Survivor Stories

“Christina had a big heart,” says her mother, Sherryl Fraser. “She would buy homeless people food from McDonald’s. She had a presence about her. She was a great listener. Christina had this gift of being able to counsel people.” Her gift was taken away on Easter Sunday morning in March 2016 when Christina Voelzing was … Read more

Donna and her husband Sedrick relocated from Ottawa to Jamaica, Sedrick’s homeland, intending to establish a business together. This decision provoked a violent response from others in the community. Two men arrived at their residence to confront Sedrick. Donna quickly retrieved her phone and took refuge in the bathroom adjoining their bedroom while her husband … Read more

The facts: A seven year-old girl was sexually abused and filmed by her mother’s boyfriend and others who responded to an online ad entitled “incest daughter”. Five people were charged and found guilty. The charges against the girl’s mother were stayed. Out of the love of her niece and the search for justice, the aunt … Read more

On June 26, 2017, a tragic event devastated a family when 25-year-old Ashton James Dickson was fatally shot outside an Ottawa bar. His father describes Ashton as “a wonderful man, a superior athlete, and loving friend” who possessed strong personal values and treated others with kindness. Ashton was a talented football player pursuing professional dreams … Read more

Delivering newspapers in Etobicoke was Susheel Gupta’s very first job. He was 12. On Sunday, June 23, 1985, Susheel’s life and the lives of his father and brother changed forever. Susheel’s mother, Ramwati, was one of the 329 souls aboard Air India flight 182 when it exploded in mid-Air off the coast of Ireland. Ramwati … Read more

Doug met someone online in 2004 whom he believed to be his ideal partner. As someone living with cerebral palsy who deeply desired marriage and family, he was emotionally vulnerable. The woman, an escort named Darquise, earned his confidence by professing love. Targeting his vulnerability and recent grief, Darquise convinced Doug she wanted to leave … Read more