SQLFusion - Larry Seguin Affidavit for Cornwall Inquiry standing and funding

Larry Seguin

15 March 2008: Victims feel like they bared it all, for nothing

29 February 2008: Judge allows contested evidence into sex abuse inquiry: Three witnesses' testimony won't be heard at Cornwall probe

28 February 2008: Testimony at Cornwall inquiry will stand: judge

29 February 2008: Witness allegations tossed out

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 LARRY SEGUIN

I, LARRY SEGUIN, 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 an one of the group of victims who was sexually abused (hereinafter referred to as "Victims Group") in the Cornwall area.

2. In 1977 and 1987, at the age of six and sixteen, I was sexually abused by Edward Dejardines as well as an unknown perpetrator. These abuses were each one-time occurrences.

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. As a victim, I felt persecuted not protected by the authorities. I felt belittled and betrayed by the criminal process.

b. I was never offered support and counselling to help me deal with the effects of my abuse. Had I received intervention, my life today would be very different. I would not struggle daily with feelings of loneliness, depression and anger.

Impact of the Abuse

5. This sexual abuse has left me with poor self-esteem. I am constantly overwhelmed with feelings of depression.

6. Because of the abuse, I have difficulties coping with life. 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. As a result of my inability to cope with the abuse, I have had difficulties in maintaining intimate relationships with others.

9. The abuse has left me with feelings of guilt and shame. I find it awkward to engage in some normal activities of daily living; for
example, I am very uncomfortable changing my children's diapers.

Failings of the InstitutionaI Response

10. I verily believe that the city leaders of Cornwall have failed in their duty to the citizens and helpless victims of sexual crimes.

11. When I was seven years old, I reported to the police the abuse that had occurred. I was told by the police officer that the word of a seven-year-old, one year after the abuse occurred would not be taken seriously so he would not be laying a charge. I feel that this complete disregard of of my complaint further endangered me and ether potential victims.

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 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. 1 have sought out psychological help in dealing with the abuse that I suffered at the hands of Edward Dejardines.

15. Although I have received very limited help, I am not satisfied with the level of care I am receiving. I have been placed on a waiting list because the program is under-funded.

16. I verily believe that I will continue to require psychological support and counselling to help me deal with the emotional trauma I have suffered as a result of the abuse.

Standing

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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

21. One of the devastating effects of my sexual abuse has been my inability to maintain gainful employment. I have been clinically diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I am not currently receiving social assistance nor do I have any other 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 Kingston, in the County of
Frontenac this 21 day of October, 2005.

A Commissioner, etc. LARRY SEGUIN