87.4 Sexual Abuse of Children
Whereas, the sexual victimization of children constitutes a significant social problem in Canada and has the potential for inflicting long-term emotional trauma on victims and their families; and
Whereas, the federal government has recognized the need to attack this problem primarily by changes in the criminal law but also by social and educational means; and
Whereas, present treatment resources available to victims and their families, as well as to perpetrators, are already inadequate and may well be further strained as a result of new legislation and government plans for a public education campaign; and
Whereas, the agencies primarily responsible for treatment are within provincial jurisdiction; therefore be it
Resolved, that the National Council of Women of Canada urge:
- The Government of Canada to:
a) Work with provincial governments to develop the necessary services across the country to meet the needs of sexually abused children, their families, and the perpetrators of sexual offences.
b) Use the provisions of the Canada Assistance Plan to transfer to provincial governments funds sufficient to provide the necessary services.
c) Strongly urge the provinces to provide education courses advising the criminal justice system of problems faced by child and adult victims of sexual assault. - The Provincial Councils of Women to press provincial governments for:
a) The provision of programs and services for child victims and adult survivors of sexual abuse and their families.
b) The provision of compulsory treatment for perpetrators of sexual offences against children, without absolving the perpetrators of their criminal responsibility.