Steve Parisien

A victim traumatized and re-victimized by the inquiry

Sylvia’s Site

(My Blog)

Steve Parisien, a victim of sexual abuse, suffered the ignoble honour and humiliation of being the first person from the Cornwall Public Inquiry to face criminal charges.

On 07 February 2007 Steve was frisked, handcuffed, tossed into a police cruiser in broad daylight - and charged with obstruction of justice. Steve stood trial 04 September 2007. 

On 21 September 2007 THE CHARGES WERE DISMISSED!!!. 

Thnaks to the inquiry, nine needless long months of unebelievable humiliation, ridicule, emotional turmoil and financial distress for a victim of sexual abuse.

STEVE PARISIEN VINDICATED 

21 September 2007: PICTURES - before and after the verdict 

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Steve Parisien Affidavit

For Standing and Funding at the Inquiry

AFFIDAVIT OF STEVE PARISIEN

I, STEVE PARISIEN, 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 1965, at the age of seven, I was sexually abused by Robert Parisien and Gary Lalonde. This abuse continued for four years.

3.  Both of the perpetrators of abuse toward me were victims of abuse themselves. Robert Parisien and Gary Lalonde were sexually abused by a priest in Alfred, Ontario. I believe this to be a mitigating factor in my own abuse.

4.  The Victims Group seeks standing at this Inquiry to ensure that the perspective of the Victims Group is brought before the Inquiry.

5.  As a victim of sexual abuse, my perspective includes the following:

a.  When the Church should have known about the abuses committed by their priests they had a duty to stop the continual abuse of other young victims.

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

Impact of the Abuse 

6. Since the abuse and the failure of any form of institutional response, I have developed a lack of trust and faith in authority figures and institutions.

7.  As a result of the abuse, I spent most of my formative years in physical, mental and emotional turmoil.

8.  Since the abuse I have suffered from low self-esteem. I am depressed and overwhelmed with feelings of hopelessness. I have experienced suicidal thoughts and feelings. 

Failings of the Institutional Response

9.  I feel that the authorities did not handle my complaint with empathy or concern. I felt that they questioned my credibility; this has greatly discouraged me. I feel persecuted and re-victimized by the institutional response thus far.

10.  I have been failed by many, including doctors, who despite my ongoing struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts offered no intervention.

11.  When I approached the Church for counsel and support, I was turned away.

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 currently receiving limited psychological help in dealing with the abuse that I suffered.

15.  I am currently unsatisfied with the level of support that I am receiving. I believe that there are not enough resources available to assist me in my efforts to be emotionally rehabilitated.

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 anxiety and depression. As such, I am currently employed on a part-time basis as a personal support care worker and earn a monthly income of approximately $1,400.00. 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 18th day of October, 2005A Commissioner, etc.                            

Steve Parisien