The Struggle of an Assault Victim

Jessica Compton has overcome many challenges and difficulties to become who she is today – an educator in Hamilton who runs her own program to promote mental health through storytelling, journaling, music, and meditation.

Compton, 44, was only eight years old when she was sexually assaulted.

She described her condition as being in shock from those moments and always remained silent, never speaking to anyone.

Following that incident, she was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), where she began bullying children at school and frequently getting into trouble.

Her Upbringing:

Compton was born and raised in North Bay, Ont, where she lived with her mother and suffered from malnutrition. Later, the Children's Aid Society took her from her mother, who was addicted to alcohol and drugs, and the court placed her in the custody of her father.

She added that she ended up in foster care and was assaulted twice during her time there. She was also imprisoned for the first time for setting a fire that caused the explosion of some telecommunications equipment in North Bay.

Turning Point

Compton chose to spend a rehabilitation period when she was offered, on one of her court appearances, to serve either six months in jail or three months in rehabilitation.

After completing rehabilitation, Compton finished high school when she was twenty-one. She then graduated from the Correctional Workers program at Niagara College. Additionally, she worked with children in a group home for 15 years.

Today, Compton is an educational assistant at the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board.

Furthermore, Compton underwent surgery and remained off work for 5 months afterward, during which she started to have some suicidal thoughts but overcame them by reading self-help books.

Star Tree

Compton founded Star Tree to raise mental health awareness and aid in addiction recovery through music and positive thinking.

Compton added, "I created the Hamilton café tour so I could connect with others who have experienced trauma and suffered from homelessness, suicidal thoughts, or addiction recovery."

Compton’s current and former colleagues have attested that she has a unique ability to teach others, saying: "She taught us how to engage with music and visual arts in a more enjoyable way – reframing our thinking and moving away from 'This must be perfect!' 'I can’t participate,' to 'Breathe and enjoy the moment,' 'Stop thinking. Are you done?’ Let’s celebrate."