Latest news with #EndingViolenceAssociationofCanada
CBC
01-04-2025
- CBC
Figure skating coach Matthew Power sentenced to 6 years for sex crimes against young skaters
A former St. John's-area figure skating coach who preyed on two of his teenage skaters has been sentenced to six years in prison. In Supreme Court on Tuesday, Matthew Power, now in his 30s, learned how much time he'd spend behind bars for several charges related to the sexual relationships he forced onto minors while employed as a Skate Canada coach. Power was a head figure skating coach at the time he sexually abused the two victims between 2016 and 2020. Justice Valerie Marshall heard from one of the complainants herself — and the other complainant's mother — in February, as the justice weighed her sentencing decision. Both told the court they were left traumatized and housebound after Power's years of predatory behaviour. Power was convicted in November of crimes including sexual assault and sexual interference, for the multiple instances of sexual contact with his first victim. She was between the ages of 14 and 16 when he abused her in various locations, including the rink where he trained her. He was also convicted of several charges related to luring after the other complainant saved Snapchat messages that Power had sent to her, some of which contained lewd messages referring to oral sex. That victim was under 16 at the time, while Power was in his late 20s. He was suspended as a Skate Canada coach in January 2021, just before one of the victim's mothers reported Power to police. For anyone who has been sexually assaulted, there is support available through crisis lines and local support services via the Ending Violence Association of Canada database. If you're in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911.
CBC
30-01-2025
- CBC
Former Catholic priest who abused children in Nunavut sentenced to 6 years in prison
WARNING: This article contains details of sexual abuse of children, and may affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone affected by it. A former Catholic priest convicted of sexually abusing children in Nunavut has been sentenced to six years in prison. Eric Dejaeger, 77, pleaded guilty to seven counts of sexually abusing children in Igloolik between 1978 and 1982. The children Dejaeger abused, who are now middle-aged, were between the ages of four and nine. Justice Faiyaz Alibhai read the details of each count to the court on Thursday morning, describing the abuse Dejaeger inflicted on six girls and one boy. "He destroyed their childhood, hurt their relations with their families and ruined their relationship with their church," Alibhai said. Crown and defence lawyers had jointly proposed a six-year sentence for Dejaeger, which Alibhai accepted. He also noted Dejaeger was between 31 and 35 years old at the time and "was fully aware" of his actions. Alibhai described him as "a calculated predator." He also said Dejaeger's guilty plea was a sign of remorse. "He has saved the victims from testifying and being cross-examined, which would have added to their trauma." Victims packed the courtroom as the judge read out his decision. Dejaeger also spoke before he was sentenced. "First of all, I would like to ask for forgiveness for the wrong things I've done," he said. He also said he is a "changed person" and he has not reoffended since his time in Nunavut. It's the fifth time Dejaeger has been sentenced for sexually abusing children, Alibhai said. In 2015, a court found Dejaeger guilty of 32 counts of child sexual abuse during his time as a priest in Igloolik and sentenced him to 19 years in prison. Later that year, he was also sentenced to five years for sexually abusing children in Edmonton in the 1970s. He was released on parole in 2022. Alibhai imposed several conditions, including that Dejaeger must register on the sex offender registry and cannot attend a public park, swimming area, playground or community centre where people under the age of 16 are present. For anyone who has been sexually assaulted, there is support available through crisis lines and local support services via the Ending Violence Association of Canada database. If you're in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911. If you or someone you know in Nunavut is struggling, the following resources may help:
