Law-Abiding Moose?

I might be back in court. I won’t be the one on trial, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be a price to pay. For a while, I wrestled with the decision—until I realized there really wasn’t a decision to make. If I’m called to testify, I have to show up. The only choice I have is how I carry it. I can let fear and resentment eat at me, or I can accept what’s in front of me and move forward.

The risks are real. If I testify, the defence lawyer will tear into me. My past—something I work hard to move beyond—will be dragged into the open again. There’s a good chance I’ll be outed as a murderer in a public forum. That alone could make me a target. Not just from the accused’s friends, but from anyone who sees me as nothing more than the worst thing I ever did.

But here’s the thing—I’ve already lived through the worst. And I’ve learned that the only person who can truly hurt me is me. If I let fear stop me from doing what’s right, then I’m the one betraying myself.

This case isn’t just some abstract moral dilemma. The victim is a client of mine. She’s spent years trapped under the control of her son—stalked, threatened, and drained of every penny she had. The day she finally found the courage to speak up, I reported it. I documented everything, got her to safety, and made sure the police knew what had been happening. Now, I may be asked to stand up in court and confirm what I saw.

When I gave my statement, I told the officer the full truth—including the fact that I’m on a life licence for killing my partner. I was an abuser once. I know exactly how this kind of violence works. The officer just nodded and asked how I felt about testifying. That’s when it really hit me: If I refused, there was a good chance the victim wouldn’t testify either. Like so many people in her position, she’d probably stay silent. And if she did, her son would walk free, and the cycle would continue.

That’s what made the decision for me. This isn’t about snitching. It’s not about revenge. It’s about standing up for someone who can’t stand up for herself. I won’t pretend it doesn’t scare me. But I also won’t pretend I have a choice.

Because sometimes, doing the right thing is the only thing.