[Viva] Criminalization of HIV case in Abbotsford.

[Peggy Frank]

Shannon
what a beautifully clear explanation of the struggles and intricacies of this law. And the broader unintended impacts. May I share it with the WATCH team when I return from a week of kayaking? You are a beautiful woman and if you could not help this man connect with his
Inner goodness, I don't know if he ever can. Bless you and do look after yourself. Love peg 
Sent from my iPhone

> On Aug 16, 2017, at 11:19 AM, Shannon Olson <mckee_law at msn.com> wrote:
> 
> I would like to start by thanking all of the people who have reach out with love and support. I am truly thankful.
> 
> As many of you are aware, I divorced the accused some time ago and am now remarried to an amazing, terrific man, who is supportive and treats me, and my daughters, with the love and respect we deserve. 
> 
> Being in a tremendously abusive relationship for 15 years, with the accused, I have found it difficult, but necessary, to ensure the police are educated about HIV, and they understand the spirit of this law ought to be for people who are intentionally trying to infect others.
> 
> Nevertheless, the police have chosen to pursue this case because the accused has been charged with so many previous crimes, including weapons offences, and has got off on all of his previous charges. He has also filed an uncountable number of police complaints. Essentially, they want him on anything they can get him on.
> 
> Three women initially came forward with complaints that the accused did not disclose his HIV status before engaging in unprotected sex. Since the police issued the public media statement, and opened a tip line, many, many more women have come forward. The number of complainants has been increased to 13 and he was rearrested last Thursday. He is being held in custody after two adjournments of his bail hearing.
> 
> This has deeply affected my children, and my family. I feel very torn as I have felt the obligation to my brothers and sisters who live with HIV to ensure the police have been educated and the necessary advocacy organizations have been notified. 
> 
> I have also felt it necessary to ensure the complainants have been supported because many of us know what it feels like to be in a situation where we face the fear of acquiring HIV and how deeply this knowledge of being exposed can affect our lives, regardless if the accused was undetectable or not. 
> 
> I have worked with the police to ensure they were aware that women had the option to be tested in their communities, as the police were initially sending these women to VGH from Mission to be tested. I have also worked with the police to ensure the police are referring the women to some sort of support so they get accurate information about HIV.
> 
> What I can tell you is the accused has a criminology degree and was fully aware of the law, the criteria for a conviction, and the consequences. He even went to great lengths to research the subject. Yet, the accused chose to allegedly engage in unprotected sex with more than 13 women, several which have not been interested in filing a complaint at this point in time. 
> 
> I have also gone to great lengths to ensure the advocacy groups have followed up to make sure the accused is getting his medications while in custody.
> 
> As there continues to be a no contact order in place since early 2016, the accused is not allowed to contact me or one of my daughters. Considering the history of abuse, and threats of violence, and attacks, which initiated this no contact order, I believe I have gone above and beyond my obligations and can do no more.
> 
> I am thankful there is now a media ban on this case to protect my daughters, myself, and my new husband, from the attention this has brought to our family. 
> 
> At this point I am now focussing on nurturing and supporting my three daughters, and allowing myself to be nutured and supported ( which I am not good at). I need to remind myself and my daughters that this his the accused journey, and not ours.
> 
> I hope this clarifies the situation for many who are struggling and triggered, as a result.
> 
> Take very good care and much love to all.
> 
> Shannon
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