Women 'betrayed' advocate tells Woodstock, Ont. council, where mayor faces sexual assault charges

Speaking in front of a Woodstock City council whose mayor is on leave as he faces criminal sexual assault charges, the head of the London Abused Women's Centre said council needs to do more on the issue of men's violence against women. 

In a presentation to council with the mayor absent, Jennifer Dunn said Woodstock councillors should undergo training about sexual violence against women, in part to send a message of support to victims. 

"Woodstock city council taking a position of 'innocent until proven guilty' in the media says that the victim in this case is lying," said Dunn in her presentation via video conference. "Women and girls in our community are feeling betrayed."

Mayor Trevor Birtch was charged in February with sexual assault, assault and sexual assault with choking. He later took a leave without stating why and asked Coun. Connie Lauder to assume the duties of mayor until further notice. 

Dunn said council could be doing more to use the situation to highlight the issue of sexual violence against women. In an interview with CBC News after her presentation, Dunn said she'd have preferred that Birtch have resigned from the job until the court case reaches a conclusion. 

"Women in our community need to know that they are not alone and that they deserve to be believed," said Dunn. 

Coun. Deb Tait thanked Dunn for her presentation, but said council's response to the charges against Birtch is in compliance with their legal duty. 

"That is the judicial system, we have no choice," she said. "We will be held liable if we say anything else, it doesn't matter what the charges [are]."

After her presentation, Coun. Jerry Acchione expressed empathy for the plight of abused women, saying his mother had the courage to leave a problematic relationship when he was a child with four young siblings.

A City of Woodstock spokesperson confirmed that Birtch is continuing to collect his salary while on leave. He has not appeared at a council meeting since Lauder stepped into the role.

Dunn said the main purpose of her appearance was to raise awareness about violence against women and to ensure council is aware of its impact on women and girls. 

"We wanted to show that this can't be swept under the rug, and that city council needs to continue talking about it," Dunn said. "The purpose was to continue the conversation."

Dunn said she understands council's options are limited, but says they need to do more "to show women and girls in the community that they stand with them." 

Under Sect. 259 of the Ontario Municipal Act, a mayor or councillor's seat becomes vacant if they're absent from meetings for three successive months without a council resolution authorizing them to be away.