SQLFusion - Paul Lalonde Affidavit for application and funding at the Cornwall inquiry

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 PAUL LALONDE

I, PAUL LALONDE, 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 (hereinafter referred to"Victims Group") who was sexually abused in the Cornwall area.

2. In and around 1948 and until 1953, I was sexually abused by Father Hood and Father Gauthier.

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 Province of Ontario did not offer me any counselling or support for the abuse that I endured while in their institution. Had intervention been offered, my life would have been very different. I would not have spent my adult life crippled with guilt and shame.

b. When I reported the sexual abuse to the authorities, specifically a police officer and a judge, my complaint was disregarded. As a result, I feel that the authorities failed to protect me and other potential victims of sexual abuse in their community.

Impact of the Abuse

5. I developed behavioural problems as I struggled to cope with my guilt and shame. I turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism and became addicted.

6. I have an inability to trust others and, at times, cannot control my emotions and anger. At times I have become violent and hostile toward my partner.

7. I have a great distrust for authority figures since their failure to respond to my allegations of abuse. This has resulted in difficulties with the law.

8. As a result of the abuse, I suffer from very poor self-esteem.

9. The abuse has rendered me unable to cope with constant feelings of depression, anxiety and hopelessness.

Failings of the Institutional Response

10. I was abused and I reported it to the authorities. They did not believe me and did not complete a thorough investigation into the allegations that I made.

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. I am not currently receiving psychological help in dealing with the abuse that I endured at the hands of Father Hood and Father Gauthier.

15. Although I believe I require counselling and support to deal with the effects of the abuse, I am not confident in the system which offers to provide such.

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 am not currently receiving any social assistance or benefits and have no 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 Cornwall, in the United County of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry, this 18th day of October, 2005

A Commissioner, etc. Paul Lalonde