SQLFusion - Mike Leger affidavit

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 MIKE LEGER

I, MIKE LEGER, 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. In 1964, I was sexually abused by Roch Landry. This abuse continued for one year.

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 other victims reported their abuse to the authorities, I saw how they were treated and I did not report the abuse as I was fearful of the consequences I may have suffered.

b. If I had received help in dealing with the consequences of my abuse earlier on, my life would have been different. I would have experienced less anxiety and feelings of helplessness and shame.

Impact of the Abuse

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

6. As a result of the abuse, I spent most of my formative years in physical, mental and emotional turmoil. This has resulted in my experiencing flashbacks as an adult.

7. The abuse has rendered me unable to cope. I am depressed and am often overwhelmed with suicidal thoughts and feelings.

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

Failings of the Institutional Response

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

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. 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.

12. 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

13. I am not currently receiving any psychological help in dealing with the abuse that I suffered at the hands of Roch Landry. I feel embarrassed and shameful and as a result am reluctant to seek out the help that I so desperately require.

14. I verily believe that I require psychological support and counselling to help me deal with the emotional trauma I have suffered as a result of the abuse. However, I am not comfortable with local resources available.

Standing

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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

19. One of the devastating effects of my sexual abuse has been my inability to maintain gainful employment. I am currently employed as a tow truck driver and I earn a monthly income of $1,400. In addition, I receive Workplace Safety and Insurance Board benefits of $262.00 per month. These are my only sources 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 18th day of October, 2005

A Commissioner, etc.

Mike Leger