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Trial of Former Connective residential support worker accused of sexually assaulting a vulnerable client commenced in Whitehorse territorial court on Monday. 

Monday, 28 October 2024 11:34

By Panebi Wilson X @chonfmpwilson

Whitehorse Court House (Photo: Panebi Wilson)

Omale, 38 has pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a person with a disability stemming from September 2023.

The trial of Victor Omale, accused of sexually assaulting a vulnerable client while employed as a residential support worker at Connective, commenced in Whitehorse territorial court on Monday. 

Omale, 38 has pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a person with a disability stemming from September 2023.

The complainant, a woman under a publication ban, resided in a Connective-operated housing program with 24/7 support. 

Connective provides housing, reintegration, and employment services.

During the trial, former colleagues Nathalie Gallant and Kudratjot Singh testified regarding the allegations. 

Gallant detailed the woman's cognitive delays and reliance on support workers. She recounted the woman's disclosure on September 13, 2023, prompting involvement from the Sexualized Assault Response Team and RCMP. 

Singh corroborated Gallant's testimony, describing the woman's emotional state. 

During cross-examination by defence lawyer Jennifer Budgell, both Gallant and Singh confirmed that the woman would frequently "abscond" from the residence during the summer of 2023, sometimes being gone for days before agreeing to have staff pick her up and bring her home.

The trial, overseen by deputy judge Gurmail Gill, is anticipated to span a week, with the complainant's testimony ongoing.
 

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