Elliot Lake Sexual Abuse Lawyer

The trauma of sexual abuse often continues for years after the crime has been committed. Its effects on a survivor can have profoundly life-altering adverse effects. Social stigmas and the insidious manipulation at the root of this crime can prevent survivors from stepping forward. It is estimated that while around 1 in 10 Canadians have experienced some form of sexual abuse, only about 7% of those cases reach the attention of law enforcement. 

Sexual abuse is a criminal offence under the Canadian Criminal Code. People found guilty of sexual abuse in criminal court could face significant jail time. It is not uncommon for survivors of sexual abuse to withhold information about the abuse at the time that it is happening. Indeed, it may take years before a survivor is ready to come forward to speak about their experience. As such, there is no statute of limitations on sexual abuse cases in Ontario. This means that a survivor of sexual abuse may be eligible file a claim against their abuser at any point in time, even decades after the crime was committed.

Survivors of sexual abuse may be able to file a civil claim against their abuser to recover financial compensation. Damages to which they might be entitled could include the costs of medical bills, psychological treatment, lost wages, and possibly more. If you have survived sexual abuse at any point in time and would like more information as to legal avenues available to you, contact us today and speak with our Elliot Lake sexual abuse lawyers in a free initial consultation.

What is Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse refers to an ongoing perpetration of sexual assault within a relationship where one party holds a position trust, authority, and/or dependency. 

Sexual assault is any non-consensual sexual activity. This may involve unwanted sexual acts of any kind, from rape to unwanted touching, and/or non-contact offences such as stalking, verbal harrassment, and voyeurism. 

Typically, in cases of sexual abuse, the perpetrator wields a position of trust and authority over their target. They leverage that power in order to force, coerce, or manipulate the survivor into sexual acts. A devastatingly prevalent example of this is childhood sexual abuse. Common perpetrators in positions of power include teachers, clergy members, sports coaches, camp counselors, scout leaders, foster parents, and others.

Sexual abuse can also occur between adults if a power imbalance exists within their relationship. Within the context of spousal violence, for instance, one spouse might wield financial, emotional, and/or physical control over another and use that imbalance of power to control, dominate, or manipulate their partner.

The Effects of Sexual Abuse

Each individual may have a unique response to the trauma of sexual abuse. However, studies have shown a worrisome link between sexual abuse and higher rates of anxiety and depression, repressed memories, disassociation, panic disorders, as well as high stress levels commonly associated with high blood pressure.

Compensation for Survivors of Sexual Abuse

By working with our Elliot Lake sexual abuse lawyers, survivors of sexual abuse may be able to file a civil claim against their abuser and other liable parties whose contributory negligence may have allowed the abuse to occur. By doing so, survivors of sexual abuse may be able to recover compensation for damages they have incurred as a direct result of their trauma. These damages might include:

• Medical bills
• Physical rehabilitation
• Psychological treatment
• Income lost due to mental health/physical conditions caused by the trauma
• And more

Contact Our Elliot Lake Sexual Abuse Lawyers Today

Our team at Preszler Injury Lawyers respects the courage it takes to step forward with a case of sexual abuse. We are committed to providing compassionate, sensitive service to our clients. If you or someone you love have been the target of sexual abuse at any point in time and would like to know more about what financial compensation might be available to you, contact us today and see how our Elliot Lake sexual abuse lawyers may be able to help.