INUVIK - Mabel Brown said it was not easy reaching out for help after being physically and sexually abused.

Mabel Brown, right, addresses the student gathering at Aurora College alongside her fellow panel participant, Crown lawyer Brent Lepage. - photos courtesy of Aurora College

It was a lengthy process where Brown went from realizing she had been robbed of her rights to the point where she needed to reclaim them.

"I had my private space invaded and my rights taken away. I needed to get that back and I went and got help," she said.

The respected elder was sexually abused while attending residential school and afterwards was in an physically abusive relationship. Brown, who's currently the co-ordinator of Inuvik's restorative justice program, continues on her healing journey. She still receives regular counselling.

Brown was part of a panel discussion with Aurora College students Friday on the topic of harassment. An Inuvik RCMP officer and a Crown attorney also participated in the annual Stay Safe Assembly, which dealt with topics ranging from defining harassment to the steps involved in reporting it.

Brown said she was pleased to see so many students participating in the discussion, which she hoped would raise awareness and spur people to come forward with their own stories of abuse.

"There were good questions," she said. "If we have an awareness or an education then there's not so much fear because you know you're not alone and you can get help."

Scott Lundrigan was one of the many students who attended the two-hour event in the college's foyer. He said he was surprised to learn that simply threatening to hit another person is illegal and a form of harassment.

"It's so good to find out the details," he said. "Many people have invaded my space. People think that I'm a small guy and that they can scare me. It's probably how they treat a lot of other people. But that's unacceptable."

Ruth Wright, another student participant, said she learned how to properly document a case of harassment if she's ever called to court to testify.

She's hoping a similar assembly will be held at Samuel Hearne Secondary School. She thinks people are becoming more intolerant of harassment but added there's plenty of work to be done.

"There are a lot of young girls who are harassed into this and that, and they just don't know what they can do."

Brown said she believes the answer lies in giving hope to victims of abuse, reminding them that there are people in the community who can help.

"I know what it feels like because there are a lot of emotions going on," said Brown. "I can identify with the fear and intimidation. But people are willing to help. I know that."

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