After You Tell

by
Susan E. Ludwig

Illustrated by
James F. Whittingham

This booklet uses clear text and engaging illustrations to guide readers through the experiences that may occur after someone discloses that they have been sexually abused. It sensitively explains the possible sequence of events surrounding the investigation and subsequent judicial response. While useful for a wide audience, the booklet will be particularly helpful for people with developmental disability, problems with literacy, learning or communication, or anyone who uses Blissymbols.

The 17-booklet series Being Sexual: An Illustrated Series on Sexuality and Relationships, also published by SIECCAN, is a useful backup resource, in similar format, for introduction to or review of a broad range of sexuality-related issues and questions. The artwork on pages 2 and 61 of After You Tell is from the Being Sexual series with SIECCAN's permission.

Susan Ludwig, author of After You Tell, is a specialist in sexuality education for people with disabilities and co-author of the Being Sexual series. James F. Whittingham, illustrator of the Being Sexual series, created all drawings in the booklet. Blissymbol translation was done by Jinny Storr and Ruth Harrington. French translation by Joly-Hébert Translations Inc.

Blissymbols used herein are derived from symbols described in Semantography, original copyright © C.K. Bliss 1949. © BIissymbolics Communication International, 1630 Lawrence Avenue West, Suite 104, Toronto, Canada M6L 1C5. Exclusive licensee 1982. SIECCAN gratefully acknowledges BCI's permission to use Blissymbols in this booklet.

Funding for the development, printing and distribution of After You Tell was provided by the Family Violence Prevention Unit, Health Canada.

Published by SIECCAN, the Sex Information and Education Council of Canada, 850 Coxwell Avenue, East York, Ontario, Canada M4C 5R1 (416-466-5304; 416-778-0785 FAX).

© SIECCAN 1995

Canadian Cataloguing in Publication Data

Ludwig, Susan, 1947

After you tell

Issued also in French under title: Tu en as parlé.

ISBN 1 -895866- 18-9

I. SIECCAN.

II. Title.

KE8928.L85 1995 345.71'0253'0240816

KF9325. L85 1995 C95-931-094-0

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of contents

• Notes from author, illustrator, Blissymbol translators

• Telling Someone

• Telling the authorities

• Charges

• Bail

• Preliminary hearing

• Trial

• Verdict

• Sentence

• Why tell?

• Flowchart

• Glossary

Glossary of Blissymbols

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

SIECCAN is grateful to the volunteer reviewers whose insightful suggestions to Susan Ludwig were extremely helpful in shaping the content of the booklet. Their positive attitude toward the project provided welcome encouragment and support.

Robyn Artemis, Chairperson, Disabled Women's Network of Ontario (DAWN Ontario).

Nora Baladarian, Director, Disability, Abuse and Personal Rights Project of SPECTRUM Institute, Los Angeles, California.

Michael Barrett, Professor, Zoology, University of Toronto; Chairperson, SIECCAN.

Robert Buchanan, Area Director, Ontario Legal Aid Plan, Toronto office.

Ross Dawson, Managing Director, Institute for the Prevention of Child Abuse, Toronto.

Peggy Geddes, The Child's Beacon Inc., Thornhill, Ontario.

Diane Hetherington, therapist and author, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

Kerry Harrington, consultant on the Being Sexual series, Blissymbol user.

Pat Israel, Executive Director, Disabled Women's Network of Ontario (DAWN Ontario).

Claudia Kugelmas, Information/Training Officer, Ontario Legal Aid Plan, Toronto office.

Annabelle Nathan, founder, Court Support and Counselling Services, Toronto.

Gordon Phaneuf, Program Consultant, Family Violence Prevention Unit, Health Canada.

Laura Silver, Assistant Crown Attorney, Counsel to the Victim Witness Assistance Programme,

Ministry of the Attorney General of Ontario.

Dick Sobsey, University of Alberta, Developmental Disabilities Centre, Alberta, Canada.

Thanks also to Peter Reich, Department of Linguistics, University of Toronto, who assisted with Blissymbol translation, to Dominique Joly and Lyse Hébert (Joly-Hébert Translations Inc.) who did the French translation, and to Andre Samson, Centre for Legal Translation and Documentation, Ottawa, who advised on French translation of legal terminology.

A word from the Author....

