SQLFusion - Dalton Tyo Affidavit for Cornwall Inqquiry 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 DALTON TYO

I, DALTON TYO, 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 or about 1984, I was sexually abused by Ken Seguin, a parole officer with the Department of Corrections, and by Father Charlie MacDonald. This abuse continued for approximately two weeks.

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 perpetration of sexual abuse by a person entrusted with my counselling and rehabilitation led to my complete distrust in the system.

b. When the Church became aware of the behaviours of Father MacDonald, they may have stopped or controlled him, thereby preventing his further abuse of other victims.

Impact of the Abuse

5. As a result of this sexual abuse, I lost my childhood. I struggled to come to terms with what had happened and I turned to drugs and alcohol to help me cope.

6. Since the abuse and the failure of any form of institutional response, I have lost trust in authority figures and institutions. As a result, I have encountered difficulties with the law.

7. I am unable to cope with the effects of the abuse. Often times I find myself overwhelmed with feelings of depression and anxiety.

8. As a result of my inability to cope with the effects of the abuse, at times I find it difficult to control my feelings of anger. As such, I have developed a propensity toward violent behaviour.

9. Being abused by a Catholic priest has resulted in a complete loss of my religious faith,

Failings of the Institutional Response

10. I believe that 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 to fulfil its mandate.

11. My detailed experience 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

12. At no time have I ever been offered any psychological counselling or support by the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall to help me deal with the consequences of the abuse that I suffered at the hands of Father Charlie MacDonald.dealing with the abuse.

14. Although I am currently receiving very limited help, as a result of being abused at the hands of a person who was position responsible for my counselling and rehabilitation, I am reluctant and wary of trusting professional help. I believe this stands in the way of my healing process.

15. 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

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 have recently been released from prison and am currently collecting social assistance. 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 I8th day of October, 2005

A Comissioner, etc.
Dalton Tyo