By Michael Blais CD
The vulnerability of children is proving to be an integral factor as we delve into the foundations of what defines the moral wounds Canadian veterans have sustained through decades of war, peace and domestic service. Military deployments to areas of the globe that do not share the qualitative standards Canadians cherish in respect to our children often stands in stark contrast to Canada's values. Often, improving the plight of children within the operational sphere reinforces the individual’s moral decision to enlist, to offer great sacrifice in order to make Canada and the world a better place in which to live. Strong bonds are often forged between the deployed troops and the children which they befriend. In one remarkable instance an orphan of the Korean War was seemingly adopted by the Royal Canadian Regiment and repatriated to foster care in London, Ontario. Veterans of United Nations peacekeeping/peacemaking missions in former Yugoslavia, Africa, Haiti, Cyprus and other areas affected by civil war or catastrophic natural events undoubtedly shared these same levels of empathy. More so when bearing witness to children who have been victims of violent genocide, acute poverty or repugnant cultural customs.
Accordingly, recent media disclosures pertaining to the civilian trial in BC of a sea-deployed CWO and his convoluted scheme to drug and sexually exploit his 5 year old child created a tsunami of brutally stark condemnation. Succinctly stated, while operationally deployed aboard a Canadian frigate, the accused CWO conspired electronically with his common law spouse to drug and sexually assault her incapacitated 5-year old son. The context is obscene, were not the communiques intercepted by the child’s biological father via the estranged family’s shared I-Pad, the traumatic consequences would have undoubtedly been far worse. Nearly nine hundred pornographic images of children were discovered on the accused CWO’s laptop, tablet and storage device during the subsequent criminal investigation.
The CWO ultimately pleaded guilty to possession of 881 pornographic images of children. During his mental assessment, he blamed his abhorrent behavior on acute PTSD. Acute PTSD, perhaps conveniently, which was diagnosed only after he was charged. A forensic psychologist representing the defense claimed his behavior may be linked to this recently diagnosed PTSD. His lawyers cited his austere criminal record, his rank, deployments to Afghanistan, and Bosnia. Leniency was urged by the defence lawyers, because this highly decorated CWO was not responsible for his own monstrous behaviour. No, it was the fault of his PTSD!
During the sentencing, the judge concurred.
“It is a well-known symptom that those who suffer from PTSD often turn to dangerous and risk-seeking behaviours to combat the awful symptoms they suffer from the PTSD. I am satisfied that the accused here was seeking out this risky and deplorable sexualized behaviour to deal with his symptoms.”
The CWO escaped incarceration. Instead, he was sentenced to 18 months house arrest, with his name being added to the province’s sexual predators list for twenty years.
The question now begs,Is PTSD now an excuse for pedophilia? (Or any other act of criminal behavior, for that matter?)
Walter Callaghan, a veteran and PhD candidate at University of Toronto, questioned the forensic psychologist’s opinion. “While risky behaviour and thrill-seeking can be common in some forms of PTSD, there is no evidence in the peer-reviewed literature of this particular type of vile behaviour being connected to PTSD in this way.”
Doctor Patrick Smith, President and CEO of the Veterans Affairs Canada sponsored, Ottawa based Centre of Excellence on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, shared our concerns. Motivated by this case, he has taken the lead in collaborating with researchers, clinicians and veterans to provide, as he wrote to me, “an “open letter” that focuses on the evidence of PTSD and the concern we have about how this ruling may inappropriately represent PTSD and further stigmatize those who suffer with it.”
“As President and CEO of Canada's Centre of Excellence on PTSD and Related Mental Health Concerns, it is imperative that we portray PTSD and the experience of Veterans in a way that is accurate and leads to better understanding and awareness. Any portrayal that may cause increased confusion and stigma associated with this serious condition is of grave concern and can contribute to added stress and pressure on those who have proudly served our country.”
