The guilty plea of Eric Dejaeger, a former Catholic priest convicted of sexually abusing children in Nunavut, has prompted one of his earlier victims, Tammy, to share her harrowing experience of abuse.
The recent guilty plea of Eric Dejaeger, a former Catholic priest convicted of sexually abusing children in Nunavut , has brought renewed attention to the long-lasting trauma inflicted upon his victims. One such victim, Tammy, who resides in Edmonton and identifies as Indigenous, courageously shared her story of abuse at the hands of Dejaeger during his time as a priest in Igloolik.
Tammy's experience began when she was a child and encountered Dejaeger while he was training at a chapel at the Charles Camsell Indian Hospital in Edmonton. The abuse endured for three years, leaving an indelible scar on Tammy's life. She remained silent about the horrific ordeal for years, fearing the consequences Dejaeger threatened - that she would go to hell if she revealed what happened. It wasn't until she reached the age of 18 that Tammy finally found the strength to speak out. The journey through the legal system was arduous, but Tammy found solace and support in her husband and family. She acknowledged the profound impact of the abuse, stating, 'It defined me for a long time and it's not who I am now.' Despite the emotional toll, Tammy pursued legal action against the Oblates and the Catholic Church, achieving a measure of closure through a successful civil lawsuit.While the criminal case brought Dejaeger to justice, Tammy emphasized the importance of holding the church accountable. She believes that the civil courts are the only avenue for seeking redress from such institutions. Her lawyer, Robert Talach, echoed her sentiment, stating, 'There has to be accountability for this type of behaviour from an institution. So really, the civil courts are the only mechanism right now.' Talach further highlighted the significance of the civil case, saying, 'There's a price tag. So I think it's accountability and deterrence and, of course, those two ingredients mixed together give us some meagre amount of justice.' For Tammy, the pursuit of justice is a testament to her resilience and a beacon of hope for other survivors of abuse.
Sexual Abuse Catholic Church Nunavut Edmonton Victim Testimony Justice System Accountability
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