Increased training was a trending topic among all presentations at today's committee hearing.
The Select Committee on Sexual Violence and Harassment held a public forum on April 8 at the Radisson Hotel in downtown Sudbury to consider advice and recommendations with respect to the prevention of sexual violence and harassment, and improving the response to Ontarians who have been victims.
The public hearings presented to the Select Committee on Sexual Violence and Harassment ran all day and conveyed a variety of sexual harassment and violence cases from different groups and standpoints.
Speakers included Barbara Burton, who spoke on behalf of the Ontario Women's Native Association. Burton outlined the lack of services available to Aboriginal women. Melody Rose, speaking to the lack of local victim services and rape kits in smaller outlying hospital areas; Gaëtane Pharand, founder and executive director of La Centre Victoria pour femmes; and Nancy Horan, manager of the Violence Intervention and Prevention program at Ramsey Lake Health Center; as well as representatives from various departments at Laurentian University.
The afternoon session included Stephanie Harris, Community Development Coordinator of the Women and HIV/AIDS Initiative, Lynne Lamontagne, Executive Director from the Sudbury Counselling Centre.
Carol Cameletti and Dr. Jacques Abourbih spoke about ongoing sexual harassment incidents towards female medical students and female physicians, and the lack of support and services. Abourbih referred to a study that stated that, "Female doctors are treated like women not as physicians. Vulnerability in their sex overrides their power as doctors."
Cameletti outlined the ways in which LGBT seniors do not receive adequate care or services. Older members of the LGBT community may feel ostracised by healthcare or long term care officials, and their life choices are not honoured or taken into consideration.
"This population has a fear or being rejected by health care system because of their status," said Cameletti.
The Greater Sudbury Police Service had Staff Segeant Dan Despatie and Anita Punkkinen speak on behalf of the organization. Despatie spoke about the barriers the police face in dealing with cases of sexual violence and harassment.
"Much like our other services, there needs to be pre and post charge options or programs for sexual violence and harassment," said Despatie.
TGInnerselves representatives Vincent Bolt, Darlyn Hansen and Catherine Savarie outlined the need for trans-inclusive policies, education and access to services. Bolt said there should be more programs and services specifically focused on the trans-gender community and LGBTQ youth.
Every individual or group was given 20 minutes to present their concerns and recommendations, followed by 10 minutes of questions from the committee.
The committee consists of Sudbury MPP Glenn Thibeault, Eleanor McMahon, Kathryn McGarry, Marie-France Lalonde, Granville Anderson, Daiene Vernile, Randy Hillier, Laurie Scott, Nickel Belt MPP France Gelinas and Peggy Sattler.
The committee will hold public hearings in Thunder Bay and Sioux Lookout this week as well.
NorthernLife.ca will have more on this story.
