SQLFusion - Keith Feilds 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 KEITH FIELDS

I, KEITH FIELDS, of the City of London, in the County of Middlesex, 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 1980, I was sexually abused by Nelson Baroque. This abuse continued for two 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 perpetration of sexual abuse by a person entrusted with my counselling and rehabilitation led to my complete distrust in the system.

b. The authorities failed me and other victims of sexual abuse. They were ineffective in their investigation of the sexual abuses that took place and as such, the criminal charges did not materialize.

Impact of the Abuse

5. As a result of this sexual abuse, I lost my childhood. I struggled to come to terms with what had happened and I turned to drugs and alcohol 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. This had led to troubles with the law.

7. I spent my formative years in emotional and mental turmoil. As a result, I find it difficult to obtain or maintain gainful employment.

8. I suffer from depression and low self-esteem. Consequently, I have difficulties in developing lasting, intimate relationships.

Failings of the Institutional Response

9. 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 believe that these victims were called liars by those in authority. I have lost complete faith in the judicial system.

10. Because of my status as a parolee, and Nelson Baroque's position in the community and social connections, I was fearful and intimidated in dealing with the police.

11. The Province failed me. It put me in harm's way by entrusting my rehabilitation to one of its employees who was a pedophile.

12. Despite knowledge of the sexual abuse that I suffered at the hands of their employee, Nelson Baroque, the Province of Ontario has never offered me any counselling or support. The Province simply fired Nelson Baroque and moved on. I have not been able to move on.

13. Nelson Baroque did not have to face the consequences of his behaviour, however, I have endured the consequences of his behaviour and will for the rest of my life.

14. 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.

15. 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

16. I am currently not receiving any psychological help in dealing with the abuse that I endured at the hands of Nelson Baroque.

17. As a result of the abuse at the hand of a person in a position responsible for my counselling and rehabilitation, I have no faith in the current services available for such treatment.

18. I verily believe that I require psychological intervention. However, I am not satisfied with the options available. I no longer reside in Cornwall, I reside in London, Ontario and believe that I should be able to see the counsellor of my choosing in London.

Standing

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. 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

23. One of the devastating effects of my sexual abuse has been my inability to maintain gainful employment. As such, I am currently receiving benefits from Ontario Works in the monthly amount of $300.00. 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.

KEITH FIELDS
SWORN BEFORE ME at the City
of London, in the County
Middlesex, this 20th day of October, 2005

A Commissioner, etc.