This booklet is intended to help a person who has disclosed that they have been sexually abused. It explains what he or she may experience when disclosure leads into the legal system. Unfortunately, there is no average experience in such situations. My hope, therefore, is to provide some insight into what one might expect from the process and to identify the various "players" that are likely to be involved. The meaning of some terms, particularly the legal ones, may be unfamiliar to many of us. These words have been highlighted in the text and they are defined in the glossary. It may be difficult to keep track of the sequence of events. The flow chart will help you to do this.

Susan Ludwig

A word from the Illustrator....

The pictures in this booklet show a young man who has been sexually abused and his abuser who is a man. The same events following disclosure will take place if the abused person is female and the abuser is either male or female. In addition, officials, lawyers, police and Judges can be either male or female. We have assigned a gender to each for continuity of illustration.

James Whittingham

A word from the Blissymbol Translators....

In the written text, some words (primarily articles) are enclosed in parentheses. These words are not represented by a specific symbol in the Blissymbol text, but are rather assumed in context. In addition, where a negative verb is found in the text, the negative symbol always precedes the applicable verb. This is in keeping with the original use of the Bliss language and may not be used in all modern texts.

Jinny Storr, Ruth Harrington

This book tells you about what you can expect to happen after you have told (the) Authorities about being sexually

This is a book for people who have been sexually abused. Many people are sexually abused. Sexual abuse means that a person does something that does not respect the privacy of your sexual body parts. They may do or say sexual things to you that you don't want. They may ask you to do sexual things to them that make you feel bad. Sexual abuse is against the law. Telling the Authorities about the hurt may help you feel better.

Being Sexual

In (the) Being Sexual books you can learn about sexual abuse. This book tells you more about what you can expect to happen after you have told someone about being abused.

Being Sexual: An Illustrated Series On Sexuality and Relationships

SEXUAL ABUSE

By Susan Ludwig and Davidd Hingsburger

Translated into Blissymbols by Claudia Wood

Illustrated by James F. Whitthingham

In the Being Sexual series of books, you have the opportunity to learn about healthy sexuality. Each book talks about a different part of what it means to be a sexual person. One of the books tells about sexual abuse. Unfortunately, not many people know what happens after they tell a person that they have been sexually abused. This book will tell you more about what you can expect to happen after you have told about being abused.

You may ask yourself if it is (a) good idea to tell anyone about it. What happened was wrong; it did not need to happen to you.

You may wonder if it is a good idea to tell anyone about being sexually abused. It can be difficult to tell a person that you have been sexually abused. It may be the most difficult thing you have ever had to do in your life.

Important—often (an) abused person may want to pretend (that the) abuse did not happen. After you tell (the) truth about it, you can get help. If (a) person has sexually abused you, that person must be stopped.

Often an abused person may want to pretend that the abuse didn't happen After they tell the truth about it, they may get help. Wishing that it didn't happen is normal when people have scary things happen to them

Important—talking about it may help to heal some (of the) hurt (that) you feel after being sexually abused. It is usually difficult to tell (a) person (that) you have been sexually abused.

When you talk to others about your sexual abuse, you are telling about something that has already happened to you. Talking about it may help you to heal some of the hurt that comes from being sexually abused. If a person has sexually abused you, the law says it is wrong. Sexual abuse must stop!

(The) person (that) you say abused you may say (that) he did not do (the) acts (that) you say have happened to you.

The person you have accused may say that he did not do the things you said he did. He may blame you and deny that he is responsible.

Important—you must search for someone to tell about your abuse who believes what you are saying and helps you.

Sometimes, the first person that you tell may not believe what you are saying has happened. That is not your fault.

Usually, if you continue to search, someone will believe you. Try telling (a) friend's mother or father, or (a) Doctor, (a) Nurse, (a) Teacher or (a) Social Worker.

Even if you tell a parent, and they do not believe you, it is important to tell someone else. You may tell a friend's mother or father, or a Counsellor, a Doctor, a Nurse, a Teacher or a Social Worker. Usually, you will find someone to believe you if you keep trying.

If you are younger than sixteen years (of age), (the) abuse must be reported to (the) Police or Child Protection Service. (A) person who abuses (a) child must be responsible for what he has done.

If you are younger than sixteen years of age, it is important to contact the police or Child Protection Service. This is because our society says that children and young people have a right to be protected from abuse and that a person who abuses a child must be held responsible for doing so. Child abuse is wrong and it must be investigated.

(The) person you tell must tell another person about your abuse, if it is possible (that) you might be abused again or (that) another person might be abused. Important—you must know when and why they tell another person.

