02/23/2024
Dear Doula Canada
On February 14, 2024, Kaitlyn Braun was sentenced to two years of house arrest and three years of probation. Earlier this year, Braun pled guilty to 21 charges of crimes against doulas including fraud, criminal harassment, and indecent acts. While under house arrest, she must wear an ankle bracelet, and cannot use the internet or social media. While she is on probation, she must attend therapy.
This sentence resulted from a plea agreement and joint submission made by the Crown and Braun’s defense. From a legal standpoint, the matter is considered over, but we know that is far from true for the doula community, particularly her victims, and their circles of support. This sentence is hurtful and alarming and we know that it has left many members of the doula community feeling vulnerable. This sentence also leaves many unanswered questions and does not alleviate concerns that she might re-offend.
This has been an unimaginably devastating ordeal for the doulas she victimized. We understand that your lives will never be the same because of Braun’s actions. We are deeply sorry that you endured this nightmare, including months of having your story questioned and doubted, in some cases by members of the doula community. This community is deeply grateful for your courage in bringing these actions to light. At DTC we will continue to deconstruct and dismantle r**e mythologies and victim-blaming rhetoric in our teaching, policies and practices.
The ripple effect of these crimes has been enormous. Many of you who were not directly impacted are supporting doulas who were. Please keep being proactive about letting them know that you’re thinking about them and that you are there to listen without judgment or shame. This is a lot to process and survivors may also need practical support. Consider offering your friends and colleagues who are local to you a “post-sentencing support” coupon to help them in whatever way would be useful for their healing. It takes a village to get through something like this. Please also ensure you are meeting your own self-care needs and that you have someone external to the situation to talk to about your thoughts and feelings.
Let’s also normalize and affirm reaching out for professional therapy. Trust your instincts, let go of stigma, and ask for help if you need it. At the end of this statement, there is a list of low-cost therapy options.
This crime spree has caused immense fear in the doula community and there are ongoing community safety concerns. We are aware that you are concerned that now that Braun is not in custody, she will resume her destructive behaviour. We also recognize that this sentence has justifiably reduced your faith in the criminal justice system. Despite this, we must strongly advise our members to alert the Brantford Police Department if they are contacted by Braun. Such communication from her would be a violation of her sentence and should result in an escalation of repercussions.
By now, we hope you are all familiar with Braun’s appearance. If not, please acquaint yourself. Consider conducting consultations via video call so you can see potential clients.
Here are the slides from this January’s webinar on gender-based violence in support work. The presentation includes tips on spotting red flags and keeping ourselves safe as we navigate the intimate, life-affirming work we do.
We should also hold close to our hearts the knowledge that the vast majority of people who ask for our help truly just want a compassionate, informed shoulder to lean on while they walk profound reproductive journeys. Holding that space for our fellow humans at their most vulnerable is a profound offering to our communities. The work we do is sacred and our clients need our wisdom, love, and skills. May we all find healing from this dark chapter and find the strength to continue spreading love and joy in our communities.
Low-Cost Therapy
https://www.hardfeelings.org/am-i-eligible/
https://affordabletherapynetwork.com/...
https://collective-healing.ca/lower-cost-counselling
Branford Police Department
Detective Kelsie Annaert
519-756-7050 extention 2262
kannaert@police.brantford.on.ca
Counselling practicum students provide anti-oppressive, trauma-informed affordable individual and relationship therapy via sliding scale rates.
