WARNING: This story references sexual assault and thoughts of suicide. Help line information appears at the bottom.
A former elementary school teacher from Burlington and Hamilton has been sentenced to more than five years in prison for sexually assaulting seven male students back in the 1980s.
Barbara Baxter, 88, was convicted by a jury in February on seven counts of sexual assault and acts of gross indecency.
Justice Kendra Coats delivered the sentencing decision during an Ontario Superior Court of Justice session in Milton on January 13.
Baxter was first reported to law enforcement in June 2022 when Halton police stated that a man informed officers he had been sexually abused at Pineland Public School in Burlington during the early 1980s while he was in Grade 8.
Baxter would have been in her 40s at that time, while the students were just starting their teenage years.
In February 2023, Halton police revealed that a second man came forward with similar allegations.
Authorities said three additional men also reported incidents occurring between 1983 and 1987 both at the school and at Baxter’s home, which is also located in Burlington.
The identities of these former students are protected under a publication ban.
During Baxter’s sentencing hearing, victim impact statements were presented where one former student expressed that he felt unsafe both at school and home, turning to drugs as a way to cope starting from age 13.
This individual shared how it felt like his voice had been taken away by those who held authority over him as a child. He mentioned ceasing discussions about what was happening because no one believed him.
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Baxter worked for the Halton District School Board during the 1980s. (Halton District School Board)
An additional victim spoke about how the emotional effects have lasted through many years.
This person stated that stress and trauma have harmed his health; he struggles with sleep issues and experiences nightmares related to past events. He also expressed feelings of anger and disgust regarding how his childhood and innocence were taken from him.
P Hurley pointed out that Baxter has no previous criminal record, suggesting her behavior was isolated, and highlighted her strong family support system indicating stability as well as potential for rehabilitation.
P The court heard that Baxter suffers from several serious health issues related to aging such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and high blood pressure; her arthritis has caused severe physical decline which now leaves her wheelchair-bound.
P Hurley contended that imprisonment at this stage would likely worsen her health conditions causing significant discomfort. He also referenced personal consequences stemming from Baxter’s situation – mentioning her elderly husband whom she relies on for daily care.
Victim describes impact as ‘mental torture’
A different victim described Baxter’s abuse as “mental torture.” This individual shared that for over four decades, he’s dealt with unconscious post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) along with anxiety and depression. He added that Baxter’s actions have left him facing long-term financial difficulties alongside emotional pain. The trauma has even led him to have suicidal thoughts, affecting his ability to enjoy life or develop healthy relationships due to extreme fear and distress caused by these events. During the hearing, defence attorney Carson Hurley argued that Baxter’s advanced age along with how much time has passed since the crimes should be considered significant factors since these assaults took place so long ago.P Hurley pointed out that Baxter has no previous criminal record, suggesting her behavior was isolated, and highlighted her strong family support system indicating stability as well as potential for rehabilitation.
P The court heard that Baxter suffers from several serious health issues related to aging such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and high blood pressure; her arthritis has caused severe physical decline which now leaves her wheelchair-bound.
P Hurley contended that imprisonment at this stage would likely worsen her health conditions causing significant discomfort. He also referenced personal consequences stemming from Baxter’s situation – mentioning her elderly husband whom she relies on for daily care.
Sexual abuse leaves lasting impacts says Crown
Kelli Frew representing the Crown stressed it’s essential for courts to consider how deeply harmful sexual abuse can be for child victims.Frew argued there were aggravating factors present due specifically noting how Baxter held a position of trust being their teacher responsible for caring over these children.
According Frew , the considerable age difference between Baxter herself against those child victims further intensifies misconduct showing their vulnerability.
She highlighted comments made within victim impact statements showing profound lasting repercussions resulting from offenses pointing out crucial need denouncement deterrence sentencings.
Prior working Halton District School Board , Baxter employed Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board(HWDSB ).
A HWDSB spokesperson informed CBC Hamilton she served former Hamilton Board Education starting from1961 until1968.
For anyone who has faced sexual assault , support available crisis lines local services via Ending Violence Association Canada databaseSource link.
