N.S. siblings find strength in sharing story of alleged sexual abuse by their father

Doug Guthro Jr. never spoke about his childhood spent in the rural Nova Scotia community of Alma.

But now the 52-year-old man and his two sisters have taken the unusual step of asking for their identities to be made public in a sexual abuse case against their father.

The names of victims of sexual assault, and any information that could identify them, are typically protected under a publication ban. Last year, the Criminal Code was amended allowing complainants in sexual abuse cases — like Guthro Jr. and his sisters — to opt out of a ban and break their silence.

Guthro Jr. came forward last November to make the allegations. His sisters, Susan Farrell, 55, and Sheri Colbert, 50, did the same. Guthro Jr. said he told his father beforehand that he was going to the police.

"It took a lot of guts. I kept it in for many, many years," said Guthro Jr., who was in Pictou court Monday when the publication ban was lifted.

Some alleged offences date back more than 50 years

Douglas Guthro Sr., 85, was charged in April with 16 counts of historical sexual violence. The alleged offences occurred between 1971 and 1990, according to the Crown.

While the sisters had shared their stories with each other just over 10 years ago, they had not heard their brother's allegations until last November — and he did not know about theirs.

Speaking openly has brought the three siblings closer.

"We figured the public and the people and all the groups that he [Guthro Sr.] was involved in over the years, that everybody should know," said Guthro Jr.

He said it's been especially traumatic for him since the charges were laid against his father because they share the same name. Guthro Jr. said he has already met one person who jumped to the wrong conclusion.

"They thought I was the bad one," he said. "I don't want people to associate me with a monster like that anymore."

Guthro Jr. credits the support from his wife and three children as well as a strong network of friends for helping him. 

He has already made an application to change his last name to his wife's maiden name of Robertson.

Farrell and Colbert said the ability to speak publicly about their case is an empowering, freeing step that allows them to move forward.

"The shame we have felt throughout our lives can be lifted from our shoulders," Farrell and Colbert said in a joint statement. "As adults, we have control, can exclude him [Guthro Sr.] from our lives."

Crown credits siblings' courage

Senior Crown counsel Bill Gorman said last year's amendments to the Criminal Code reflect a trauma-informed approach that is a part of the healing process.

Gorman said he believes it is the first time since the change that an application has been made in Pictou County to opt out of a publication ban. He said it speaks to the strength of the siblings.

"It is reflective of extreme courage, in my mind, in order to have themselves identified and to be able to move forward," Gorman said.

None of the allegations against Guthro Sr. have been proven in court.

The latest hearing was adjourned without the accused making an election for his trial or entering a plea. He did not make any comment as he left the courtroom Monday.

Another hearing has been scheduled for August.