Collingwood Sexual Abuse Lawyer

One of the most devastating crimes, sexual abuse is dismayingly common in Canada. A 2014 study showed that 10% of Canadians reported being victimized sexually before the age of 18. And yet, the vast majority of victims did not disclose the truth of the abuse to anyone while they were children. Relatedly, 93% of child sexual abuse cases are never brought to the attention of law enforcement or child welfare services.

It may be difficult for a survivor of sexual abuse come forward for many reasons. In the majority of cases, the offender is someone known to the survivor, often through familial or close social ties. Layers of social stigma, as well as a perpetrator’s manipulation, may compound to prevent a survivor from seeking the help they need.

If you or someone you love have been sexually victimized at any point, there may be financial restitution available to you – even if many years have gone by since the abuse. You may be able to recover costs associated with psychological treatment, medical bills, lost income, and more. At Preszler Injury Lawyers, our team is dedicated to providing compassionate service to all our clients, with great respect for the courage it takes to step forward. Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential, initial consultation with our Collingwood sexual abuse lawyers.

How Sexual Abuse is Defined in Canada

An indictable offence under the Canadian Criminal Code, sexual abuse is an ongoing pattern of sexual violation, which often includes acts of sexual assault. It may involve physical violence, coercion to perform sexual acts, voyeurism, verbal and/or physical harrassment, and more. By Canadian law, any sexual act amongst adults requires the explicit consent of everyone involved. 

Sexual abuse is defined particularly by the imbalance of power at the root of the relationship between the perpetrator and victim. The offender may be a parent or guardian figure exploiting their position of authority and responsibility over a child. They may be a trusted teacher abusing a student; they may be a representative of the clergy leveraging their social influence in order to victimize a member of the congregation; or, they could be another person in a position of power exploiting their authority over someone in their care.

The targets of sexual abuse can be children or adults. It is reported within spousal relationships, in nursing homes, sports leagues, and more. In these instances, the perpetrator wields financial, emotional, and/or social power over the target.

Health Effects of Sexual Abuse

Survivors of sexual abuse have been reported to experience a greater than average likelihood of developing mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, as well as high blood pressure brought on by stress, and destructive coping mechanisms such as substance abuse and emotional withdrawal. 

How Long Does a Survivor Have to Come Forward?

Because of the sensitive nature of this crime, as well as the many factors that often prevent survivors of sexual abuse from coming forward right away, there is no statute of limitations on sexual abuse claims in Ontario. What this means is, unlike other kinds of lawsuits, there is no time limit on how long a plaintiff has to begins the case. Even if decades have passed since the abuse, you may be able to file a lawsuit seeking the compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Collingwood Sexual Abuse Lawyers Today

Our team of Collingwood sexual abuse lawyers are committed to providing compassionate service to our clients. We listen with respect and care, and strive to provide support and clarity in every case. If you would like to speak with our team at Prezler Injury Lawyers, please contact us online or give us a call at 1-800-JUSTICE, and schedule a free initial consultation today.