The transcript for this witness testimony is currently in production by our volunteers. It will be available soon here on this page and as a downloadable PDF.

Summary

Dr. Palfy testifies about the hidden epidemic of male sexual abuse, drawing on her experience as a former RCMP officer and current psychologist specializing in trauma therapy. She explains the elaborate grooming process used by offenders to manipulate victims and their environments. Dr. Palfy discusses findings from her doctoral research on why males do not disclose abuse, including memory loss, confusion, shame, and lack of support. She outlines the long-term impacts on male survivors, including higher rates of suicide and substance abuse. Dr. Palfy emphasizes the need for greater awareness and support services for male victims. She expresses concern about how some current educational policies may increase children’s vulnerability to grooming and abuse.

Credentials

Dr. Kelly Palfy has a unique background that combines law enforcement experience with psychology expertise. She spent over 13 years as an RCMP officer, helping launch Canada’s first integrated child exploitation unit. This experience sparked her interest in male sexual abuse, leading her to earn a PhD in counseling psychology researching why male survivors rarely report abuse. Dr. Palfy now runs a private practice specializing in trauma therapy for male survivors and first responders. She is also an author and speaker advocating for survivors and educating communities about abuse prevention.