JUNE 2019 Volume 25, Issue 6

Greetings! QUICK LINKS

Welcome to the June issue of the National Justice ​ ​ ​ Chat & Text Support Network e-Update, a publication of the Canadian ​ CRCVC’s chat and text support Resource Centre for Victims of Crime. PLEASE SHARE for victims of crime who wish THIS FREE NEWSLETTER WITH YOUR COLLEAGUES & ​ ​ to access information as well FRIENDS OR HAVE THEM SIGN UP TO RECEIVE IT as emotional support. DIRECTLY AT: http://crcvc.ca/en/newsletter/. Text: Our number is ​ ​ ​ 613-208-0747. Want to print the newsletter? Chat: Please access through ​ ​ ​ our website. ​ ​ Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime For hours of operation or Visit: http://www.crcvc.ca ​ ​ ​ other info, please click here. Email: [email protected] ​ ​ ​ Hoping to connect with you Phone: 1.877.232.2610 soon!

THE PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL INQUIRY Theodore’s Place, a virtual ​ FOR MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS healing home for crime WOMEN AND GIRLS survivors, has been launched. Big congratulations to Margot

rd Van Sluytman on the launch! On Monday June 3 ,​ a 1,200 page inquiry into missing ​ “One more step to the bricks and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG) and mortar!” was made public and presented at a sacred ceremony ​ ​ of renewal. The ceremony was held in Gatineau, QC at The sexual abuse convictions the Canadian Museum of History where many families ​ of the accused in the case of of victims and survivors attended, along with various the of three sisters whose public figures, including Prime Minister Trudeau. sexual abuse story were presented in the documentary Because we are Girls, was The inquiry challenges governments, the justice ​ system and others to make substantive changes to the tossed due to court delays. way Indigenous people are treated, how criminal The woman in a video cases are handled and a call on all to play a ​ ​ role in ending the violence. Arguably the most released last month, in which important conclusion drawn from the inquiry is that an RCMP officer questionably the crimes committed against so many women and interviewed her about the girls over decades was deemed a "Canadian sexual assault she ​ Genocide”. The report determined that a genocide experienced, has decided to ​ driven by the disproportionate level of violence faced sue the officer involed. by Indigenous women and girls occurred in An case could create though “state actions and inactions rooted in ​ ​ colonialism and colonial ”. The report goes special sentencing rules, ​ ​ on to say that “genocide is the sum of the social similar to the Gladue ones, for practices, assumptions, and actions detailed within black offenders. this report – the national inquiry findings support

characterizing these acts, including violence against Bill C-75 has been passed by ​ Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA Parliament, the next step is to [two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, wait for Royal Assent. questioning, intersex and asexual] people, as ​ genocide” UPCOMING EVENTS Comedy Night The inquiry held 24 hearings and events to gather statements across Canada since 2017. Of those Fundraiser: CRCVC hearings, the inquiry heard from 1,500 people A fun comedy night fundraiser personally affected by violence and more than 2,380 in support of the CRCVC! In participants including Indigenous knowledge keepers, addition to the comedy show, as well as experts and officials. there will also be a 50/50 draw. More information can be found on the CRCVC website Some of the recommendations include a call to all ​ ​ ​ or on the event levels of government to develop an action plan to ​ page. We hope to see you counter violence against Indigenous women, girls and ​ there! 2SLGBTQQIA. In total, it delivers 231 individual Calls Where: Absolute Comedy, for Justice directed at governments, institutions, social ​ 412 Preston St., , ON, service providers, industries and all. Some examples K1S 4M9 are: th When: Thursday July 25 ,​ at ​ ​ 8:30pm EST

- 2.1 Acknowledge, recognize, and protect the Cost: $20 for show tickets. ​ ​ ​ rights of Indigenous Peoples to their cultures and Raffle with great prizes at languages as constitutionally protected inherent show. Tickets can be bought rights. at the CRCVC office located at 100-141 Catherine Street, - 3.7 Provide continual and accessible healing Ottawa, K2P 1C3 (CASH ​ ​ programs and support for all children of missing ONLY). and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people and their family members. SNAPSHOTS Specifically, we call for the permanent establishment of a fund akin to the Aboriginal A national hotline to help Healing Foundation and related funding. victims and survivors of human trafficking is now - 7.6 Ensure all persons involved in the provision of taking calls! Available 24 health services to Indigenous Peoples receive hours a day and in 200 ongoing training, education and awareness in languages: 1-833-900-1010. areas including the history of colonialism, anti-bias

and anti-racism, local language and culture, and Diana McGlinchey wins local health and healing practices. 2018-19 CRCVC Advocacy Award - 12.8 End the practice of targeting and ​ ​ Congratulations to Algonquin apprehending infants from Indigenous mothers ​ College Victimology student, right after they give birth. ​ Diana McGlinchey, who won - 12.15 Fully investigate deaths of Indigenous the 2018-19 CRCVC advocacy ​ ​ youth in care. award for outstanding academics and student life this month! It is well

