The shocking case of sexual abuse centred around former hockey coach Graham James – and what many are calling the very lenient sentence he recently received for his crimes – highlights the need to ensure that everything possible to be done to protect young people from pedophiles.
Although James' offences happened outside Alberta years ago, he has only now come before the courts and been sentenced. And despite being convicted of abusing his former underage players on many occasions, James received only a two-year jail term – something that has outraged his victims and many others across Canada.
In his statement to the court at James' sentencing, well-known former NHL player and James victim Theo Fleury highlighted what is widely known: that the suffering of pedophile victims can go on for years after the offences.
“At a young and very impressionable age, I was stalked, preyed upon and sexually assaulted over 150 times by an adult my family and I trusted completely,” said Fleury
“I did not have the emotional skills, the knowledge, or the ability to stop the rapes or change my circumstances. I felt lost, alone, and helpless. And those feelings did not stop after I was able to get away from Mr. James; I continued to feel that way for 20 plus years afterwards.”
What is also widely known is that pedophiles such as James rely on secrecy and deceit to make their crimes possible.
Whether it's threatening their victims to remain silent, lying and scheming when questioned, or using the often seen technique of moving from community to community to commit their offences, criminals who target children know full well that they must remain in the shadows or face exposure and prosecution.
As such, members of the general public, including parents and other caregivers right here in West Central Alberta, can make a big difference by promptly reporting any suspected crimes to police without delay.
If a young person voices a concern about an adult supervisor, that warning should never ever be treated lightly.
The sooner police know about concerns the quicker they can investigate; in turn, helping to ensure that pedophiles are brought to justice quickly, instead of only years and years later as in the James case.
It goes without saying that the very vast majority of coaches and other adult volunteers have the wellbeing and safety of young people at heart when they give generously of their time and effort.
Nevertheless the shocking Graham James case highlights the need for ongoing diligence where ever and whenever young people are supervised by adults.
- D.S.