The person who believes you may have to tell another person about your abuse if he or she believes you are in danger of being abused again. This is also true if they believe that another person is in danger of being abused. The other person who is told may be a Social Worker or a person who can help to make it so that the person you accused stops abusing you. This other person will tell you why it is important that they tell others about what has happened to you. They must also tell you when they tell another person. If they don't, you may ask.

You may want to tell (the) Police yourself about (the) abuse.

You may also decide that you want to tell a police officer about the abuse.

Important—you are not responsible for what has happened. Other people will feel sad because you have been sexually abused.

Remember that what happened was not your fault. Other people will feel sad that sexual abuse happened to you.

Important—(the) person who abused you must not be able to continue to abuse you. This means (that the) accused may not be allowed to be near you alone. This is difficult if he is (a) part of your family.

A Social Worker or the Police will do what they can to be sure that the person who abused you is not able to continue to abuse you. He must not be near you or have contact with you. If the accused is a family member, it may be especially difficult to know what to do. You may want to see your family. If they support you, this is fine. However, if they don't believe you, they may try to get you to say the abuse didn't happen. A counsellor can help you decide what to do.

Important—you must be sure (that) you also were not physically injured when you were sexually abused. You must go to (a) doctor to be sure (that) you were not injured.

It is important to see if you have also been physically injured when you were being abused. You must see a doctor to be sure you were not injured.

Important—find (a) counsellor who can help you talk about (the) sexual abuse. Search for (a) counsellor with whom you feel comfortable.

The worker may help you to find a counsellor with whom you can talk about the sexual abuse. You must feel comfortable with your counsellor. If you are not comfortable, find another counsellor with whom you are comfortable. A counsellor must try to make meetings with you private and confidential.

After (the) Authorities are told, they will ask you questions about (the) abuse and (the) person who abused you. They must fully understand what happened to you. Important—they must talk to you in (a) place where you feel safe.

The Authorities must respond to what you have said. They must ask you questions about the abuse and the person who abused you. They must understand exactly what happened to you during your abuse. They will do this in a place in which you feel you are safe. You may want someone with you to support you when you answer all their questions.

You may not know (the) answers to all their questions. If you do not know (an) answer to (a) question, it is o.k. to say, "I don't know."

You may not know all the answers to their questions. You may answer "I don't know" to these questions. You must always tell the truth when you answer questions about the abuse.

They may write (down) what you say in (a) statement. If they write (a) statement, you will be asked to sign it. When you sign, it means (that) what is written is true.

The Authorities may write down the things you say in a statement. Be sure you understand what they have written down. If they write a statement you will be asked to sign it. When you sign, it means that what is written is true. You may ask for a copy of your statement. Eventually, the accused and his lawyer will also receive a copy of any statement you make to any person in authority.

(The) Authorities will decide what acts by (the) accused were against (the) law.

The Authorities will decide what the accused person did that was against the law.

(The) Authorities will tell (the) accused person or his Lawyer what you have told them about (the) abuse. They will charge (the) accused for acts against (the) law.

Next, the police will tell the accused person or his lawyer with what he is charged. They will tell the accused that these things are against the law.

(The) Authorities will ask (the) accused person about what you have said. He may not answer their questions. You may not be told about what he says at this time.

The accused person will be asked questions about the abuse. If he answers the questions, the police will write down what he says about what happened. They will ask the accused to sign this statement. Sometimes you will not hear what anyone else has to say about the abuse until during or after Court proceedings.

If (the) Authorities have enough evidence, (the) accused may be arrested. If (the) accused is arrested, (a) Judge will decide if he must be held in Jail until time to go to trial. If he is allowed to go free, he may be asked to promise to obey some rules. Rule: he may not be allowed to come near you or to speak to you or your friends.

If the Police have enough evidence, the accused will be charged and may be arrested If he is arrested, the Judge will decide whether to keep him in Jail until it is time to go to a trial. If he is allowed to leave he may need to promise to obey certain rules called bail One of these rules may be that he must promise to have no contact with you or your friends.

Another rule: he or another person may need to pay money, called Bail, to be sure he will return for trial.

The accused will have to promise that he will return to Court. He or someone else may have to give some bail money to make sure that he will come back for the trial or hearing.

Important—you must know what (the) rules are. If (the) accused does not obey (the) rules, he may be arrested and held in Jail until his trial.