So, what now? Many are looking to members of deserved. Diana is pictured government to see what they’re response is to the below with Victimology inquiry and what changes they’re willing to implement. Program Coordinator, Jennifer During a question period in the House of Commons, Barkley. party leaders were asked what the Minister of Indigenous Service would do in response to the report. The Honourable Seamus O’Regan stated “...in the ​ ​ coming weeks we’ll be announcing our initial response to the final report as well as a process and first steps to formally develop a national action plan. This plan will build on the efforts our government has already taken to address this ongoing national tragedy, including reforms to child and family services that recognizes the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples and investments in women’s shelters, housing, education and safety on the Highway of Tears”.

It was announced on June 24, 2019, that the federal ​ ​ government is planning on providing over $13 million towards “community-led projects to help honour the lives and legacies of missing and murdered Indigenous Women and girls in Canada.'' According to the Women and Gender Equality Minister, Maryam Monsef, there Halifax refrains from will be over 100 commemoration projects. These adding surveillance projects will include art installations, monuments and cameras to a location productions. They will share the stories of the where a young woman was Indigenous women and girls who have gone missing killed or who have been murdered. This past year, a 17-year-old offender was found guilty of To read the inquiry’s final report, please click here. ​ ​ manslaughter for the death of Chelsie Probert, an 18 year ______old girl. The incident affected the community tremendously. In response, the Halifax TO RECEIVE $4.49 MILLION TO HELP Regional Council proposed a SUPPORT SURVIVORS OF GENDER-BASED pilot project in hopes of VIOLENCE PROGRAMS installing surveillance cameras in the Farrell Street pathway, where the crime took place. st On May 31 ,​ the federal government announced, in ​ ​ ​ The proposal was brought Ottawa, that they’d be investing $4.49 million dollars forth by Deputy Mayor Tony in five organizations based in Quebec. The funding is Mancini who led the initial to support survivors of gender-based violence which request to possibly implement includes people who have been underserved, closed circuit television. Indigenous women and their communities, children and youth, women who are newcomers to the country, Unfortunately, the request was not recommended to proceed. It appears that other

refugees or non-status and women living with alternatives seemed more disabilities. logical to push forth. In fact, Amy Siciliano, public safety ​ adviser for the community, The following organizations will receive funding: explained that recent research demonstrated that cameras • Conseil des Atikamekw de Manawan would not be the best method • DisAbled Women’s Network of Canada (DAWN) to prevent crime within this • Fédération des maisons d’hébergement pour area. Other measures such as femmes making alterations to • La rue des femmes de Montréal infrastructure and improving • McGill University the lighting would appear to be more effective. “With this investment, we are funding organizations which provide essential services to support survivors Mancini explains that based on and their families in Quebec,” said Maryam Monsef the ​ ​ numerous reports, adding Minister for Women and Gender Equality. Monsef goes surveillance cameras would on to say, “For far too long organizations engaged in ​ ​ most likely not have doing this work have been chronically underfunded, prevented the crime from underestimated and undermined. We are finally occuring. However, the rest of changing that reality and listening to those who best the recommendations were understand: leaders from the women’s sector.” implemented such as cleaning up the pathway and improving the lighting. Many residents Monsef continued by explaining that the leaders asked have since expressed how for more funding over a longer period of time, a they feel safer in the location. simplified application process as well as for resources In addition, this last August, a to help provide support for the most underserved and new administrative order marginalized survivors of gender-based violence. passed that governs how to Thankfully, the federal government is listening and assess and decide whether taking these concerns seriously. Monsef concluded by ​ ​ camera installation would be stating that “gender-based violence must not be appropriate and effective. We tolerated, and we will continue to work with survivors, are hopeful that this new community partners, the private sector and other process will be helpful in orders of government to end GBV in all of its forms.” implementing future crime prevention measures. ______Shortage of shelter space for human trafficking TWO BROTHERS MURDERED IN OTTAWA, TWO victims in Ottawa YEARS APART Recently, many human A young man, Mouhamed Serhan, 24, died at the end trafficking victims are facing ​ of May just steps away from his accused killer’s house the challenge of finding in Ottawa, ON. Sadly, gun violence is a familiar appropriate housing for their tragedy for the young man’s family, having lost the needs. In fact, in Ottawa, younger brother, Hamzeh Serhan, 20, just two years there is only one facility that before. is speciliazed in rehabilitating victims of human trafficking. The facility is run by the local

