Carrying Place Sexual Abuse Lawyer

It can be difficult to ascertain exact statistics associated with sexual abuse in Canada because this insidious crime is often hidden. Targets of abuse are often shamed and manipulated into silence. However, there were 8,046 sexual violations of children reported in 2017, and studies have shown that as many as 1 in 10 Canadians have experienced childhood sexual abuse.

As with many cases concerning sexual violaton including sexual assault, the amount of reports brought forward to authorities is likely a gross underrepresentation of how often the crime is committed. It has been estimated that as many as 93% of sexual abuse cases never reach the attention of police or social services. 

Survivors of sexual abuse are often children, but they can also be adults, typically in a position of vulnerability. Perpetrators of sexual abuse are typically close in some way to survivors, either through familial or social ties. There is an imbalance of power inherent to a sexually abusive relationship, which allows a perpetrator to force, coerce, or otherwise manipulate a vulnerable person into unwanted sexual activity.

Sexual abuse is a crime in Canada. If found guilty in criminal court, a perpetrator can face prison time. However, even if a perpetrator has been imprisoned, the crime’s lasting effects on a survivor’s life can be profound. Something many survivors of sexual abuse may not know is that there may be compensation available to them by means of a civil claim. This may help recover financial damages a survivor has incurred as a result of the abuse, including the costs of medical bills, psychological counseling, lost income, and more.

At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we believe that no one should have to bear the financial burden for someone else’s crime. If you have been the target of sexual abuse at any point in time, contact us today to discuss your legal options with our Carrying Place sexual abuse lawyers.

What is Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse occurs when a child or vulnerable adult is exploited for sexual conduct by an adolescent or adult in a position of trust and authority. The nature of the abuse may be short-lived and it may be ongoing, and may involve a range of physical and/or non-physical violations. Examples include:

• Sexual assault
• Unwanted touching
• Verbal harassment
• Threats 
• Voyeurism
• Exposure
• And more

The imbalanced relationship at the root of sexual abuse cases, which often involves a victim who is dependent on the perpetrator (for example, a child being abused by a parent, or a student abused by a teacher), means that it is likely to be very difficult for a survivor of sexual abuse to extricate themselves from the circumstances, or even to disclose the truth of the abuse to anyone else.

The Lasting Impacts of Sexual Abuse

Whether or not an individual has spoken out about the abuse that has been inflicted upon them, whether or not they have even acknowledged it to themselves, adverse effects are likely to impact survivors of sexual abuse for many years after the abuse takes place. 

Some of the lasting impacts may include:

• Physical injuries
• Psychological trauma
• Mental health disorders (eg. depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder)
• Income lost due to missed work
• Reduction in future earning potential
• Addiction
• Substance abuse issues
• And more

There may be support available for survivors of sexual abuse in the form of compensation to help recover the costs of medical and psychological treatment, lost income, and more. Each case is different. Contact our team at Preszler Injury Lawyers to learn more about your legal options.

Contact Our Carrying Place Sexual Abuse Lawyers Today

There is no statute of limitations on sexual abuse cases in Ontario, which means you may be able to pursue a legal claim against a perpetrator at any point in time, even if decades have passed since the abuse. Our team at Preszler Injury Lawyers is committed to providing compassionate, dedicated service to our clients. Contact us online or by phone at 1-800-JUSTICE and see how our Carrying Place sexual abuse lawyers may be able to help you.