Scouts Canada - Sexual Assault and Abuse Investigation within Boy Scouts and Girl Guides of Canada

Scouts Canada

Scouts Canada is a national youth organization dedicated to fostering the development of young people through a comprehensive program that emphasizes outdoor adventure, leadership, and community service. Its mission is to help youth build valuable life skills, including teamwork, responsibility, and respect for the environment, all while promoting personal growth and character development. Many are drawn to Scouts Canada because it offers a unique opportunity to experience nature, build lasting friendships, and develop practical skills that will benefit them throughout their lives, all within a supportive and inclusive community.

While Scouts Canada’s mission is rooted in principles of leadership, community service, and fostering personal growth in a safe, nurturing environment, the organization has faced troubling allegations of sexual abuse within its ranks. Despite its core values of respect, integrity, and safety, numerous cases have come to light in which children were exploited by those entrusted with their care. These incidents stand in stark contrast to the organization’s ideals and have prompted significant scrutiny. This dichotomy raises critical concerns about safeguarding practices and the steps necessary to restore trust and ensure the protection of all participants.

Helping Victims of Sexual Assault

At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we are deeply committed to investigating claims related to any form of sexual or physical assault that you may have experienced during your time with Scouts Canada. Your voice matters, and we are here to help you seek justice and healing.

The legal system has evolved to become more sensitive to the needs of survivors, providing an environment that prioritizes fairness and your well-being. In most cases, your claim will not go to trial, sparing you from additional distress and allowing you to focus on your healing journey.

We Are Here for You

From your very first conversation with a member of our dedicated team, we aim to create a safe and welcoming environment for you. We are here to listen, believe, and advocate for you. This is your story, and we want to hear it at your pace. We will carefully explore the viability of a legal claim based on the specifics of your situation and the impact the abuse has had on your life.

With Preszler Injury Lawyers by your side, you do not have to continue to suffer in silence. Together, we can work towards finding a path to justice and empowerment. You deserve support, understanding, and the opportunity to reclaim your voice. Let us stand with you in this journey toward healing and resolution.

Who Are We Helping?

Eligible groups within Scouts Canada include:

• Venturer Scouts (Ages 15 to 17)
• Boy Scouts (Ages 11 to 14)
• Cub Scouts (Ages 8 to 10)
• Beaver Scouts (Ages 5 to 7)

Eligible groups within Girl Guides of Canada include:

• Rangers (Ages 15-17)
• Pathfinders (Ages 12–14)
• Guides (Ages 9–11)
• Brownies and Embers (under age 9)

What is Sexual Assault in this Context?

The term “sexual assault” can be complex and often misunderstood. In the civil context, what many people refer to as sexual assault is more accurately described as sexual battery in tort law. Regardless of terminology, the impact on survivors is profound and deeply felt.

It’s important to recognize that sexual assault is not limited to violent or unwanted intercourse; rather, it encompasses a broad spectrum of experiences. This can include anything from inappropriate touching to more explicit sexual acts. Each experience is valid and can have significant emotional, psychological, and physical effects.

At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to holding Scouts Canada accountable for its failure to protect you. Through the legal process, we ensure that they fully comprehend the impact their actions have had on your life. Our goal is to support you in seeking justice and compensation for the suffering you have endured in all aspects of your life.

We are here to help you navigate this journey toward healing and empowerment, and to seek the justice you deserve based on the remedies available under the law. Your experiences matter, and we are committed to advocating for you every step of the way.

What do our Scouts Canda Sexual Assault Clients Have in Common?

Although every experience is as unique as every client, we have observed certain effects and outcomes that you may recognize. These include:

• Pain & Suffering
• Mental Health issues
• Substance Abuse
• Relationship difficulties with friends, family and spouses
• Distrust in authoritative persons
• Difficulty maintaining consistent employment
• Post traumatic stress
• Gender or sexual identity issues

Is It Too Late?

The reassuring answer is no—it is not too late. Recent legislation has eliminated the statute of limitations for these types of claims, which means you can act regardless of when the abuse occurred.

If you’re feeling anxious because you didn’t report the incident(s) at the time or to anyone, do not be concerned. There is no legal requirement for you to have done so. We will guide you through the process of gathering the evidence needed to build your case. Our responsibility is to tell your story and establish liability, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

We understand that many individuals may not have felt comfortable speaking out. With our assistance, you are not alone in this journey.

What Does a Lawsuit Look Like?

The legal process may be simpler than you think. Your involvement can be minimal, as your lawyer will navigate the complexities of the legal system on your behalf. While every case is unique, the timeframe for settlement typically ranges from two to four years. This can vary based on individual circumstances, but our goal is to secure the highest and most timely settlement for you.

What Are We Demanding from Scouts Canada?

We will primarily seek compensatory damages on your behalf, which can be categorized into:

Non-Pecuniary Damages

These damages acknowledge the emotional and psychological toll you have experienced, including:

• Pain and suffering

Pecuniary Damages

These damages are intended to cover tangible losses, including:

• Quantifiable losses
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Lost wages
• Future care costs
• Any other losses that may arise

Is This a Class Action?

The short answer is no. While class action lawsuits can attract public attention, we do not believe they are appropriate for these types of claims. Your story matters and what happened to you individually matters. You are not just another “class member”. We will represent you individually ensuring that your unique experience and the specific harms you’ve suffered are directly addressed.

How Do We Get Paid?

We operate on a contingency-fee basis. This means you do not need to pay any upfront fees, hourly charges, or expenses during the process. Our payment is contingent upon the successful resolution of your case, aligning our interests with yours in the pursuit of maximum and timely compensation. We will provide a detailed explanation of our fees upfront, ensuring transparency and trust. Preszler Injury Lawyers complies fully with Law Society regulations, and we maintain open communication throughout the process.

Speak With Our Legal Team

CALL 1-800-JUSTICE

To discuss your questions and explore whether we can take on your case, please reach out to our team. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation, approached with the sensitivity and confidentiality your situation deserves. We welcome any information you feel comfortable sharing, knowing it will be handled with care and understanding.

Please don’t delay in seeking the justice you deserve. Our lines are open 24/7, and we look forward to speaking with you.

**CALL PRESZLER INJURY LAWYERS TODAY TO LEARN ABOUT YOUR OPTIONS**