A special education teacher who sexually abused a student after developing an intimate relationship with her will have to serve three years in penitentiary, a judge ordered, severely criticizing the victim’s relatives who preferred to turn a blind eye.
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“It’s saddening that the family and loved ones knew. It was known, approved, even encouraged by some. They let things go,” lamented judge Anne-Marie Lanctôt, sentencing Véronie Campeau this Wednesday at the Montreal courthouse.
Campeau, 42, committed her crimes from 2011 to 2014, while she worked in a public school in eastern Montreal. As a special education teacher, her role was to help students in difficulty. But in the case of the victim, then aged 13, the accused instead decided to sexually abuse her.
“She paid for restaurants for the victim, showered her with attention… She even became a resource person for the mother [de l’ado]», summarized the judge.
Sexual contact had also taken place in a hotel room, given that Campeau had a partner.
Courageous victim
The victim, who cannot be named by court order, came from a family where she was neglected. So much so that she fell into the educator’s trap.
“Nothing can be blamed on the victim,” the judge recalled. She showed courage [en dénonçant]it deserves our consideration.”
The “relationship” had actually lasted three years, with an interruption at the request of the now adult teenager. And it was only later that the latter reported the educator to the police, in order to turn the page on this painful past.
“I was robbed of my right to innocence, to discovery. This part of me will never be returned to me,” the victim testified.
The judge also noted that the complainant still had the after-effects of the events, due among other things to the emotional and psychological manipulation of which she was the victim.
Campeau, for his part, had recognized his full responsibility in this affair. She had also initiated therapeutic steps, while expressing her regrets.
Sex offender
But despite these efforts, and even if the crimes ended 7 years ago, Campeau had to pay for his crime, the judge recalled.
“One day or another, [les criminels] will have to pay, the past will eventually catch up with them,” warned the judge.
In addition to heading to the penitentiary, Campeau, who had pleaded guilty to sexual contact, incitement to sexual contact, as well as sexual exploitation of the student, will be placed on the sex offender register for 20 years.
She was defended by Me Gary Martin, who suggested 2 years behind bars, while Me Karine Lagacé-Paquette of the prosecution claimed double the amount.