Postcard from Canada: From Abuse to False Allegations

'Men of Dartmoor E-Wing, Christmas 2019' by Sean Bw Parker

‘Their friend attempted to intervene to the Crown that no harm occurred and that my accuser may be at fault while providing their own information against my accuser. This was ignored. I was charged with sexual assault and related offenses.’

I have experienced severe false allegations, I was criminally charged with sexual assault and my name was cleared before a trial took place. I refused to sign a peace bond because of my innocence that led the police to charge me without a proper investigation. I held on to my accusers statement that proved she lied to the police.

The day I was formally charged I hired a lawyer who informed me that my accuser had taken twelve others to court individually.

Prior to the charges I took my own time to learn Canadian law and learned that what my accuser had committed a number of criminal offenses.

I brought this to my lawyer’s attention and he literally stated "The police do not want to do anything."

My lawyer has refused to give me my full disclosure and that was over a year ago.

My lawyer has not asked me for another dollar from the remaining monies owed and has told me it is a civil matter if I want to pursue this any further.

They have refused to help in any way after informing me my charges were withdrawn.

I have now stopped trying to pursue justice, the police gave me a card that connected me to "victims services".

The individual who accused me spent a year on social media making false statements. I looked up the word ‘mental health’ the other day, for unrelated potential advice on grief and saw that they are still claiming rape without mentioning my name. I went to the police countless times when they kept using my name and was told they are protected for poetic speech. They have been warned not to use my name by the police directly.

I am writing about issues that plague the justice system, stemming as far back as my childhood. I grew up with two abusive individuals and my mother - one being her boyfriend, the other a sibling.

Early Childhood/Teens

My father left at a young age for my mother’s best friend’s daughter. My mother later met another man who became abusive after his own mother died. My sibling, who was older, manipulated and abused me for a number of years while I was labelled “learning disabled” with a visible speech impediment—both of which I had overcome before entering Grade 2. I was in a special education class for the remainder of my schooling, more to do with time and help with classroom assignments.

During this time, my mother’s boyfriend became increasingly abusive toward her. Police were frequently called to our home, initially for noise complaints, which eventually led to his arrest after a physical altercation where my mother had visible marks. He was removed for several months and returned calmer, but the damage had already been done.

Later, I discovered I had dyslexia after watching an episode of The Cosby Show in which Theo is diagnosed. That episode allowed me to make several key connections about my own experience.

Young Adulthood

The abuse ended in my teens, and I moved out at twenty-one, determined not to become what I had grown up around. I worked relentlessly to support myself and graduated high school with ten more credits than required after being told the school board did not expect me to graduate.

In my mid-twenties, I disclosed the abuse to my mother, who believed it had been minor. She passed away within six months of that conversation. I carried on with my life until my sibling was later charged and convicted of sex crimes against minors.

Police claimed they were “looking for more victims”, yet never contacted me or attempted to locate family members. Had they done so, they would have found me.

First Police Wrongdoing

One to two years later, I came forward to police - not to file charges, but to inform them of what happened and to request they improve their investigative practices. I met for over an hour with the head of the sex crimes unit at police headquarters.

When asked whether I wished to press charges, I declined. My sibling was already incarcerated, and I chose forgiveness with clarity - not sympathy. I understood what incarceration can do to a person. This is documented emotional contagion. I chose to focus on my health and wellness. This occurred in my early thirties.

The False Allegations

Following that interview, I developed an undiagnosed depression. I took time off work and began writing and sharing parts of my life on social media. At that time, I had a planned exit date, time, and location. My writing and poetry saved my life.

While on Twitter (now X), I hosted and joined various spaces - poetry, mental health, and others. This is where I met my accuser. They offered support, and we became friends. At one point, they purchased a knife set for me, which I refused due to personal superstition. They were upset, and contact stopped.

About a month later, they called late at night, demanding I come to their home, claiming they were having issues with someone present. They ordered an Uber to my address while on the phone. I suggested calling police. They insisted I come. Against my better judgment, I agreed.

They were intoxicated. We went for a walk, during which they made sexual advances that I declined. I walked them home. Nothing occurred. I stayed for a few days, I learned it was a female friend who had been present the following morning.

The following week, I was contacted by their friend, who questioned what had happened. I explained myself and publicly asked my accuser to clarify. They stated publicly that we had a great time, then later deleted the statement. That information was documented and used to clear my name.

Police later appeared at my door with an order to appear, telling me “the judge just wants to speak with you.” No judge did. I learned my accuser had sought a peace bond. I refused to sign, as I maintain my innocence.

At my second appearance, ‘Their friend attempted to intervene with the Crown that no harm occurred and that my accuser may be at fault while providing their own information against my accuser. This was ignored. I was charged with sexual assault and related offenses.

Police later demanded I attend the station under threat of a bench warrant. I was fingerprinted and photographed following my refusal to enter a peace bond.

Legal Process and Outcome

I retained legal counsel and provided all evidence in my possession, including my accuser’s statement, Uber records, and other relevant documentation. I made it clear I sought justice and accountability, including perjury and obstruction of justice. I was told police would not pursue this.

During this time, my accuser publicly used my name and doxxed me. They disclosed the very article that was in the news of my sibling and by doing so publicly linked me to a convicted pedophile. Some of these statements remain public. When reported, police claimed this was protected speech.

Proof is what cleared my name. Nothing less.

Conclusion

After a number of  years, I am grateful for the opportunity to share the truth through a recognized organization. My lived advice is simple: always be respectful when dealing with police, but also learn the laws of your country to protect yourself.

The purpose of this article is to highlight failures to investigate, the outcome and the assumption of guilt over innocence. I hope it benefits readers and contributes meaningfully to the discussion on justice reform.

By ‘13’ , a pseudonym of the author, who lives in Canada.