I believe deeply in the transformation and healing that comes from sharing our stories. It is how we can understand who we are, how we can share our truth. Stories connect us. It is through stories that we come to understand that we are not very different from one another.
As a sibling abuse survivor, actor, writer, counsellor, and teacher, I am committed to the power of stories … listening, gathering, writing, and sharing them.
A goal of this website is to be a ‘gathering place’ for stories of sibling abuse … my story, those I have created and will create, and most importantly, the ones that I gather.
YOUR stories.
Stories of struggle and survival; of a difficult childhood and its impact in adulthood; of relationships, perhaps toxic, perhaps estranged, as well as those that are healing and transformative; stories from survivors of sibling abuse, their perpetrators, parents, teachers, therapists and helpers.
Stories that look at all sides.
“Remember, the perpetrator is a victim too.”
Gabor Mate, internationally-renowned doctor, writer, speaker, and a significant voice in bringing the impact of childhood trauma to the public domain, said that to me at a workshop in Stratford, Ontario; I approached him to talk about my play, Broken Branches, expecting something like, “That’s great! Nobody’s talking about that issue!” But all he said was that.
“The perpetrator is a victim too.” That wisdom has greatly informed my perspective, helping me to remember that hurt people hurt people.
I believe that by creating space and opportunities to learn about sibling abuse, gathering together and sharing stories of those with all sides of lived experience, we will come to a shared awareness that it’s real, and it’s NOT just rivalry.
This is a space for survivors to tell their stories.
It is also a space for anyone with lived experience of sibling abuse – harming sibling, parent, witness – or anyone who feels the impact or believes in the importance of sharing their story and engaging in this conversation.
The following questions may be helpful as a guide.
If you prefer, you can email your story to Lorene@siblingabuse.ca.
Stories will not post automatically. They will be edited, as necessary, and sent to you for approval before posting. The option for ensuring anonymity is below.
Please note that this is not a crisis information service, and that we are unable to provide crisis support.
If you need someone to talk to, please review our resources page for more information.