im Woodworth was sexually abused at six years of age by a male babysitter. This abuse has had a devastating impact throughout his life. This physical and psychological devastation is something that Jim shares with many thousands of Canadians who have been sexually abused.
On April 19, 2000, Jim struck out on a bicycle from the Vancouver suburb, Pitt Meadows, to ride east across the northern United States and back west across Canada. All on his own. Jim is now in Canada and heading west toward his ultimate goal, Victoria, BC. Recently, Jim has been joined on his journey by Koreen Peck, who is also a sexual abuse survivor.
They recently visited Ottawa. It must be stressed that the objective of this journey is to raise awareness for sexual abuse victims and the problems which accompany abuse. The journey is not sponsored by any group nor is it done to raise money. The goal is simply awareness, to inspire others who have faced abuse and to help them speak out. We simply ask you to help him spread the word.
In striving to find another way to raise awareness, Jim feels that establishing a day for sexual abusesurvivors to gather, share their stories and receive support would be of great benefit to the well-being of many, many Canadians. Jim will be circulating a petition asking the Government of Canada to declare October 7, National Sexual Abuse Awareness Day. A copy of the petition can be obtained from Jim's web site at www.cycleagainstabuse.org.
Jim states, "through my teenage years I became very confused. Often feeling depressed, isolated and angry, I would constantly cry and often wondered, what is wrong with me? Why was I so screwed up? To help ignore these feelings, I would drink and isolate myself socially. At 17, in my grade 12 year, I tried to kill myself."
Since then, Jim has spoken to many sexual abuse survivors. It was just such discussions that has helped Jim overcome the shame, low self-esteem and sense of isolation that is typically felt by a sexual abuse survivor.
Now Jim wants to give something back. By cycling across Canada, Jim wants to be a voice for other sexual abuse survivors and bring a very private issue out into the open for discussion, and to start the healing.