Besides paying bail, the accused may not have contact with you if this is a condition of his bail. He may not even have contact with you through your friends. You have the right to know what other rules the person you have accused must follow. If the accused does not obey the terms of bail, he may be charged with breaking the bail terms and kept in Jail until his trial.

(The) accused will tell (the) Judge if he admits (to) abusing you. If he says he did these acts, he is saying (that) he is guilty (The) Judge will decide what will happen because he did these acts. (The) Judge may not decide this (on the) same day.

He will tell a Judge if he admits to abusing you. If he says he did the things, he is saying that he is guilty. The Judge will decide what will happen to him because he abused you. The Judge may not decide this on the same day.

If (the) accused says (that) he did not do these acts, he must choose what to do. He may have (a) Preliminary Hearing and later (a) trial or he may decide to have only (a) trial. (The) purpose of (a) Preliminary Hearing is to help (the) Judge decide if there is enough evidence for (a) trial. You may be asked to testify at (a) Preliminary Hearing.

If the accused says that he did not do these things he must decide what to do. He may choose to have a Preliminary Hearing first and a trial later. He may decide to have a trial only. A trial may not happen for many months. A Preliminary Hearing takes place in a Court. You may be asked to speak at a Preliminary Hearing. It helps the Judge decide if there is enough evidence for a trial.

Several people will act in (a) Preliminary Hearing. First person: (a) Judge. (A) Judge will listen to (the) facts about your abuse to decide if there is enough evidence for (a) trial.

These are some of the people who take part in the Preliminary Hearing. One person will be a Judge. A Judge is a person who will listen to the facts about your abuse and decide if there is enough evidence to have a trial.

Second person: (a) Crown Attorney. (A) Crown Attorney is hired by (the) government to be sure (that the) Judge hears all (the) facts about your abuse. These facts are called evidence. (A) Crown Attorney will help you give your statement to (the) Judge. (A) Crown Attorney is not (the) lawyer for (the) victim.

A second person at the Preliminary Hearing is the Crown Attorney The Crown Attorney is hired by the government to be sure that the Judge hears all the facts about your abuse. This is called evidence The Crown Attorney will ask you questions about your abuse in Court to help you make your statement to the Court A Crown Attorney is not the lawyer for the victim of the abuse.

Third person: (a) Defense Lawyer. (A) Defense Lawyer is hired by (the) accused to defend him. (The) Defense Lawyer will be sure (that the) Judge hears (the) accused person's part of (the) story. She will ask you questions about (the) abuse. (A) Court Reporter will be there to write (down) what people say.

A third person at the Preliminary Hearing will be a Lawyer who is hired by the accused to defend him This person is called a Defense Lawyer. The Defense Lawyer will be sure that the Judge hears the accused person's side of the story. The Defense Lawyer will also ask you questions about the abuse. There will be a Court Reporter present to record what people say.

(The) Judge decides at (the) Preliminary Hearing if there is enough evidence for (a) trial.If not, (the) accused is free to leave. This does not mean (that) what you have said is not true.

.

The Judge decides at the Hearing if there is enough evidence against the accused for the case to go to Court for a trial. If there is not enough evidence, the accused is free to leave This does not mean that what you have said is not true. It just means that the Judge does not think there is enough evidence to have a trial in Court.

If there is enough evidence, (the) Judge will order (a) trial. (The) accused may decide if he wants to have (a) trial with (a) Judge alone or with (a) Judge and Jury.

If there is enough evidence, the Judge will order a trial. The lawyers decide how many days the trial will last. They decide when the trial will be held. The accused may decide if he wants to have a trial with a Judge or with a Judge and Jury.

Important—you will meet (with the) Crown Attorney before you go to trial. (The) Crown Attorney will tell you what you can expect during (the) trial. If you feel afraid about seeing (the) accused at (the) trial, you must tell (the) Crown Attorney at this time. He may ask to have (a) screen for you at (the) trial.

The Crown Attorney will meet with you before you go to Court. Court is where a trial will happen. If this doesn't happen, call the Crown Attorney's office and make an appointment. It is important that you feel comfortable with the Crown Attorney. The Crown Attorney will ask you many questions about what you remember about your abuse and about the accused. The Crown Attorney can tell you what to expect when you go to Court. If you feel afraid about seeing the accused at the trial, you must tell the Crown Attorney at this meeting. He may be able to arrange to have a screen at the trial.

(A) person called (a) Victim Witness Coordinator may answer your questions about (the) trial. You may see (a) courtroom and learn where you may sit.

