Joint Statement on recent Sexual Abuse Twitter issue

07/31/2020

Kahnawà:ke Shakotiia’takéhnhas Community Services, the Kahnawà:ke Peacekeepers, Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre, and the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke wish to issue a statement regarding recent Twitter posts that have brought the issue of sexual assault/abuse out into the open.

While it is common knowledge that this serious problem does exist within the community, the sheer number of allegations may come as a shock to many.

As community organizations who hold leadership positions within the community, we collectively acknowledge the hurt, trauma and negative emotions that have been brought forth by the disclosures. It is important that we do everything in our power to support victims and all those associated with the disclosures in any and every way that we can. This was clearly reiterated at an emergency meeting between the four organizations yesterday.

Addressing one’s own experience of abuse is a tremendous undertaking for many people to face. The events of the past few days have triggered a significant number of community members to come forward, and the frontline organizations wish to remind everyone affected that there is help available.

Sexual abuse is so traumatic that victims often are embarrassed to seek help, or may not know how or where to get the help they need. Therefore Kahnawà:ke Shakotiia’takéhnhas Community Services wishes to advise those who may need assistance that KSCS is a safe, non-judgmental professional organization for community members to come for help from a caring team who are client-centered and client-focused. KSCS is hereby providing a list of services – both internal services (including both “western” and traditionally-based perspectives on healing), as well as external resources – that are available to assist at any time (see attached).

Please be advised that concerns have been expressed that the manner in which the disclosures are taking place may have tremendous effects on all parties involved, including the victims, accused, friends, and family members. People are strongly encouraged to talk to professionals who are trained to assist abuse victims. Sexual assault is a criminal matter and can be brought to organizations that can assist in that regard, such as the Kahnawà:ke Peacekeepers – who have specially trained officers who take every incident seriously.

Finally, we collectively offer as much comfort as possible to all those affected at this time. An occurrence such as this is difficult for the entire community, and we will do our best to ensure this issue is given the highest priority possible in order to bring forth the healing that is needed for all concerned.