Getting Help

Sexual abuse victims have had something wrongfully and permanently taken from them. It’s an injustice. While victims can never be the same they can re-shape their lives by taking control again.

 The First Step

 The first step is the hardest. It is talking with someone about their sexual abuse. The first step in the Sexual Abuse Services Group is talking to John Swales.

John is a survivor of sexual abuse. John endured the agony of sexual abuse for many years. John saw sexual abuse destroy his family and his relationships. John, together with his family, successfully sued the Catholic Church and held it accountable for their pain and suffering. John’s victory has been hard-won. John exchanged the hell of sexual abuse for one of drug and alcohol abuse. Until he decided to talk and take action.

Today, John has reshaped his life. He understands that he can never get back what was stolen from him and he understands that every day he must manage through the effects of his sexual abuse. His own road to recovery includes helping other victims. Since 2003, John has dedicated himself to helping other victims find resolution and their own roads to recovery.

John has learned many things along his road. He has met many great supporters, both professional and personal. He has educated himself (and others) on the available programs and services for sexual abuse victims. John believes he can help victims – in the way he knows best – from a position of experience and with empathy, trust, compassion and companionship. John does not want any victim to feel they are alone in facing sexual abuse. He is prepared to take that first step with a victim – to talk.

The Services

By talking with John victims can discover the best way forward – for them. John will introduce victims to professionals, resources and programs that can help along the road.

Counselors, treatment facilities, law enforcement and legal services may all have a role to play on the journey to recovery. All at the discretion and agreement of the victim.

By calling the Sexual Abuse Services Group (SAS) victims will find:

A safe environment in which to explore options and find their own road to recovery.

A trusting advisor in John Swales who will work with, and support, victims every step of the way.

Access to professionals and programs dedicated to helping victims. Programs ranging from drug and alcohol abuse, psychiatric treatment, medical treatment, social services and legal services.

Legal restitution because sometimes the road to recovery requires both resolution of the issues and restitution for the suffering.

When, and if, the victim agrees, legal counsel will be provided by the SAS legal team and legal recourse can be undertaken to recover for pain and suffering and to provide funding for the programs and treatments required on the road to recovery.

We work with victims every step of the way through the process of recovery. We believe it is important that victims feel in control and empowered through active participation in the decisions and actions affecting their recovery.

It is also important that victims feel safe and secure. Our group offers a comfortable, collegial environment of respect, dignity and confidentiality. Victims in our group can look forward to carefully considered plans and actions that put their interests first and foremost.

It’s a process that begins with one step – taken together.

The Next Step

We think the services offered by the Sexual Abuse Services Group are a good first step. Victims can now talk directly with a survivor of sexual abuse. A survivor with the experience and learning to help victims find their way. Victims can now, with the help of the group discuss and review programs and services options and, decide on their best course of action all in one place. Victims can also, when and if, ready, talk with a lawyer about their rights to recovery and restitution. All in one place. A safe, comfortable place.

We also think it’s about time. It’s about time that we begin to deal with the insidious crime of sexual abuse. And it’s about time that we, as a society, step up and support these victims with the same courage and fortitude that they show in stepping out of the shadows.

Harrison Pensa and the Sexual Abuse Services Group is committed to doing more. We are committed to raising awareness and understanding of sexual abuse and we are determined to shine a light on one of Canada’s most serious issues and together, with victims and professionals, begin to address the issues and impacts of sexual abuse.

If you would like to know more about our group please contact Dave Williams at
519 661 6782 or by email at dwilliams@harrisonpensa.com.

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