Donna Gabbs leads an active life. A star athlete, successful career woman and community helper, but for nearly 50 years she's kept a secret.
“Nobody knew what I was going through. I was always the funny person, the one who made everyone laugh and meanwhile I was hurting inside real bad,” said Gabbs.
In 1967, when she was 21 years old, three men drove her to a field outside Winnipeg, beat her and sexually assaulted her.
Now, cases of sexual violence in the news bring back a flood of emotions.
“That's why I had to come forward because I've been through it all,” said Gabbs.
She reported the attack to police at time when little support existed for victims of sexual assault.
The men were caught, and after a long legal battle, one got 18 months behind bars.
While going through the justice system and suffering alone, Donna finished two degrees, one as valedictorian.
She poured herself into extracurricular activities. Accolades piled up, creating a mask for her pain.
“I went through it with no counselling at all - none. And I really don't know how I’m still living today,” she said while tearing up.
Donna later found out through medical staff that her case played a big part in Manitoba getting its first sexual assault crisis centre.
Counsellors at Klinic Health Centre say sharing helps victims heal.
“When people share their story and show that courage and get a positive result from it, then that does encourage other people to come forward and share their story,” said sexual assault counsellor Mandy Fraser.
Donna knows the struggles of suffering in silence.
“Nobody understands that more than a rape victim. And if they're out there and they haven't talked about it, maybe it's time,” she said.
She hopes finally speaking out encourages others to seek help.
Klinic Health Centre has a 24-hour hotline at (204) 786-8631 and offers resources online as well.
