Big Brothers (and Big Sisters) Sexual Assault and Abuse Investigations in Ontario

Introduction

Parents and guardians enroll their children in the Big Brothers (or the similar but female-oriented Big Sisters) program with the hope of providing them with mentorship, guidance, and positive role models. The program is designed to offer children meaningful relationships with adults who can inspire them, help build their confidence, and contribute to their emotional and social development. It represents a safe space where children can grow and thrive. Tragically, however, many children within this program have experienced the opposite. Instead of finding support and guidance, some “little brothers” have been subjected to sexual abuse, a gross violation of the trust placed in their mentors. This betrayal runs contrary to the core values of the Big Brothers program, and it is essential to address these failures, seek accountability, and support survivors in their pursuit of justice.

Sexual Assault Lawyers for Survivors of Big Brothers Abuse

If you were a “little brother” in the Big Brothers program and experienced sexual assault or abuse by your “big brother,” you have the right to seek justice and compensation. This is also the case if you were a “little sister” who suffered sexual abuse or assault by a mentor. Local branches of Big Brothers and Big Sisters in Ontario are member agencies of a countrywide federation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada.

Your “big brother” was likely someone you trusted and looked up to. If they betrayed that trust and abused their position, you deserve accountability. We are here to help you hold those responsible accountable.

Your First Steps with Us

From the moment you reach out to us, our team is here to listen. You can share your story at your own pace and in your own way. We are here to support you, explore the legal options available to you, and work together toward finding justice. No amount of compensation can undo what happened, but it can provide validation, help recognize the failings of the institution and offer support as you move forward.

Understanding Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is not limited to violent or forced acts. It includes any form of unwanted or inappropriate sexual contact, regardless of severity. If you experienced abuse and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada failed in their duty to protect you, we are here to hold them accountable.

What If My Big Brother Was Never Charged?

It’s common for survivors to delay reporting their abuse, and that is completely understandable. Even if formal charges were never brought against your abuser, you still have the right to pursue a civil claim. Criminal charges are part of the criminal justice system, while we focus on building a civil case against the responsible institution. Our role is to collect the necessary evidence to support your claim and ensure that those accountable are held responsible for their actions

What Situations Can Lead to a Claim?

We are prepared to handle claims involving incidents such as:

• Unwanted touching or sexual acts
• Abuse that occurred over or under clothing, in private or public settings
• Single or repeated incidents

If you’re unsure whether your experience qualifies, we are here to listen and help clarify your legal options. Many survivors doubt their own experiences, but we are committed to levelling the playing field against large institutions like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada.

Common Experiences of Survivors

Every survivor’s journey is unique, but you may recognize some of these effects:

• Emotional struggles like anger, depression, or shame
• Difficulty in relationships or trust issues
• Impact on mental and physical health
• Substance abuse
• Difficulty maintaining stable employment
• Distrust in authorities
• Lifelong pain and suffering

These struggles are not your fault. You are not to blame for what happened. We will discuss how the abuse has affected you and ensure your voice is heard.

Is It Too Late to Seek Justice?

The law has eliminated the statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims, meaning your right to seek justice remains intact, no matter how much time has passed. There is no legal requirement to have reported your abuse, and many survivors take time before they feel ready to share their story. We are here to support you when you are ready.

What to Expect from the Legal Process

Your involvement in the legal process will be minimal. We will handle the heavy lifting while keeping you informed and supported. Most cases settle before trial and within a few years of commencement.

You control all critical decisions, and we will be with you every step of the way.

What Compensation Are We Seeking?

We seek compensatory damages on your behalf, which can include but are not limited to:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life and dignity
• Rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages both past and future

Your settlement will be determined by factors such as how abuse affected all aspects of your life.

Why Not a Class Action?

While class actions often attract media attention, our priority is representing you as an individual. Every survivor’s experience is deeply personal, and we are dedicated to pursuing the best outcome specifically for you. You are not just a “class member” – you are a unique individual with your own story, circumstances, and the specific harm you have endured. Your voice deserves to be heard, and we are here to ensure that happens.

How Do We Get Paid?

We work on a contingency basis, which means you won’t pay anything unless we secure a settlement for you. This ensures our interests align with yours, and you can trust that we are here to fight for you without financial pressure.

Speak with Our Legal Team

We are here to answer your questions and discuss your options with sensitivity and care. Reach out to us for a free, confidential consultation whenever you feel ready.

Call 1-800-JUSTICE today to learn more about how we can help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve. We are available 24/7 to provide support when you need it most.