Hawkesbury Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Sexual abuse is a devastating criminal offence, whose perpetrators, when found guilty in criminal court, may face substantial jail time. While survivors of sexual abuse are frequently made to feel isolated and disbelieved, around 10% of Canadians report being targeted as children. And yet, only about 7% of those cases ever made it to the attention of police or social services.

At the core of sexual abuse cases is an imbalanced relationship within which the perpetrator holds a position of trust and authority over the victim. This may be a parent violating the personhood of their own child, in direct betrayal of the responsibilities they hold to love and care for this vulnerable individual. In other cases, a trusted teacher may abuse their power to engage in sexual activity with their students. 

Adult members of vulnerable populations can also be exploited by the people employed to supply them with care. For example, nursing home residents could be preyed upon by a worker charged with their care, or patients at psychiatric hospitals can be abused by their doctors, nurses, or orderlies.

Whatever the context, the combination of a victim’s vulnerability, a perpetrator’s betrayal of trust, and the physical and psychological consequences of the crime itself can all have profound, life-changing effects on a survivor. There may be significant costs– both emotional and financial– associated with a survivor’s recovery from this trauma. Medical bills, the costs of psychological care, wages lost along the journey of healing, and more can add up to overwhelming amounts.

Survivors of sexual abuse may be entitled fo compensation for damages by pursuing a civil claim. At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we are committed to helping our clients understand their legal rights and pursue the justice they are owed. Contact us today to speak with our Hawkesbury sexual abuse lawyers in a free initial consultation, and see how we might be of help in your specific case.

What is Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse occurs when an adult in a position of power takes advantage of a power imbalance in a relationship dynamic to engage in non-consensual sexual activity another person, typically a minor or vulnerable adult. Sexual abuse can include physical contact, but it can also be non-physical.

Legal Options

Because of social stigmas and the manipulative conduct of many perpetrators, targets of sexual abuse may feel profoundly disempowered, afraid, isolated, unable and/or unwilling to disclose the truth of what is happening to them at the time of the abuse. Many feel uncomfortable disclosing it even years after the abuse has taken place. 

Because of this, there is no statute of limitations in Ontario on cases concerning sexual abuse. That means a survivor of sexual abuse may be able to file a civil claim against their perpetrator at any point in time. 

By pursuing a civil claim, a survivor of sexual abuse may be entitled to recover compensation for financial damages they have sustained as a result of the crime committed against them, as well as damages they might incur in the future. 

Contact Our Hawkesbury Sexual Abuse Lawyers Today

If you have been impacted by sexual abuse at any point in your life, you may be entitled to compensation. Our team of Hawkesbury sexual abuse lawyers respect the courage and vulnerability of coming forward, and are committed to providing sensitive, dedicated service to our clients. Contact us today at Preszler Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation, and see what we might be able to do for you.