Perth, Ont., victims say impact of sexual abuse will be lifelong

WARNING: This story contains details some readers may find distressing.

A young woman and her family have had to move out of their eastern Ontario town after the woman’s teacher groomed and sexually abused her, and now the family is suing the school board for millions.

That is one of two separate civil lawsuits filed by two victims of former teacher Jeff Peters.

“It was unbearable to be in that community with all the triggers and reminders,” said lawyer Elizabeth Grace, who represents one of the victims. 

“The survivor and her family should not be the ones leaving, but the reality is their lives were too difficult to remain in Perth. They had to leave. It’s a tragedy.”

The two lawsuits name Peters and the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario as defendants and each claim millions of dollars in damages.

Former…