An Abbotsford woman has broken years of silence to speak publicly about surviving childhood sexual abuse by her stepfather-defying Canada’s standard publication ban to help other survivors.
Nicole Lauder, now 27, revealed she was assaulted repeatedly starting at age 12 in her own home. The trauma derailed her education and mental health, leading to a PTSD diagnosis at 20 and suicidal ideation.
In January, her abuser, 60-year-old Leonard Debad, received an 18-month prison sentence plus three years’ probation after pleading guilty to sexual interference with a minor.
Lauder petitioned the court to lift the automatic publication ban on her identity-a rare move in Canadian sexual assault cases. “It was only really protecting him,” she said. “I have nothing to hide.”
She read a powerful victim impact statement in court, detailing lasting psychological harm, yet chose to forgive-not to excuse his actions, but to reclaim control: “I am no longer letting you and your mistakes control my life.”
Despite Debad’s recent parole application just one month into his sentence-potentially releasing him by July-Lauder insists visibility is vital. Advocates note survivors rarely gain a true voice in the justice system, making her stand exceptional.