The family of these young brothers are having trouble organization A New Day Youth ​ understanding how their choice to move to Canada and Adult Services. from for a better life has only shattered the Unfortunately, the single family unit due to gun-related violence in the short house is supposed to serve span of two years. victims across all parts of Ontario. In addition, the facility is only able to hold a Ottawa have charged Idris Ismail with ​ few beds. As a result, getting second-degree . Family and friends say into the program can take a Mouhamed Serhan didn't know his alleged killer, and long time and most victims was visiting someone else who lives in the are put on a wait list. Heatherington neighbourhood. Based on the organization’s website, the program consists Ismail may be in police custody, however Mouhamed’s of an 18-month younger brother Hamzeh's alleged killer is still on the ​ residential program that offers loose. In 2017, a Canada-wide arrest warrant was victims “trauma and issued for Farah Handule, who investigators believe is addictions counselling, job in hiding somewhere in the Greater Area. training and art therapy”. Although the response to the Ottawa has seen an increase in gun-related violent program has been positive, crimes over the last few years. With 2016 remaining the limited housing capacity ​ ​ the highest number of homicides due to guns recorded makes it difficult to help a to date. There were 16 killings in the city in 2018, up large range of victims. In fact, ​ ​ from 14 killings in 2017, but down from 24 in 2016. board member Jodi Mosley ​ ​ ​ ​ Ottawa police say gang related activity is playing an explains “We only have four ​ increasingly larger role in gun related crimes. beds. There’s a waiting list. If we could have three programs like that, they’d probably all There has been a surge of guns being smuggled into be full right now. But we Canada from the US and sold on the black market. don’t.”. Some Canadian registered gun-holders are illegally selling their weapons to other Canadians, making the In 2017, the facility was illegal trade increasingly difficult to track. Before 2012, provided with $1.5 million for ​ ​ about 75 per cent of the firearms were trafficked from a three year period by the the . By 2017, however, about half provincial Ministry of Children, originated from domestic sources. Community and Social Services. However, there is no guarantee that similar funding Kadijah Serhan, the eldest sibling of the two men said will be granted in the years to this latest killing opens old wounds for the family, as come. well as inflicting new ones; she explains "We're alive, but we're not normal." In response, many victims of human trafficking have been refered to a facility in British ______Columbia that is better equiped to help these individuals. However, this can often bring up its own set of problems and is just a

ANNUAL CAMPAIGN IN B.C. ENCOURAGE MEN temporary solution, for a AND BOYS TO STAND UP AGAINST VIOLENCE much bigger issue. Due to the TOWARDS WOMEN AND GIRLS large housing gap that is in charge of assisting these individuals, ensuring that th On June 5 ,​ now known as Moose Hide Awareness ​ ​ victims are receiving the Day, more than 100 people took to the streets in ​ appropriate resources needed downtown Fort St. John, B.C. to protest and take a has become a difficult task stand to end violence against women and children. within Ottawa. The ceremony was part of the city's inaugural Moose Hide Walk that was started by indigenous and Mother still seeking non-indigenous men and boys along the Highway of answers in the death of her Tears back in 2011 and has transformed into an son Ashton Dickson annual friendly protest. The goal is to challenge boys and men to use their voice to speak out and support In June 2017, Ashton Dickson ​ ​ ​ the women in their communities who have been was shot and killed outside a affected by violence. bar in Ottawa. The night of the death, Ashton was at a David Stevenson of the Moose Hide Campaign spoke bar when an argument broke of the event "Women have borne the brunt of out between Ashton and advocacy to respond to domestic violence in the someone who was trying to communities, and people don't know about this issue… skip in the line for the So, what we want to do is challenge men and boys to bathroom. This led to some become more aware of the issue, and start to hold men being thrown out of the ourselves and each other accountable regarding this bar. Ashton was then shot issue, and to stop it in this country, to stop domestic outside. There have been no violence and gender-based violence in this country. arrests in the case. We believe that's doable. It's about love, it's about respect." His mother, Donna Dickson, gave her first interview since ​ ​ ​ City councillors have been encouraging residents since the death of her son to CBC. 2011 when this first started to take a pledge to end She did this in hopes that this the violence by wearing a piece of moose hide (moose would help with the search for skin) to stand in solidarity. More than two million the person who killed her son, square pieces of hide have been distributed across saying that the “only way Canada since the campaign began, including to we’re going to stop them is for businesses and organizations around Fort St. John. people to start speaking up”. The campaign is being supported locally by Shell There have been no updates ​ Canada and the City of Fort St. John. on the case provided by the ​ Ottawa police since the release of grainy photos of "We're here because we care about our community, seven potential suspects since and we're here because we want to take a stand August 2017. Donna said that against violence in our community," said Mindy Henyu, “if we know who [the killer] external relations advisor with Shell, and the key th was and he’s brought to organizer of the event on June 5 .​ ​ justice, then we can start healing”. Det. Jim The event included drumming and dancing from the O’Connell-Smith, the lead Doig River Drummers and the SD 60 Spirit of the investigator on the case, says ​ ​ Peace Drummers & Dancers. that “the homicide

