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A Warning To the Editor: This letter is a warning to those victims of sexual assault and their parents who have to suffer through a trail of the accused in our courts. When a person is accused of sexual sexual assault he (she) has all of the resources resources of the justice system at his disposal. He can decide whether or not to have a jury, what lawyer he wishes, what judge he wants, and can change his mind. One result of this power has been the growth of "judge - shopping." This is a right only for the accused, accused, not for the victim. It seems to be common knowledge that there are some judges who are not educated about the nature of sexual abuse and assault. The accused can change lawyers lawyers until he finds one who will search out a judge who does not understand understand the horror of sexual abuse and insist on having that judge sit on the case. HOW? Well, I tried to find out. In. September 1 wrote to The Honourable Honourable Howard Hampton, then Attorney General of Ontario, and suggested that all judges be compelled to get training about sexual assault. His response response stated that because of judicial ' independence, guaranteed in the constitution, constitution, no one can tell judges what to do. They regulate themselves. I wrote to the Honourable Sidney Linden, Chief Judge of Ontario to say that the guarantee of judicial independence independence was being used by sexual abusers abusers to gain further power over their victims, because they could choose judges who have not been educated about sexual abuse. His response stated stated that all members of the Provincial Division of the Ontario Court of Justice Justice attended an educational program 1 dealing with gender bias issues, and that the feedback was overwhelmingly overwhelmingly positive. It would appear that the Ontario Courts have excellent leadership leadership and judges willing to learn. This bears out what I found out about a case in my area. The accused was to have been tried by a provincial provincial judge, but had his second lawyer change that and they sought out a federal judge. It seems to be street knowledge that federal judges are generally less educated about issues such as sexual assault. In November, I wrote to the Honourable Honourable Kim Campbell, former Minister Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. She did not respond* "Decisions" Defended To the Editor: A number of recent articles and letters to the editor regarding thé Sexual Sexual Health Awareness Fair - "Decisions" "Decisions" included information taken out of context and erroneous. "Decisions' was developed jointly by the Durham Region Health Department Department and the Durham Board of Education, with input from secondary school students. This resource is available to Durham Board of Education Education schools and complements the family life education curricula. It provides provides an opportunity for students in small groups to discuss various topics with Public Health Nurses and each other. Topics include self-esteem, relationships, relationships, getting to know your body, birth control and sexually transmitted diseases including AIDS. Abstinence is promoted as the only choice that offers complete protection protection from unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Students arc encouraged to identify, and share their own reasons for remaining remaining abstinent. For students who have chosen or will choose to become become sexually active, Public Health Nurses offer information about other fomis of protection, c.g. oral contraceptives, contraceptives, condoms, and spermicides. In general, Public Health Nurses work with School Boards and students students to encourage healthy lifestyles and provide opportunities to practise skills that help students make responsible responsible decisions. Health initiatives such as "Decisions" arc developed in accordance with Ministry of Health Guidelines and School Board curricula curricula to meet the needs of all children and adolescents. Jean Nesbitt and Judy Murray Public Health Nursing Supervisors Durham Region Health Department The Canadian Statesman Bowmanville, Saturday, May 8,1993 5 to victi ms Millbrook Artist Exhibits Work at Arts Centre In March, Pierre Blais responded, to that letter. He said that there are more programs available for judges and that I should take comfort in the fact that all 260 Ontario provincial judges have taken a seminar on family family violence and sexual abuse. That would be comforting if the accused had to be tried by these judges. They do not, and can choose not to be. For those of us who have been forced by personal grief to. understand understand the nature of this crime against children, the knowledge that the courts can be used to further extend the power of the abuser over these children, can lead to despair. In spite of the best efforts of some people in the judicial system, the criminal can still use the courts to his end. Those people who have had their lives seared and violated. by this crime must find out how to- address this double wrong. Be aware of what is happening in your case. And, for those who have unfairly accused innocent men of sexual abuse or harassment, know that your actions have justified the truly guilty ones and have helped perpetrate a system where innocent children are destroyed. If society was not so 'afraid of false accusations, there would be less protection for people who rape little children. . Yours truly, Charleen Gustafson Stratton, Ontario (807-483-5839): Millbrook area resident Harry Stooshinoff has an exciting exhibit at the Visual Arts Centre in Bowmanville. Bowmanville. He has on exhibit a number of acrylic on paper paintings that show his quest to make "an image image that looks real," he said. He is strongly concerned about impressing viewers with the mood felt at the time the painting was being done. (807-488-5587) § §8 We can comfortably seat up to 100. Specializing in Szechuan and Cantonese Cuisine. Let us cater your Wedding Banquets or Birthday Parties or any large gathering. All Day Buffet Starting Friday, May 7th Mon. through Thurs. Luncheon Buffet $5.95 Adults $3.95 Children 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner Buffet $7.95 Adults $5.95 Children 5 to 9 p.m. Fri., Sat., Sun. 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