Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to talk about abuse, particularly sexual abuse. I understand just a little bit about the far-reaching and devastating effects of sexual abuse. Perpetrators, or sexual predators, are devious and subtle. It's important in achieving their goal that they appear credible or ordinary. They don't have a flashing sign to warn anyone as to their intentions. They prey on victims who are vulnerable, naive and often defenceless. They find ways to lure their victims that are deceitful and cunning. The tactics include playing to a weakness that they see in their victim, but if the victim lacks healthy affection, self-confidence or the protection of their parents, they use false pretences and hidden motives to satisfy their desires to achieve their plans.
Once past the point of return and involved, the victim feels trapped, confused, fearful and guilty. They question if they deserved this unnatural and destructive attention. Their self-respect and self-worth are destroyed. If the perpetrator is an adult and in a position of trust, they are afraid to tell anyone because no one would believe them and they will be the victim of ridicule. They buy into a conspiracy of silence. They keep their pain and their doubts to themselves, internalizing all those negative emotions.
In the absence of self-esteem and self-confidence, in a state of confusion and turmoil, victims often engage in risky promiscuous or acting out behaviour reinforcing and compounding their feelings of self-loathing. Their behaviour brings on the disapproval and judgment of the very people who would be their allies, defenders and protectors. Pretty soon they've convinced everyone, including themselves, that they are no good. Their normal, healthy interactions with peers, family and friends are diminished. The pain and shame turns inside them until they seek relief, even if temporary, by dulling their senses by abusing drugs and alcohol. Some reach the depths of contemplating suicide and they sense hopelessness.
Now an adult, they realize they were unable to comprehend or process what was happening to them. The abuse, although perhaps the root cause, may seem less relevant now and too painful to deal with in light of the failed relationships, the dysfunctional and self-destructive behaviour that may have lead to inappropriate or even abusive conduct on their part. How to heal, unravel the damage, and deal with the injustice becomes the pursuit of a person who now sees the abuse for what it was.
An opportunity presents itself to tell their story. It will take courage, but maybe there is justice, maybe there is vindication and maybe there is healing. After all, what has happened didn't only happen to them, it was immoral and it was criminal. They see the role of the courts of an impartial judge, so they muster the strength to tell their story knowing and understanding that it will be scrutinized in painstaking detail and will necessarily cause them to revisit the very issue that they have tried so hard to bury.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.