In 2006 I was an RCMP officer. I was working in the Integrated Child Sexual Exploitation (ICE) Unit of the Behavioural Sciences Group. I was sent to Ottawa for specialized training where guest speaker Sheldon Kennedy spoke to us about the abuse he suffered under Coach Graham James (this is public info also shared in his book). He stated that he believed certain parents suspected or knew he was being abused, but did nothing, likely out of fear of disrupting their own child’s hockey career.
He also spoke of why he never said anything to anyone: a) in part because he didn’t want to disappoint his parents who were grateful he’d gotten the opportunities he had; b) he did not want to be labelled as homosexual, c) he feared it may end his hockey career…etc.
I medically retired from the RCMP with just over 13 years of field experience in 2009 (Reg #45004, HQ 1112) and began the journey of pursuing my doctorate degree. I am now a registered psychologist, running a private practice in Edmonton, AB. I have a strong interest in working with trauma related issues, specifically adult male survivors of sexual abuse.
I have a considerable amount of life experience and exposure, both personal and professional, which I drew upon to write my first book, Men Too: Unspoken Truths About Male Sexual Abuse (an educational, heart-wrenching look at 13 male sexual abuse victims experiences).
