SQLFusion - Gareth Smith Affidavit for Cornwall Inquiry application for 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 GARETH SMITH

I, GARETH SMITH, of the City of Cornwall, in the United County of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry, 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. At the age of twelve, I was sexually abused by Father Lucien Lussier. This abuse continued for 11/2 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. When the Church knew or ought to have known about the sexual abuse perpetrated by one of their priests, they did not provide counselling and support to the victims that they were aware of, nor did they make any attempts to seek out other victims.

b. If I had received help in dealing with the consequences of my abuse earlier on, my life would have been different. I would not have spent my adult life crippled with feelings of depression and anxiety.

Impact of the Abuse

5. As a result of this sexual abuse, I have turned to alcohol and drugs to help me cope.

6. Since the abuse and the failure of any form of institutional response, I have lost trust in authority figures and institutions. I have developed problems in maintaining normal intimate relationships with others.

7. As a result of the abuse, I spent most of my formative years in physical, mental and emotional turmoil which resulted in difficulties with the law.

8. The abuse has rendered me unable to cope. I have difficulties controlling my anger which often results in aggressive and violent behaviour towards others.

9. Because of the abuse I have suffered, I must take medication in order to control my feelings of worthlessness and depression.

Failings of the Institutional Response

10. I verily believe that the other victims of sexual abuse were poorly treated by the Courts when their cases came to trial and, as such, this has greatly discouraged me. I have lost complete faith in the judicial system.

11. At no time have I ever been offered any psychological counselling or support by the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall to help me deal with the consequences of the abuse that I suffered at the hands of Father Lucien Lussier.

12. 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.

13. My detailed experiences dealing with the police and justice i 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

14. Currently, I am not receiving any psychological help in dealing with the abuse that I suffered at the hands of Father Lussier.

15. I verily believe that I require psychological support and counselling, but I am uncomfortable with the resources that are currently available to help me deal with the emotional trauma I have suffered as a result of the abuse.

Standing

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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

20. One of the devastating effects of my sexual abuse has been my inability to maintain gainful employment. I have been clinically diagnosed with severe depression. As such, I am currently receiving social assistance in the monthly amount of $314.00. 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 Cornwall, in the United County of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry, this I8th day of October, 2005.

A Commissioner, etc. GARETH SMITH