The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
On Nov. 28, Nellie Nippard passed away after a ten year battle with breast cancer. Cancer wasn't Nellie's only battle. At 19, she was married and for several years endured a violent marriage until eventually separating. In 1990 Nellie was viciously attacked by her husband, who left her for dead in her home in Lewisporte, Newfoundland. Nellie survived and her husband got a life sentence, however through an appeal, he got a parole hearing after seven years. To her dismay, Nellie didn't even know of this until well after the fact. She was outraged at the court's lack of consideration for the victim and this started her crusade. She attended the parole hearing but was not allowed to speak. His parole was denied. Nellie started speaking to the media and giving lectures and workshops around the country about the importance of victims' input at these hearings. One month later, the government said that victims could read impact statements. At the time of her death, she was trying to convince Ottawa to provide funding for victims to go to parole hearing. Nellie Nippard was a courageous and tireless woman who earned her place in Newfoundland history. Something to Ponder: Never underestimate the power within!
