List of claims from a plaintiff in a civil lawsuit against the Diocese of Prince George.

By Adam Berls

sexual assault lawsuits

‘Afraid to come forward’: Lawyer representing sexual assault claimants says many clients are ashamed to tell their story

Mar 11, 2026 | 4:01 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — Seth Wheeldon, is a personal injury lawyer with Preszler Injury Lawyers in Vancouver. His firm is representing many of the plaintiffs who have filed civil suits against the Diocese of Prince George.

Many of the plaintiffs allege that they were sexually assaulted by Diocese employees, when they were children and in school. The Diocese denies the allegations in the civil claims and they deny that any of its servants, employees or representatives breached any duties which they may have owed to the Plaintiffs. Wheeldon says that the even though alleged abuses took place decades ago, seeking justice is still important to his clients. He also notes that

Wheeldon says that one of the reasons that clients don’t come forward sooner, is became of the shame they feel.

“The trauma that people have felt over decades, I mean, most of my clients aren’t ready to come forward until they’re in their 50s, 60s, 70s, because, you know, some people block it out, but more often than not, they’re afraid to admit it because the the shame it brings to them.” – Seth Wheeldon, Preszler Injury Lawyers

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The plaintiffs in the lawsuits are seeking damages from the Diocese of Prince George for the alleged abuses. However, Wheeldon says that taking legal action, isn’t just about the money.

Each one of my clients in some ways is a bit of a hero because there’s other victims like them that hear about it and then understand that, you know, ‘maybe it wasn’t my fault when I was six years old that someone took advantage of me. Maybe I can come forward. Maybe I can continue on my healing journey.’ There’s a lot more to it than just money.” – Seth Wheeldon, Preszler Injury Lawyers

None of the allegations laid out in the ten lawsuits, have yet to be proven in court. Two cases are set to go to trial in 2027.

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Email: Adam.Berls@pattisonmedia.com