Toronto Sexual Abuse Lawyer

The emotional trauma of surviving sexual abuse can last a lifetime. This is especially true of victims who were abused in childhood or adolescence. Children and teenagers are often targeted by sexual abusers. As a result of the abuse to which they were subjected, children and adolescents can develop serious mental health issues that persist well into adulthood.

Adult victims of childhood sexual abuse have a higher prevalence for illegal drug use, binge drinking, poor physical health, and self-reported mental health issues than non-victims. They are also twice as likely to be the victims of violence and/or intimate partner or spousal abuse than adults who were not victimized as children.

Sexual abusers do not only target young people. Members of vulnerable communities– included disabled, incarcerated, elderly, and financially unstable individuals– are also at higher risk of being victimized by a sexual abuser. In many of these situations, the abuser holds a position of authority over their victim and exploits this imbalance of power in order to participate in non-consensual sexual activities.

Indeed, the exploitation of a power imbalance is the hallmark of all instances of sexual abuse. Abusers wield their positions of authority, violate the trust placed in them by victims, or capitalize upon their victim’s dependency upon them in order to take advantage of them sexually. They often volunteer for organizations or are employed in industries that place them in close proximity to potential victims. Sexual abusers are often:

• Teachers
• Religious leaders
• Sports coaches
• Camp counselors
• Guards at correctional facilities
• Orderlies at psychiatric hospitals
• And more

The long-term ramifications of being sexually abused can shape the course of a victim’s entire life. Many survivors blame themselves for their own exploitation, which can lead to feelings of shame and low self-worth. Survivors of sexual abuse also have a high propensity for depression, anxiety, adult sexual dysfunction, and self-harm. Sexual abuse is also a risk factor for suicidal ideation and attempts. If you are in distress, contact Talk Suicide Canada by calling 1-833-456-4566.

In addition to the host of psychological repercussions experienced by survivors of sexual abuse, most victims also suffer financially. Many people who were victimized as students find it impossible to complete their educational or vocational training, resulting in a reduced future earning capability. Furthermore, sexual abuser survivors frequently incur substantial damages related to psychological counseling, psychiatric treatment, prescription drugs, and other expenses required to cope with their enduring trauma.

If you were exploited by a person in a position of trust or authority or by someone upon whom you were dependant, our Toronto sexual abuse lawyers may be able to help you. While no amount of money will be able to rewrite the past, our sexual abuse lawyers serving Toronto may be able to help you rebuild your finances by pursuing a civil claim against the person who abused you. In certain situations, our Toronto sexual abuse lawyers may be able to help you pursue damages from a contributorily negligent party or entity, such as the person who introduced you to your abuser or the organization that employed them.

To learn more about how our sexual abuse lawyers serving Toronto may be able to provide you with assistance, contact Preszler Injury Lawyers online or call 1-800-JUSTICE.

Call Today for Your Free Initial Consultation

Our Toronto sexual abuse lawyers know that you may have questions about options for legal action that might be available to you. During a free initial consultation with our sexual abuse lawyers, you will have the opportunity to discuss your situation and receive the benefits of personalized, case specific legal advice. If you were abused during your time with any of the following institutions, contact us for a free consultation.

• Boy Scouts of Canada
• Robert Land Academy
• Children’s Aid Society (Foster Care)
• Diocese of Toronto
• Diocese of Hamilton
• Diocese of York
• Diocese of London
• Cadets
• School Boards
• And more

To receive your free initial consultation today, contact our Toronto sexual abuse lawyers by calling 1-800-JUSTICE.