BishopAccountability.org
	'Reckless' Delay in Support for Victims By David Nesseth Standard-Freeholder January 25, 2010 http://www.standard-freeholder.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2275643 CORNWALL -- A liaison from the Cornwall Public Inquiry says the province's decision to shut down ongoing sessions between sexual abuse victims and their counselors sends the message that the government has no interest in leading the way to change how victims of sexual abuse are treated. The Ministry of the Attorney General said it will take six months to respond to the report from the Cornwall Public Inquiry. During that time, the ministry said it will attempt to determine if further support for victims is needed. It's a decision that John Swales, who worked in client support between victims and law firms at the inquiry, calls "reckless". "They'll say, 'You know what? They didn't care," Swales said. "To say, 'We're just going to pull the plug for six months and let you know,' that's like going for a job interview and they say 'Leave your resumé, we'll let you know.,'" he added. "You know you didn't get the job, right? You may get a call back, but you'll be bloody shocked when they do." At worst, Swales warned, someone could die from counseling being cut, and at the very least, victims in counseling will be left with depression, feelings of betrayal, and a sense of worthlessness. Swales involvement at the inquiry had its problems, notably victim affidavits that appeared to include false statements. It was just one of many road bumps through the inquiry process, which he said often times revealed society's inexperience at dealing with an issue as serious and uncomfortable as sexual abuse. Swales say he's taking a break from his line of work to help care providers enhance services for victims. He is a victim of sexual abuse himself, and says he knows the importance of working through the past to find himself. "It's helped me look through the wreckage of my life Swales believes the province should be covering all treatment for sexual abuse, not just victims related to the inquiry. He said if the province wants evidence that counseling is effective, it should heed the advice of Normand Glaude, inquiry commissioner, who recommended counseling for inquiry victims should continue for another five years. "If a person is molested, I think it's a given that there's far-reaching implications," Swales said. "If you had a broken leg, there's no question you'd get treatment. A leg will heal with minor complications. We can minimize the effects of sexual abuse, but without treatment they just sit in remission. We incur more damage as a society without dealing with it." Contact: DNESSETH@STANDARD-FREEHOLDER.COM
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.