Victims will be shortchanged if Dunlop avoids inquiry

Cornwall Standard Freeholder

11 January 2008

Posted By Elisabeth Johns

Not having a former city cop credited with bring to light allegations of sexual abuse testify at a provincial inquiry will be a disservice to those victims he fought so hard to help, a number of those working within and close to the inquiry said Thursday.

Perry Dunlop has maintained he will not testify and won't even show up at the Cornwall Public Inquiry, which The Canadian Press reported Wednesday.

Dunlop was found in contempt of court by the Ontario Divisional Court in November after refusing to testify at the inquiry during two separate appearances.

"What have we gained by Perry not giving evidence?" asked John Swales, a sexual abuse survivor who acted as a go-between for alleged victims and the London, Ont., based firm Ledroit-Beckett.

"It actually undermines the victims."

Swales said "it's no secret Perry is a beacon of hope" for many sexual abuse survivors, but contended that if Dunlop doesn't testify, it won't help to effect change in the justice process.

After the inquiry's commissioner heard expert testimony, he heard from a number of victims and alleged victims who spoke publicly about their experiences and their dealings with institutions.

"The victims of sexual abuse who testified showed enormous courage. They are to be applauded in their pursuit of truth. That exodus was perhaps stimulated by Perry coming forward,"Swales said.

"Now with Perry sidestepping the process, it's an affront to the movement."

Lead Commission Counsel Peter Engelmann reiterated the fact the inquiry will be prepared to carry on without Dunlop, but said Dunlop needs to testify for three reasons.

"It's the right thing to do, he's been ordered to testify and there will be consequences if he doesn't."

If Dunlop either doesn't show up or shows up and still refuses to testify, he can be found in contempt of a divisional court ruling, which Engelmann said could carry penalties of anywhere from jail time to fines.

John Callaghan, the lawyer representing the city police, argued that it's unfortunate Dunlop won't "come forward and explain how allegations happened."

Dunlop has offered to enter into evidence as his testimony a 110-page statement he prepared several years ago, but that offer has been declined.