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Sharing my story, IWD March 11th

International Women’s Day Celebrations- 2016 

I was so privileged this past week celebrating International Women’s Day with so many of my colleagues and friends across the Queensland Police and Emergency Services. What an incredible week it has been. I have been surrounded by phenomenal women (and men) with amazing stories that have both inspired, bought joy, hope and reminded me what is important in my own life, and it is only the beginning. In spreading my own message, and sharing my story, I only seem to find meaningful and wonderful connection, love, friendship and support. This was certainly the case at this years Crime Stoppers International (Pine Rivers) High Tea and International Women’s Day event on the 11th of March at Kallangur. I was so grateful to come and share my journey at this lovely event.

This week has brought me to my knees, I have cried, I have laughed, and I have even held others in my arms while they cried. I am constantly learning from other peoples journeys, their hopes, and it all comes down to one thing. LOVE. It’s a love I cannot describe because it surpasses anything I fully understand.  I can only say that it is and always has been bigger than me or anything I can do in my own strength. All I know is to keep walking, even when I can’t see where the next step falls. That is faith. When you align your heart with your head, beautiful things happen even when you are scared, when you feel alone, or if you feel unloveable, broken or like you are failing. You are never alone.

For me, it is an answer to a long awaited prayer, and all I really needed to do was say no to my fear. I have struggled more than anything in the last few months to harness my courage and strength. I have much to do, but I know that with the incredible support and love I have received from all of you, my friends, family, and colleagues, I cannot fail. I even have the support of the Queensland Police Service and for that I am grateful and so very humbled. I attended the International Women’s Day Event at the Pullman hotel, on the 08th of March and was Awarded a award for Courage, which I did not expect, or do I feel worthy. But I am humbled that the QPS is behind me in this journey. International Women’s Day Awards

I have many messages, and I do talk as openly as I am able to about how I have overcome Sexual Abuse; and there are many reasons for this which i will share in a later blog for you, but essentially it comes down to this. Your past does not define who you are, or who you become. No one has the power to take your voice. You are made with a purpose, a passion and you are incredibly unique. There is nothing that can stop you from achieving the desires of your heart. “It is time, to conquer your fear and unleash your Unscathed Beauty”

Thank you for coming on this journey with me. Thank-you for sharing your heart with me and allowing me to speak to yours. It is only when we work together can we really affect change, and I can’t do it alone. Bless you my friends.

Much Love, Kel.

 

 

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Acting Commissioner Brett Pointing, Hetty Johnston, Kelly Humphries, Mayor Pam Parker, Chief Superintendant Martin Mickelson.

Walk the Talk Soroptimist Event, Beenleigh, 28th of November, 2015.

What an incredible day I had yesterday, the 28th day of November, 2015. A day of celebration and advocation. That is, the celebration of community coming together to take a stand against Domestic and Family Violence, and Sexual Violence against women. As a women I believe its about celebrating our differences, and the beauty that is within each and everyone of us. I felt so empowered as I was reminded by my friend Hetty Johnston this week that I am on a journey and taking back my power. So I celebrate the joy of standing up for myself,  alongside some incredible people who represent strength and courage in our community. This week has been incredibly empowering for me as someone who has struggled through sexual abuse. When I say struggled, I mean I have had to work incredibly hard to peel the layers off and understand that I was born for more. That I am worthy of more. I felt a stirring in my heart and a rising up of my spirit as I shared that with the crowd at Beenleigh #Walkthetalk event. I had women and men share their embraces and some with tears in their eyes giving me encouragement. I had some share their stories and I am reminded just how fortunate I am. The prevalence of Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse is beyond reason and I know the journey is a long one to reduce the stigma of reporting offences like sexual abuse, sexual violence and domestic violence. Sexual Violence and Abuse, and Domestic Violence is led in the statistics primarily by women,  but we cannot overlook for a second that these stats are represented by both genders, same sex couples and the result of sexual violence, abuse of any kind affects everyone. I believe victory can only occur with collaboration.

I was incredibly humbled to share the platform with Acting Commissioner Brett Pointing, Mayor Pam Parker, Councillor Steve Swenson, and Adrienne Cremin (representing Shannon Fentiman) among others. Incredible support was shown by our Logan Councillors standing up and advocating for Not Now Not Ever.

#Soroptimist #SexualViolence #walkthetalk #SexualAbuse #Bravehearts #QLDPolice