David Norton, an Anglican priest was sentenced to 4 years for sexual abuse of a boy between 1991-1995. Norton also stands charged for sexually assaulting three boys in 1977. That trial is coming this October.
What is even more disturbing, is the reality that there may be numerous victims who continue to suffer under a veil of silence and shame.
These agents of the church that have been welcomed into the homes and souls of parishioners have caused so much suffering…It feels like abusive priests or religious figures are being charged weekly; if this is such a big problem, why have so many have failed to report abuse?
MORE COMMON THAN YOU THINK AND WHY PEOPLE STAY SILENT
Our hearts go out to the brave boys who came forward and shared their experiences of sexual assault at the hands of this predator priest. These brave boys, now men, have endured the intimidating and overwhelming process of being witnesses for the Crown in a criminal case.
At the end of the day, the priest is sentenced. Yet, the mark of damage that is left on these victims run deep; and lasts much longer than the trial, conviction and time served.
The victims may find a sense of comfort that society, by way of a Judge, acknowledges the criminal acts and the damage inflicted in their lives.
But aside from that, what changes for these men who so bravely came forward to protect others from a similar fate?
Survivors of sexual assault rarely feel satisfied after a criminal case and often find themselves raw with the hurts of the past being brought to the surface. Criminal court is not designed to provide solace or bring healing to the victims; indeed, no court can do that. However, civil courts can award financial compensation which can provide access to long-term means such as individual counselors and psychologists. Often, these professionals are out of reach for so many survivors in today’s world.
No amount of money can change the past, but counseling can change a person’s future- and that takes money!
The questions still stand…how can this happen, was enough done, and how will we fix it.
The answer is… only by taking action.
If you have experienced sexual assault, regardless of the assault resulted in criminal charges, contact Millars Law today for assistance to explore what recourse may be available to you.
IT’S TERRIFYING AT FIRST, BUT IT GETS BETTER, YOU GET STRONGER AND, IN THE END, YOU GET YOUR VOICE BACK BY BREAKING THE SILENCE.
By Shari Lamore (519) 657-1LAW or Info@ml-dev.thirdeyeinsights.ca