You may meet a person who is a Victim Witness Coordinator This is a person who may answer all your questions about a trial. You may see a courtroom and learn where you may sit.

(A) Victim Witness Coordinator may help you feel comfortable in (the) courtroom. Often your friends or family (members) are not allowed to be there with you.

On the day of the trial, a Victim Witness Coordinator may help you to feel comfortable in the Courtroom. She may sit in the Courtroom with you. Often, your friends or family members are not allowed to be there with you in the Courtroom. The public may be present in the Courtroom. If you feel uncomfortable about this, you may tell the Crown Attorney.

(The) person you have accused has (the) right to be in (the) room to hear what you say about him. (The) Crown Attorney may ask (the) Judge to allow you to sit behind (a) screen.

You may be able to testify. To testify means to tell your story in public. The person you have accused has the right to be there to hear what you say about him. You may feel uncomfortable with the accused in the courtroom. If so, tell the Crown Attorney. He may be able to ask the Judge if you can sit behind a screen. You may ask the Judge to be allowed to sit behind a screen. This allows the accused to see you, but you will not be able to see him. The Judge decides if you may use a screen. You may also ask to have a support person with you.

(A) trial happens in (a) courtroom. (The) Judge and Jury or Judge alone will listen to everything people say. You need to be in Court only while you are answering questions.

A trial takes place in a Court. You will only need to be in the Court when you are answering questions. The Judge or the Judge and Jury will listen to everything people say about what happened.

Everything about (a) trial goes on (for a) long time - maybe many days, weeks, months or sometimes a year or more. (The) trial may happen at (a) different time than you expected.

It seems as if everything about a trial takes a long time. The Crown Attorney and the Defense Lawyer may talk to the Judge for a long time before the trial begins. They may say that the trial must be held at a time other than the one you thought had been planned. It may have to wait for many months or even for several years before it begins.

When (the) trial begins (a) clerk will ask you to promise (that) what you say is true. You may be asked to show (that) you understand what it means to tell (the) truth. One method (of) giving (an) oath is to promise on (the) Bible to tell (the) truth.

When the trial begins, the Crown Attorney will ask you to sit or stand in a special place next to the Judge A clerk will ask you to promise that what you say will be true The Judge may ask you to show that you understand what it means to tell the truth You may be asked to promise on the Bible to tell the truth. This is an oath.

(The) Crown Attorney will ask you many questions about (the) abuse. (The) accused has (the) right to hear what you say. You may ask for (a) screen or (a) support person if you feel afraid.

The Crown Attorney will ask you many questions about the abuse and the accused. The person who abused you has the right to hear what you say. You may want to ask for the screen or a support person if you feel afraid about this. The Judge may write down some things you say.

Important—(the) Judge may ask you to help in order that she understands what you are trying to say. If you do not understand (a) question, say, "I don't understand." If you forget some action (that) happened, say, "I don't remember."

The Judge may ask you to help her understand what you are trying to say. It is important to speak clearly. You don't have to answer only "yes" or "no" to questions. If you want, you may explain your answers. If you don't understand a question, say that you do not understand. If you forget something that happened, you may say that you forget. When you are answering the question, you may want to look at the Judge. That may help you know if she understands what you are saying. It is important that the Judge knows exactly what you mean by your answers.

(The) Defense Lawyer will ask you more questions about (the) abuse and (the) accused. If you don't know (the) answer to any questions, say, "I don't know." If you need (a) break, ask for (a) break.

The Defense Lawyer will then ask you more questions about the abuse and the accused. You may feel confused about her questions If you don't know how to answer any of her questions, you can say so If you need a break, you may ask for one.

e.

Next, (the) Crown Attorney may ask other people to tell what they know about you and (the) accused. (The) Defense Lawyer also will ask these people to answer her questions.

The Crown Attorney may ask other people to tell about what they know about you and the accused The Defense Lawyer will also ask these people to answer her questions You may not be allowed to hear what the other people say to the Judge.

You are not allowed to talk about the abuse or the trial with any (of the) other people who speak at the trial until it is finished.

You may not talk about the abuse or what you say at the trial with any of the other people who speak in the trial until after it is finished.

(The) trial is finished when the Judge or Judge and Jury have heard all (the) evidence, and (the) final words by (the) Crown Attorney and (the) Defense Lawyer.

The trial is over when the Judge or Judge and Jury have heard all the evidence, and the final statements from the Crown Attorney and the Defense Lawyer.

