Cadets Institutional Abuse

Former Army, Sea, and Air Cadets Who Have Experienced Abuse, We Are Here to Help

Preszler Injury Lawyers represents survivors of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse who were once members of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, Royal Canadian Army Cadets, and Royal Canadian Air Cadets. If you have experienced abuse while involved with these organizations, we encourage you to reach out to explore your legal options with us.

The impacts of abuse can be far-reaching, even if you are not fully aware of how deeply it may have affected your life. No matter what form the abuse took, you may be entitled to seek justice and compensation from the cadet organizations that failed to protect you or took insufficient steps to prevent the abuse.

Abuse is not limited to the most severe forms of sexual misconduct. If you were ever made to feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or violated by a cadet leader, your experiences matter, and you may have a claim.

What Are the Cadets?

The Canadian military cadet organizations have a long history, dating back to before Canada’s Confederation in 1867. Originally formed to teach young men military skills and foster good character, these programs in Canada have grown into three branches: the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, Royal Canadian Army Cadets, and Royal Canadian Air Cadets. Today, these organizations are open to both young men and women, typically between the ages of 12 and 18.

These organizations aim to create bonds between civilians and the military, promote teamwork and leadership, and encourage interest in military careers. The programs are partially funded by the Department of National Defence and supported by civilian non-profit leagues, which provide many adult leaders.

Why Should I Come Forward?

Historically, these programs have often recruited young people from underprivileged or low-income backgrounds, believing that the structure and discipline offered by cadets could help build resilience and character. Tragically, some adults in positions of authority within these organizations misused their power, causing harm to those entrusted to their care.

If you are a survivor of abuse within the cadet system, we encourage you to contact Preszler Injury Lawyers. We are here to listen to your story, support your search for justice, and help hold those responsible for your pain accountable.

Every cadet organization owes a duty of care to its members. If they failed to meet that responsibility—whether through poor hiring practices, inadequate supervision, or other failings-you have the right to seek legal action.

Choosing to pursue a legal claim may be an important step in regaining control over your life and addressing the effects of the abuse you endured. It’s important to know that most cases of this nature are resolved without going to trial, and you will always be in control of the process as our client. Your privacy and well-being are our top priorities.

Is It Too Late to Seek Justice?

No, it is not too late. The law has removed the statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims, meaning your right to seek justice is still protected, no matter how much time has passed. You are not required to have reported the abuse in the past, and it’s completely normal for survivors to take time before feeling ready to share their story.

When you feel ready, we are here to support you at your own pace. Your journey is personal, and we will walk alongside you, ensuring you have the care and understanding you need.

Are There Other Cadet Organizations Beyond Those Listed?

Yes. The Canadian Rangers, an army reserve unit, operates in remote areas of Canada, including the North. Its youth wing, the Junior Canadian Rangers, offers programming similar to that of the cadets for young people aged 12 to 18. The Navy League of Canada, a civilian organization supporting the Sea Cadets, also runs the Navy League Cadets, for children aged 9 to 12.

How Has the System Changed to Support Survivors?

Many survivors of institutional abuse have faced disbelief, indifference, or anger when they have tried to speak out. These reactions can silence victims and worsen feelings of shame and self-blame.

While challenges remain, there have been meaningful changes to ensure the justice system responds to abuse survivors with greater understanding and care.

At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we are committed to serving our clients with a trauma-informed approach. We will listen to your story at a pace that feels safe for you, and we will take care to avoid re-traumatizing you throughout the legal process. Building trust through open communication and honest advice is at the heart of our work.

Is This a “Class Action”?

Your case is unique, and it will not be part of a class action. This is important because your individual story matters. The harm you experienced and the impact it has had on your life deserves to be addressed on its own terms. You are not just one of many in a group—your experience is personal, and it will be treated that way.

By pursuing an individual legal action, we can focus entirely on your story, ensuring that what happened to you is fully understood and acknowledged. We will carefully examine how the abuse has affected different areas of your life—whether emotionally, physically, or financially—so that your specific needs and circumstances are recognized.

This approach allows your voice to be heard. Your story will not be lost among many others, but will stand on its own, receiving the attention and care it deserves. We will work with you at a pace that feels comfortable, ensuring that you remain in control of the process.

Common Experiences of Survivors

While every survivor’s journey is deeply personal, you may relate to some of these experiences:

• Emotional challenges, such as feelings of anger, depression, or shame
• Difficulty building or maintaining relationships and issues with trust
• Impacts on your mental and physical health
• Challenges with substance use
• Struggles in maintaining stable employment
• Distrust of authority figures
• Enduring emotional or physical pain and suffering

It’s important to remember that none of these struggles are your fault. You are not to blame for what happened to you. Together, we will explore how the abuse has affected your life, ensuring your voice is heard and your story acknowledged. Your experience matters, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

What Compensation Are We Seeking?

We seek compensatory damages on your behalf, which can include but are not limited to:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life and dignity
• Rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages, both past and future

Your settlement will be determined by factors such as how abuse affected all aspects of your life.

Contact Preszler Injury Lawyers About Your Cadet Institutional Abuse Claim Today

If you are ready to take the next step, contact our team at Preszler Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. You can reach us at our toll-free number at 1-888-608-2111 or book an appointment online. We are here to discuss your case, offer guidance, and help you find the path forward that feels right for you.

Because we work on a contingency basis, you will not owe us anything unless we secure compensation for you. We look forward to hearing from you.