A Saanich mother who was abused as a child is seeking a new policy that will empower sex assault victims in the courtroom.

Sarah, a mother of two, has filed suit with the government of Manitoba. Growing up in Winnipeg, Sarah was sexually abused beginning when she was four years old. ItB次元官网网址檚 haunted her for years and the damage prevented her from experiencing lifeB次元官网网址檚 basic joys such as raising a family with a partner, and engaging in a career.

As the perpetrator was a minor at the time, no criminal chargers were ever laid.

In 2014, Sarah filed a civil claim in an attempt to seek resolution for the past. Early into her own law studies and representing herself, Sarah found herself fighting emotional collapse during the trial.

The subject material caused flashbacks, insecurity, emotional instability and countless tears. Despite her requests, there was no reprieve, she said.

She had her voice taken away in court and was unable to mount a strong case, she says.

B次元官网网址淚 had no voice because IB次元官网网址檓 a rape victim,B次元官网网址� Sarah said. B次元官网网址淚 broke down and cried at hearing the subject matter of my past, and I couldnB次元官网网址檛 gather myself. There was no time to recover. I asked for recess, for a break to recover, but I was refused, the trial just rolled forward.B次元官网网址�

In an appeal, a panel of judges accepted a letter from a UVic psychiatrist, but when Sarah asked for a break following an emotional breakdown the panel of judges turned her down.

At times, she couldnB次元官网网址檛 even wipe the tears from her face.

In the end she was awarded $100,000 from the original claim, a small percentage of the $5.6 million she sought.

In her newest claim, Sarah is seeking $3.6 million in damages from the province of Manitoba. ItB次元官网网址檚 money she believes she should have won in an original claim made four years ago against the responsible party. In addition, Sarah hopes to create a change in courtroom policy that will empower victims.B次元官网网址�

Ahead of her civil claim trial Sarah submitted a letter from a psychiatrist she saw at the University of Victoria, where sheB次元官网网址檚 also a student, asking for breaks in court to permit her a chance to recover.

However, the appeal judge refused, Sarah said.

B次元官网网址淚 want a policy that gives a voice to rape victims in the courtroom, a voice for the victims of sexual abuse.B次元官网网址�

Sarah now has a little more experience in the courtroom and, though sheB次元官网网址檚 without the funds to hire a lawyer herself, sheB次元官网网址檚 a full year into her law courses. Albeit itB次元官网网址檚 early in her studies, she is looking to write CaliforniaB次元官网网址檚 baby bar this year.

Because of that, she served the government of Manitoba on March 2 with a new claim that the Manitoba judges have breached a professional standard of care which could have been avoided by having in place an adequate policy that accommodates victims within a courtroom setting.

In her mind, the policy framework would mandate breaks for victims of sexual assault within a courtroom setting.

Sarah is claiming that victims of sexual violence suffer in silence and that suffering is a direct result of being sexually abused.

B次元官网网址淏y saying no, the panel judges were negligent by ignoring the very mental state the victim suffers. Without her voice there is no story and there is no justice,B次元官网网址� Sarah says.

The claim lists five breaches of duty, including within both the original trial and the appeal trial.