SQLFusion - Pierre Levert 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 PIERRE LEVERT

I, PIERRE LEVERT, of the Village of Glen Robertson, in the Township of North Glengarry, 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 or around 1953, I was sexually abused by Brother George Edmond of St. Joseph's Training School. This abuse continued for 3-4 months.

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 judicial system failed the victims. Edmonds was not prosecuted because he had health problems. The system, in not prosecuting Brother George Edmond for the abuses he committed, failed in deterring other sexual criminals.

b. Brother George Edmond did not have to face the consequences of his actions. Neither the Church nor the judicial system made him accountable for the crimes he committed. This showed a complete lack of regard for the victims of abuse and the struggles that they will face for the rest of their lives.

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. I feel betrayed by both the Church and the judicial system.

6. As a result of the abuse, I spent most of my formative years in physical, mental and emotional turmoil. I have turned to alcohol to help me cope and have become addicted.

7. I am depressed. I often find myself overwhelmed with feelings of fear and anxiety.

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

9. The abuse took place at school. As a result, I became fearful and anxious when in the school environment. I was unable to concentrate and consequently only have a sixth grade education.

10. I continue to suffer the emotional effects of the abuse to this day. My daily struggle with depression and anxiety has led to poor performance at work.

Failings of the Institutional Response

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

12. The system failed me and other victims of sexual abuse in not making a perpetrator of sexual abuse answer for his crimes. It is a mockery to what I have endured as a victim for Brother Edmond not to have been brought to proper justice.

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 not currently receiving any psychological help in dealing with the abuse that I suffered at the hands of Brother George Edmond.

16. 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

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 an inability to maintain a regular work routine and attendance. As such, I am currently receiving benefits from Canada Pension Plan, a retirement pension and some employment income in the total monthly amount of $1,700.00. 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 18 day of October ,2005

A Commissioner, etc. PIERRE LEVERT