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  Research Projects Announced for Phase 2 of Cornwall Public Inquiry

The Inquiry [Cornwall]
March 29, 2007

http://www.theinquiry.ca/Inquiry_research_290307.hide.php

A number of community oriented and practical research projects were announced today by Justice G. Normand Glaude, Commissioner of the Cornwall Public Inquiry, highlighting the continuing progress the Commission is making to create an environment that will foster healing and reconciliation in Cornwall.

Over the past year, the Commission, with the assistance of its Advisory Panel, has been engaged in developing an agenda for Phase 2, focusing on "creating an environment of hope for the future". Phase 2 activities occur in parallel with the Phase 1 evidentiary hearings. Last month, Commissioner Glaude announced the proposals he endorsed for funding for Phase 2 research done by parties to the Inquiry as well as approval for extending Counselling Support services for those affected by the Cornwall Public Inquiry.

Today's announcement is a further aspect of a constructive Phase 2 agenda, intended toprovide additional opportunities in the areas of research, education and building ofinfrastructure for future service and information resources for those affected by childhoodsexual abuse. The proposed research agenda was posted on the Commission's website along with invitations for proposals to do certain parts of the work. A number of research proposals were submitted to the Commission and reviewed by the Commissioner's Advisory Panel which made recommendations to the Commissioner.

"In looking at Phase 2, we listened to what we were told in community meetings," said Commissioner Glaude. "People want activities they see as practical and likely to make adifference in the future. This is why you will see a focus on education and pragmatic activities and less on traditional academic research."

Commissioner Glaude announced the following Phase 2 research projects:

• A thorough review of the legal and ethical implications of apologies to gain a clear understanding of what are real barriers – and what are not

o To be carried out by Leslie Macleod, a lawyer and mediator who currentlyteaches at Osgoode Hall Law School;

• A project to look at the issue of male victims of childhood abuse, who themselves go on to abuse, with the goal of developing a possible model for appropriate victim/perpetrator services

o To be carried out by the Circle of Support and Accountability sponsored by theAnglican St. John the Evangelist Church;

• The provision of local Mentorship training and support involving community members who are willing to act as mentors to adults who have a history of childhood sexual abuse. The program will involve training a core group of volunteers as mentors and self-help facilitatorsin Cornwall

o To be offered by The Gatehouse, a non-profit organization with years of experiencewith a successful mentorship program in Toronto;

• A series of broad-based, educational workshops for professionals and members of the publicincluding:

o Training on intake, receiving and tracking of the history of adults' disclosure of childabuse;

o A public forum focusing on understanding the investigation of child sexual abuse

To be provided by the Gatehouse, which has extensive experience in disclosure of historical and investigation of child sexual abuse

o Training on male sexual victimization;

o Training on addressing the needs of those suffering from trauma

o Training for professionals working with abusive or violent men;

o Training on group therapy for trauma victims for mental health practitioners; and

o Training on self-care for trauma workers

To be provided by the Men's Project, a non-profit organization experienced in training and dealing with specific issues of men and trauma impacts.

All training sessions will be posted on the Commission website as they become available and will be provided free of charge, giving priority to Cornwall area residents and professionals.

  
 
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