Aurora Sexual Abuse Lawyer
An insidious crime that can take an immense toll on survivors, sexual abuse impacts a significant percentage of Canadians. Approximately 1 in 10 Canadians report having survived childhood sexual abuse. And yet, only about 7% of cases are reported to police or child welfare services. This is often connected to a combination of social stigmas surrounding sexual abuse, and the power imbalance inherent to this crime. Sexual abuse also occurs in other settings and relationships where one party is dependent on another, including nursing homes, schools, and within marriages, among others.
Even if the crime took place long ago, an individual found guilty of committing sexual abuse may be imprisoned, under the guidance of the Canadian Criminal Code. In addition, legal compensation may be available to survivors of sexual abuse. If you have been the victim of sexual abuse, you may be able to receive financial support to help with bills and debts you have incurred as a result of your trauma. Contact us today and schedule a free initial consultation with our Aurora sexual abuse lawyers to see how we might be of service to you.
The Definition of Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is defined as ongoing pattern of behaviour in which one or more people uses a position of power or authority in order to perpetrate non-consensual sexual acts upon another person or group of people. This can include physical violence, including sexual assault, or unwanted sexual touching of any kind. Sexual abuse may also involve non-contact offenses such as voyeurism, stalking, or exposure.
A key component to the definition of sexual abuse is its roots in the manipulation of an imbalance of power within a relationship. For example, the abuser could be a teacher targeting a student, a doctor targeting a patient, a clergyman targeting a member of their congregation, or another person in a position of trust or authority targeting someone in their care.
Within these contexts, where the target of sexual abuse may be materially and emotionally dependent on the abuser, it can be very complicated for survivors to exctricate themselves from the abuse. It can even be difficult to recognize that it is happening at all at the time. Layers of manipulation and shame, potentially intermixed with genuine feelings of love and care, can keep survivors of sexual abuse from stepping forward about the trauma they have endured. Where sexual abuse has been enacted within the context of an institution, such as a school or religious association, other parties may be investigated for their liability in failing to stop the abuse.
The Impacts of Sexual Abuse
Whether or not a survivor of sexual abuse has acknowledged or shared the details of their trauma, statistics show a significant connection between sexual abuse and adverse health effects such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Survivors may also experience symptoms such as:
- Disassociation
- Panic attacks
- High stress levels
- High blood pressure
- Self-harm
- Suicidal ideation
- Substance abuse
- And more
Contact Our Aurora Sexual Abuse Lawyers Today
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred, there may be financial restitution available to you. Because of the complex, vulnerable, and deeply sensitive nature of this crime, the Ontario statute of limitations does not apply to cases of sexual abuse. What this means is there is no time limit on filing a lawsuit against the perpetrator.
Our team of Aurora sexual abuse lawyers at Preszler understand and appreciate the courage it takes to come forward and speak about your experience. We are dedicated to listening with compassion, and supporting our clients in attaining the compensation they deserve. Contact us through our online booking form today to schedule a free, confidential consultation and see how our Aurora sexual abuse lawyers may be able to help in your specific case.