investigation hasn’t gone cold Garry Oker, councillor with Doig River, said violence and is still “active”. Donna also must end against men, and against frontline believes more can be done by workers helping those who have experienced violence. police, including releasing Oker explains, "We want everyone to live in a good video footage of the suspects way, to be the best that they can be, to add or for Crime Stoppers to offer something to build the community, to bring something a reward. to the ceremony." Ashton had attended St. ​ Francis Xavier University in Mayor Lori Ackerman noted the city has spent $85,000 , where he a year over the last two years to help police bring in “shattered records” in football. extra staff to digitize boxes of old, cold case files, and He was a “celebrated football open new leads in their investigations. So far, that star” and he had hopes of work has resulted in an arrest and conviction in at being called-up to the least one old sexual assault case. “The Moose Hide Canadian Football League. The Campaign recognizes all forms of violence are night of his death, he had unacceptable regardless of gender” Ackerman said. spoken to Donna about proposing to his longtime "We really encourage you to get a moose hide and girlfriend, Jennifer Gonzales, take the pledge," Ackerman said. and made plans to go look at engagement rings. Three days ------before his death, Gonzales had told Ashton that he would CANADIAN VICTIMS OF OVERSEAS be a father. Their daughter is now 15 months old. Gonzales ARE NOT BEING OFFERED ENOUGH SUPPORT ​ said that “Ashton left her with us and I’m so grateful for Many Canadian victims of overseas terrorism have that”. spoken out about the lack of support they received ​ from the Canadian government. In recent years, the The family has decided to amount of Canadians that have been victims of collect donations to help overseas terrorist attacks and have been killed is underprivileged youth from growing. Between 2013 and 2019, a total of 25 ​ ​ ​ 12-18 years old have access Canadians were killed in overseas terrorism attacks. to sport. This was done to Despite the growing number, according to those ​ ​ ​ help make meaning to impacted the “federal government is ill-prepared to Ashton’s untimely passing and help them”. These individuals have explained the to give back to the Ottawa response by Canada as “uncoordinated and community. Donations can be inadequate” and many “felt betrayed and abandoned made to the Ashton James by their government”. Dickson Memorial Fund by clicking here. ​ This lack of support has been an ongoing struggle for Canadian victims of terrorism, including victims from Bill C-337, which would terrorist attacks dating from 1985. The article quotes ​ ​ have made it mandatory Susheel Gupta, Chair of the Board of Directors for the ​ ​ for federal appointed Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime, who judges to receive sexual spoke about his own experience and view on the assault training, is dead situation. Gupta, who lost his mother in the 1985 Air Flight 182 terrorist attack, stated that “when it

