SQLFusion - Brigette Rivette Affidavit for Cornwall Inquiry standing and funding

IN THE MATTER OF THE PUBLIC INQUIRY INTO THE EVENTS
SURROUNDING THE ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE OF YOUNG
PEOPLE IN CORNWALL, ONTARIO
AND
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR STANDING AND
FUNDING FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE ABUSE

AFFIDAVIT OF BRIGETTE RIVETTE

I, BRIGETTE RIVETTE, of the Town of Clinton, in the County of Huron, in the Province of Ontario, MAKE OATH AND SAY AS FOLLOWS:

1. I am one of the group of victims who was sexually abused (hereinafter referred to as "Victims Group") in the Cornwall area.

2. In 1969, I was sexually abused by Raymond Rivette and Father George Maloney. This abuse continued for seventeen years.

3. The Victims Group seeks standing at this Inquiry to ensure that the perspective of the Victims Group is brought before the Inquiry.

4. As a victim of sexual abuse, my perspective includes the following:

a. The system failed, in that, the Crown Attorney, Malcolm MacDonald, who was appointed to convict the perpetrators of abuse in my case, was also a known pedophile. Because of his involvement as Crown Attorney, the perpetrators received reduced charges and minimal sentences.

b. If I had received help in dealing with the consequences of my abuse earlier on, then my life would have been different. I would not struggle with ongoing psychiatric problems.

Impact of the Abuse

5. As a result of this sexual abuse, I lost my childhood.

6. I have struggled to come to terms with what happened and I have turned to drugs and alcohol to help me cope.

7. Since the abuse and the failure of any form of institutional response, I have lost trust in authority figures and institutions.

8. I have developed problems in maintaining normal intimate relationships with others.

9. As a result of the abuse, I spent most of my formative years in physical, mental and emotional turmoil.

10. I suffer from severe psychiatric problems as a result of the abuse, namely, mood disorders, depression and anxiety.

Failings of the Institutional Response

11. I verily believe that the police have failed the victims of sexual abuse. Specifically, they did not investigate many claims brought forward. As a result, I have lost complete faith in the judicial system.

12. I verily believe that the Crown Attorney who prosecuted my case protected the perpetrators and failed to consider how the abuse damaged me as a victim.

13. I believe that further details of my first hand experience as a victim dealing with the Cornwall police and justice system, which is the focus of Part I of this Inquiry, would be beneficial information for the Inquiry. I believe that my experiences and those of other victims must be canvassed by the Inquiry in order for it to fulfill its mandate.

14. My detailed experiences dealing with the police and justice institutions could be obtained by my testimony or the provision of a summary of my experiences. The provision of either would be most effective if counsel were provided to me as it would be to other victims.

Clinical Support

15. I am currently receiving limited psychological help in dealing with the abuse that I suffered.

16. Currently, I am not satisfied with the level of support that I am receiving. I feel that it is a constant struggle to receive the care and help that I require.

17. I verily believe that I will continue to require extensive, long-term psychological support and counselling to help me deal with the very severe emotional trauma I have suffered as a result of the abuse. I gather this understanding from information and feedback gained during the counselling and therapy which I do receive.

18. As a first hand victim of sexual abuse, I verily believe that it is crucial that my perspective be brought before the Inquiry. Therefore, I have a direct interest in the outcome of this Inquiry and, as part of the Victims Group, have a substantial interest in ensuring the objectives of this Inquiry are met.

19. I further understand that I have the potential for a civil action or application for criminal injuries compensation and that those legal rights may be impacted by my participation within the Inquiry. Accordingly, I believe that I need access to legal counsel, as do other victims like me, in order to fairly participate without detrimental impact upon my civil and administrative remedies.

20. Having personally experienced the depths of the impact of sexual abuse and the related institutional failings, I, like other victims have the greatest motivation to see the system corrected and improved.

21. I strongly believe that there is no greater advocate for systematic improvement of the treatment, handling, and prosecution of sexual abuse cases than the victims themselves.

Funding

22. One of the devastating effects of my sexual abuse has been my inability to maintain gainful employment. I have been clinically diagnosed with Multiple Personality Disorder. As such, I am currently receiving benefits from Ontario Disability Support Program and Canada Pension Plan in the monthly amount of $1,400.00. This is my only source of income. Therefore, in order to participate and be adequately represented at the Cornwall Inquiry I require that Ledroit Beckett, as my counsel of choice, receive funding to represent my interests without which I would otherwise be unable to participate in the Inquiry.

SWORN BEFORE ME at the City of London, in the County of Middlesex, this 14th day of October, 2005

A Commissioner, etc.
BRIGETTE RIVETTE