(The) Judge will tell (the) Jury what to think about in order to decide if (the) accused is guilty or not guilty. This is called (the) Judge's Instruction to (the) Jury.

If there has been a Jury, the Judge will tell them some things to think about as they decide if the accused is guilty or not guilty. This is called the Judge's Charge or Instructions to the Jury. The Jury will tell the Judge what they decide. This is the Jury's Judgment.

If (the) trial is before (a) Judge alone, she will tell (the) Crown Attorney and (the) Defense Lawyer when she will decide about (the) trial. You may need to wait to learn her decision.

If the trial is with a Judge, alone, she will tell the Crown Attorney and the Defense Lawyer when she will decide about the trial. She will read her notes and think about all the things that the witnesses said during the trial. You may have to wait for a decision at the end of the trial. The Judge may wait until another day to give her decision. This is called a Judgment.

When (the) Judge says (the) judgment, she may talk (for a) long time. She must decide if there is enough evidence for her to believe (that the) accused is guilty.

When the Judge says the judgment, she may talk for a long time. She may talk about the evidence. She may believe some evidence from each side. She must decide whether the Crown Attorney has enough evidence so she believes and does not doubt that the accused is guilty of the things in the trial.

Important - if (the) Judge says (that the) accused is not guilty, it does not mean (that) she does not believe you. There are many facts (that) help (the) Judge decide.

If the Judge says that the accused is not guilty, it does not mean that she did not believe you. It may mean that what she heard was not enough to prove that the person is guilty according to the rules of the law.

If (the) Judge says (the) accused person is not guilty, he is free to go. Bail will be returned to him.

If the accused person is found "not guilty," he is free to go. If he paid bail money to guarantee that he would come to court, it will be given back to him.

If (the) Judge says (that the) accused is guilty, it means (that) she has enough evidence. She cannot doubt (that the) person did (the) abuse. (The) Judge will decide what will happen to (the) person. This is called (a) Sentence.

If the Judge says that the accused is guilty, it means that there was enough evidence. She has no reasonable doubt that the person did the abuse. The Judge will decide what will happen to the person because he did the abuse. This is called a sentence. Before deciding the sentence, the Judge will hear information about the abuser and about you. This may take several months. There may be a Court Hearing to decide the best sentence.

Sometimes, (the) Judge may ask for Pre-Sentence Reports. (A) person may talk to you about how (the) abuse has hurt you. You may write (a) Victim Impact Statement about this.

Sometimes the Judge will order that a report be prepared before giving a sentence. This is called a Pre-sentence report. A person may talk to you about how the abuse has hurt you. You may write a Victim Impact Statement. That tells about how the abuse hurt you.

Another person will ask (the) abuser questions.

Another person will ask the abuser questions about his background. This is called a Pre-sentence report.

(The) Judge will read (the) Pre-Sentence Reports before she decides what Sentence to give (the) abuser.

When all the reports are finished, the Judge will read them and decide what sentence to give the abuser. A sentence is another word for something that happens because someone broke the law.

(The) Judge may send (the) person to Jail.

She may send the person to Jail for a period of time. This means that the abuser is kept in a place with other people who have been found guilty of a crime.

If (the) abuser does not go to Jail, (the) Judge may order him to go to (a) Probation Officer and to do some work.

If the abuser does not go to Jail, the Judge may place him on Probation and order him to do other things because of what he did to you. This often includes reporting to a person called a Probation Officer. This person makes sure that the abuser follows all the rules the Judge says he must follow. The abuser will not be allowed to have any contact with you. If the abuser breaks any of the rules, he may be arrested and sent to Jail.

(The) Judge may order (the) abuser to pay money, called (a) fine, to show (that) what he did was very wrong. (A) fine is not (a) usual Sentence for sexual abuse. You will not receive this money.

The Judge may order the abuser to pay money called a fine. She decides how much money should be paid to show him that what he did was very serious. This is one way to recognize how difficult your life has been because of the abuse. This is an unusual sentence for sexual abuse. The money will not be given to you.

You may request money to pay you for (the) hurt (the) abuser caused you.

Legal Aid may help you to do this.

(A) group of Authorities will decide (an) amount (of) money (that) you may be given because you were abused.

