When Paul Leduc was a child, he was sexually abused. Like thousands of others, that experience left deep scars, wounds that took years to heal over.
That long-ago trauma came back to haunt him when he began studying to become a paramedic at Cambrian College a half-dozen years ago.
Living on his own for the first time, he said he “hit rock bottom,” and even contemplated suicide.
Fortunately, he sought out the help of a professional counsellor, who helped him work through his feelings about what had happened to him, and even provided his services free of charge to the cash-strapped student.
Leduc, who now lives in Ottawa, said the lack of resources available to male sexual abuse survivors was frustrating.
That led the 26-year-old to create his own non-profit organization, the Canadian Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse, in 2013.
He said the society connects men who have experienced sexual abuse and helps them find appropriate support. It works in conjunction with organizations that primarily work with female sexual abuse survivors.
“I saw there were needs out there that hadn't been filled,” Leduc said. “I think it's something that's overlooked. That's what it boils down to. My thought process was as simple as 'I can't be the only person who's going through this.' ”
Leduc was honoured by Cambrian College on June 2 for his work to help fellow sexual abuse survivors.
He was presented with the Cambrian College Alumni Award at one of the college's convocation ceremonies.
The award goes to alumni who make outstanding contributions to the college and society through professional excellence and extraordinary service to education.
“Yesterday was really an incredible experience,” he said. “It was really humbling, and I was filled with nothing but gratitude to go and accept the award.”
Leduc said he told graduates that the moments in life that are the most telling are the times when you've faced a major challenge, or even failed.
“How you react in those moments of stress or challenge will ultimately decide your success,” he said.
