Barrie Sexual Abuse Lawyer

The effects of sexual abuse, suffered at any age, can be life-altering and long-lasting. Social stigmas as well as the manipulative nature of this crime prevent many survivors from coming forward and speaking the truth of their abuse, which may lead to additional trauma, shame, and feelings of isolation. 

Under the Canadian Criminal Code, sexual abuse is explicitly underlined as an indictable offence punishable with prison time. But other options for legal recourse may be available to survivors of sexual abuse, including civil claims to help recover financial damages and help address medical bills, psychological treatment, and income lost due to the trauma of the abuse. 

Because of the often-complicated nature of this crime, there is no statute of limitations on sexual abuse claims. This means that survivors of abuse could be entitled to bring a civil claim against a perpetrator even decades after the offence was committed. Every case is unique. Consulting with a Barrie sexual abuse lawyer could be a vital step towards understanding your legal rights. Contact us today for a free, confidential, initial consultation.

Defining Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is the ongoing perpetration of unwanted sexual activity, enacted by one person (or multiple people) on another. This may involve non-consensual sex, physical violence, and/or non-physical offenses such as flashing, stalking, or voyeurism. It is, in essence, a pattern of sexual assault enacted repeatedly over a span of time. 

A common factor in sexual abuse cases is a perpetrator who manipulates their position of power in order to attain or enact sexual behaviour. This may be a parent or older sibling sexually abusing a child, a trusted figure within a school or a religious organization taking advantage of students or members of a congregation, and more. Within the context of spousal relationships, sexual abuse may be intertwined with one spouse’s financial and/or emotional dependance on the other.

It may be precisely because of the manipulation at the heart of sexual abuse that approximately 93% of cases go unreported. Survivors can experience a range of different responses to their trauma, which often include repressed memories, denial, and even exoneration of their abusers. The severity of the trauma itself may cause survivors to forget or mentally block out details.

The Long-Term Effects of Sexual Abuse

Even if survivors have not yet come to terms with the fact of their abuse, the traumatic effects of this heinous crime can manifest in a number of adverse health effects. Statistics show a worrying connection between sexual abuse and ongoing anxiety and depression, as well as substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder. Other long-term effects may include disassociation, panic attacks, and high stress levels that may contribute to physical conditions such as high blood pressure. 

Contact Our Barrie Sexual Abuse Lawyers Today

Each case is different. At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we appreciate the many nuanced intricacies of sexual abuse cases, as well as the courage it takes to step forward. We are dedicated to listening with sensitivity, and to working with our clients to help them receive the financial compensation to which they might be entitled. To discuss the specifics of your case, contact us today through our online booking form, or call our Barrie sexual abuse lawyers at 1-800-JUSTICE.