comes to the treatment of terror victims, the Bill C-337, which was created ​ lags far behind”. Similar by Rona Ambrose, the former thoughts were expressed by 9/11 victim, Maureen Conservative interim leader, is Basnicki, whose husband was killed during the attack dead. This bill would have and stated that Canada “doesn’t take care of our made it mandatory for victims in an adequate way when they’ve been federally appointed judges to victimized outside our borders”. complete sexual assault sensitivity training. The bill Canada does not offer the same type of support to had been unanimously passed ​ Canadian victims of terrorism that is often available more than two years ago in for victims of different western countries. These other the House of Commons. It is ​ ​ countries, such as the United States, are aware that now dead, due to some ​ ​ ​ ​ this type of victims will “face unique challenges and “procedural manoeuvring in need help, both immediately after the attacks and the Senate”. Even if the over the long haul”. The United States have an Office Senate had passed the of Justice for Victims of Overseas Terrorism and legislation, the House of American victims can also apply to the International Commons would have had to Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Programs. be recalled and accept the In the European Union, compensation regimes are changes made by the Senate. present for victims of terrorism and they are in the This would have been difficult process of creating a Centre for Expertise for Victims to achieve, as the House of of Terrorism. This shows the variance in support to Commons rose Thursday, th June 20 ,​ 2019, most likely victims of overseas terrorism in western countries and ​ how Canada lags behind. for the last time before the next federal election. This ​ ​ means that all bills that have In Canada, victim services are provincially based and ​ ​ not been passed, including Bill the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights only applies to C-337, will “die on the order those that were victimized in Canada. This means, paper because an election that those victimized abroad do not have the same wipes the parliamentary slate support options as those victimized in Canada. The clean.” The Federal Liberals, Department of Justice was quoted in an article as ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ have stated that if re-elected, mentioning that those victimized abroad “could apply they would re-introduce the to a federal victims fund for reimbursement for bill. counselling and medical expenses”. They could also receive additional assistance, which would help these Ambrose believes that this victims return home after the attacks and to travel to ​ type of training would have any trials connected to the attack, according to prevented another similar officials. This funding has a $10 000 award limit. scandal to the one of Robin Camp, a federal judge who Those who have experienced terrorism will face a had asked the complainant in multitude of obstacles and impacts. One particular ​ ​ ​ a sexual assault case “why obstacle is the lack of information for victims and their she didn’t keep her knees families. In addition, they might experience together”. After the bill was post-traumatic stress disorder, or other mental health not passed, Ambrose spoke ​ ​ problems. There will also potentially be financial losses out saying that the actions on that can impact them. An article explained the stories ​ ​ ​ the senators in regards to the of many individuals who have experience the loss of bill were “shameful”. She also someone due to terrorism overseas. It explained their said that “Canadians rightfully different experiences with terrorism, the impacts it expect more from Parliament.

had on them and what kind of support they received Victims of sexual assault from the federal government. Some were also quoted deserve representatives who explaining certain things they believe would be good will stand up for them, for the federal government to do going forward in especially when they don't supporting victims of terrorism. have a voice in the fight. It's shameful that powerful Many individuals have been advocating to the federal senators lack the will to stand ​ government to better support victims of overseas up for victims of sexual terrorism. This includes the Federal Ombudsman for crimes.” Victims of crime and the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime. The previous Federal Ombudsman More information on Bill C-337 can be found in our March for victims of crime, in 2016, “called for a national ​ ​ 2019 and May 2019 security strategy that addressed the “needs, concerns ​ ​ ​ and rights” of victims”. The latter, in 2017, asked for a newsletters. “federal office of national program to assist/support Canadians harmed by terrorism (both domestic and abroad) and other violent crimes abroad”. Heidi SPOTLIGHT ON ​ ​ Illingworth, the current Federal Ombudsman for ​ RESEARCH Victims of Crime, was quoted in the article as planning on “raising the issue of terror victims once again with State of the Criminal the government”. Justice System report published June 23rd 2019 marked 34 years since the 1985 terrorist attack on Air India flight 182. This appalling The 2019 report for the State ​ ​ and cowardly act left families and friends grieving the of the Criminal Justice system loss of loved ones, and shook our country to its core. has been published. In the Each year, the victims are honoured at ceremonies report, information on victims across Canada and Ireland. Their surviving loved ones is mentioned in the outcome continue to call for peace across the globe. 7, which was called “Outcome 7 - The criminal justice system respects victims’ and survivors’ rights and addresses their needs”.

June 23rd also marks the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism in Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated, “We have lost ​ many others to acts of terrorism since that day. Those who commit these acts want to sow discord, divide us, and weaken our values. Time after time, they fail. In moments of tragedy, we find out how truly resilient we are. The shared values that unite us – inclusion, compassion, and equality – are stronger than fear and hatred.”