You may apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board to be paid money for the hurt your abuser caused you. The Board may decide on an amount of money that they give to try to help make up for being abused. This is a way to recognize how much the abuse hurts you. It is also a way to help pay for the counsellors you may see to feel better about yourself after being abused. You may apply to Legal Aid to help you pay a Lawyer to help you get this money.

Telling (that) you have been sexually abused and going to court may be very difficult to do. You may ask yourself if it is worth (the) effort.

Telling that you have been sexually abused may be a very difficult thing for you to do. Going to Court may also be very difficult. You may feel worse about your sexual abuse. You may wonder if it is worth the effort.

Here are some ideas about why it is good to tell about abuse. It shows (that) you had courage when you talked about it.

Here are some reasons why it is good to tell about your abuse. It shows that you had courage to talk about it.

Telling your story in public may begin healing (for the) hurt you have felt.

What matters is that you have been given the chance to tell in public about the abuse that has been done to you. If you tell your story, you may heal some hurt that you have felt.

You may feel sad, angry or afraid when you think about (the) abuse. It may be hard to trust people in close relationships. With help, you may learn to enjoy close relationships with other people without being afraid of abuse.

You may feel sad, angry or afraid when you think about the abuse You may find that it is hard to trust people in close relationships. There are many groups to help you with these feelings. You may want to ask a counsellor or support group to help you. With help, you may find ways to enjoy close relationships with other people without being afraid of the abuse you once experienced.

Glossary

Word : Meaning

abuse To treat in a way that causes mental and physical harm

abuser a person who has treated someone else in a way that harms them

accused a person who has been charged with doing something that is against the law

authority a person or group who has the right to act, order or make decisions

bail A release from custody prior to trial that may include a promise from one or more people for money and/or other conditions.

charge The law that the police believe the accused has broken

Child Protection Services A group of people who work to make sure that laws are carried out to protect children

clerk A person who helps the Judge. This person calls the court to order and reads the charges. This person also asks each person to show that they will tell the truth.

Court Reporter A person who records everything that is said in a court room

Court A room or building where trials are held or legal matters are decided

Criminal Injuries Compensation Board A government agency that may offer money to compensate victims against whom crime has been committed

Crown Attorney A Lawyer who has the legal power to represent the Laws of the Government of Canada. May also be called a Prosecutor.

Defense Lawyer A Lawyer who has been hired to represent the person who is accused of a crime in court

evidence facts that witnesses say in court or items (photos or clothes) that are brought to court to show what happened

Hearing A time when a person has a chance to speak or when a Judge has a chance to hear evidence in a Courtroom

Investigation to search to find facts and gather information

jail a place where people may be kept who have been accused of breaking the law. It is also a place where people may go who have been found guilty of breaking the law.

Judge A person with authority to hear evidence and decide the result of cases that are brought to a court of law

Judgment a decision that is handed down by a court of law

Jury A group of 12 people who listen to evidence in court and decide if the accused is guilty or not guilty.

law a rule that is made by the government for all the people to obey

Legal Aid an agency that helps people to obtain the services of a lawyer

Order a command to do something that must be obeyed

Plea how and accused person answers a charge of a criminal offence -- "guilty" or "not guilty"

police a group of people who are given power by the government to make people obey the law

Pre-sentence Report Information that is collected that tells about the abuser and may also tell about the victim. This information helps the Judge decide what would be a fair sentence.

Preliminary Hearing a time when a Judge decides if there is enough evidence about a charge to hold a trial in another court before another Judge or before a Judge and Jury.

Probation A sentence that is a court order that makes the person who has been found guilty behave in a certain way. There may be limitations on what he may or may not do.

report a description of something or a statement about something

Screen a barrier that may be used in court if the Judge decides that the witness cannot testify without it. It allows the accused to hear what is being said but does not allow the witness to view the accused.

sentence something that the person must do as a consequence to admitting guilt or to being found guilty of breaking the law. A sentence is decided by a Judge.

social worker A person who works to make sure that a person is well cared for

statement a report that describes what a witness knows about the abuse. It may be written or videotaped.

testify to answer questions in court

trial a hearing that takes place when the accused pleads "not guilty" and witnesses give evidence in court

verdict or judgement a decision of guilty or not guilty made by a Jury after hearing the evidence at a trial. Judgement is the decision made by a Judge if there was no jury.

Victim a person against whom a crime has been committed.

Victim Witness Coordinator A person who is hired by the Attorney General to be sure that victims and Crown Witnesses have access to information they need about the court. They may provide a comfortable place to stay during court procedures when they are not needed in the court room.