In a Vancouver courtroom filled with palpable tension, a sexual assault survivor delivered a powerful victim impact statement that left few eyes dry. The woman stood mere feet from her attacker—former recovery house worker Rodrigo Hernandez—as she described how his actions shattered her sense of safety and trust.
Betrayal of Trust in Place of Healing
Rodrigo Hernandez, 44, was employed as a house manager at a Vancouver recovery facility when he sexually assaulted a vulnerable woman in his care. The assault occurred in May 2021 while the survivor was attempting to rebuild her life in what should have been a safe environment.
"He took advantage of me when I was at my most vulnerable," the survivor told the court, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "I came there to heal, and he destroyed that."
A Courageous Confrontation
During the emotional sentencing hearing, the survivor directly addressed Hernandez, describing how the assault triggered previous trauma and left her struggling with anxiety, depression, and trust issues.
"I couldn't sleep, I couldn't eat, I was constantly looking over my shoulder," she recounted. "The place that was supposed to be my sanctuary became my prison."
Justice Served with Jail Time
Hernandez pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault in November 2023. BC Supreme Court Justice Janet Winteringham sentenced him to 15 months in jail followed by 18 months of probation.
The judge emphasized the significant breach of trust involved in the case, noting that Hernandez exploited his position of authority over someone in recovery.
Broader Implications for Recovery Facilities
This case raises important questions about safety protocols and staff screening in recovery houses across British Columbia. Advocates are calling for:
- Enhanced background checks for recovery house employees
- Stronger oversight of facility operations
- Better support systems for survivors who report assaults
- Mandatory trauma-informed training for all staff
The survivor's courage in speaking out serves as both a warning to predators in positions of trust and an inspiration to other victims considering coming forward. Her final words in court resonated throughout the room: "I am taking my power back."
