government change the laws and empower justice to be all that it could be, and to do all that it should. We are calling out to our politicians to stand up for the 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys who will be sexually abused before the age of 18 in our country. We are standing up against a weak justice system and demanding change now. Theoren & I are calling out to YOU, the people of Canada & the World to take this issue NOW, to our politicians, & DEMAND change. Ask for, & receive answers, for CHANGE & REAL JUSTICE, or simply refuse to cast your vote for that constituent.

My name is Todd Holt and I stand today, with Theoren Fleury, & with ALL those who have suffered or are suffering, as a Victor over sexual abuse and an Advocate for change.

PRESS CONFERENCE ~ MARCH 20, 2012

STATEMENT FROM THEO FLEURY AND TODD HOLT

DATE: March 20, 2012
TIME: 10:15 am
WHERE: Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre
800 Griffin Road East
Cochrane, Alberta

Theo Fleury and Todd Holt are cousins, friends and Victors over sexual abuse at the hands of Graham James.

Theo and Todd have prepared a joint statement about the sentence, and Todd Holt will give that statement to the media on March 20th at the location and time indicated on this media release.

“I want the world to hear not only what the courts have to say, but what those of us who endured the nightmare of Graham James have to say. I want this country to demand the laws become stronger to protect the victims, stand in front of the innocent and harshly punish the guilty. The time of political correctness is gone, and when it comes to sexual abuse and assault the only correct thing is to remove these predators from society. There can be no other just outcome,” Theo Fleury.

“I want to tell all those who are suffering as victims today that I have you in mind, I want those out there who have experienced this same nightmare to know that there is hope, there is an answer out there. I also want the predators to be on notice and be scared ~ there is no place for you to hide any more, I am shedding light in those dark corners where you hide” Todd Holt.

For further information contact:

Carey Fraser 403.852.4846
carey@theofleury14.com

ACCREDITED MEDIA ONLY

He was the quintessential NHL hockey player. Small, but tough. A no-holds barred, don’t-mess-with-me kind of player. A Don Cherry Canadian hockey player. A stitch up the face coach and put me back out there kind of guy.

Theo Fleury spent the better part of 16 NHL seasons with the Calgary Flames.

Listed at 5-foot-6, Fleury always played a bigger game than his body ever suggested he could. A talented winger, Fleury scored nearly 500 goals over a career that included an Olympic gold medal in 2002 and a world junior hockey championship.

His story off the ice, however, was a horror.

Fleury’s troubled life followed years of sexual abuse at the hands of his former Moose Jaw Warriors junior coach, Graham James. Finally, in 1997 James pleaded guilty to 350 sexual assaults against two players, including former NHLer Sheldon Kennedy. James was sentenced to three and a half years in jail before being paroled in 2001 and eventually pardoned in 2007.

In his 2009 autobiography Playing with Fire, Fleury described what James did to his life. New charges against James were laid as a result of the book. James pleaded guilty to attacking Fleury and former player Todd Holt. He will be sentenced March 20.

Fleury was courageous and blunt in a victim impact assessment he filed with the court recently when he described what James did to him.

“I was just a kid. A child. I was completely under Graham James’s control. And I was scared. I did not have the emotional skills, the knowledge, or the ability to stop the rapes or change my circumstances.

“I felt lost, alone, and helpless. And those feelings did not stop after I was able to get away from Mr. James; I continued to feel that way for 20+ years afterwards. I descended into years of drug addiction, alcoholism, and addictions to sex, gambling, rage,” he said.

“My loved ones, including my beloved children, spiraled down with me. The pain was all encompassing. And no matter how many NHL games I won, or money I made, or fame I gained could dull the pain of having been sexually abused by Graham James. His sickness changed my life, changed the lives of everyone who was close to me, and caused more pain than can be measured.

“Finally, after a night in the New Mexico desert with a gun in my mouth and finger on the trigger, I found the courage to get help and start a long process of healing.”

And now Fleury is coming to Miramichi.

He will be here June 1 as a guest of the Miramichi Rae’s Yamaha Rivermen and the local school district. It’s a chance for people here to share his story of finding hope in the face of terrible adversity.

School District 16 director of education Andrew Clark said Fleury’s appearance fits well with the district’s drug prevention program, and the issues he’s had to overcome in his life are pervasive in this region.

“Theo Fleury is somebody who, through his extraordinary skill in hockey, had a life lived by few and yet his own personal experiences, both in terms of the sexual abuse and drug addictions, I think he can speak to people and get a clear message across,” Clark said.

To their credit, local service groups have helped with the fundraising needed to bring Fleury here.

We can’t expect it will be easy listening when Fleury speaks. But he’s living proof that victims of abuse, victims who felt they had no way out of their situation, can find a way to take back control of their lives. He has a message worth sharing.

Author and former editor of the Miramichi Leader, Rick MacLean teaches journalism at Holland College in Prince Edward Island.