Melodie’s story: the ripple effect of abuse in indigenous communities
OTTAWA — At the age of five, Melodie Casella remembers calling her mom to tell her “something” had happened. It was enough to send her mother rushing home.
A babysitter on her B.C. reserve had sexually abused her, Casella recalls.
“My mom was so angry,” she said.
A myriad associated traumas followed — she was terrified of the dark, of being left alone. She couldn’t sleep with the door closed.