Brampton Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Survivors of sexual abuse often face a lifetime of physical and emotional injuries as a result of the trauma inflicted upon them. Not only is the nature of sexual abuse often rooted in emotional and physical manipulation, it is often also layered with social stigmas. All of this can contribute to the isolation and silence of survivors.
If you have been the target of sexual abuse, there may be legal ooptions available to you. Even if the abuse took place long in the past, it might be possible to file a claim against your assailant. Not only is sexual abuse punishable by incarceration under the Canadian Criminal Code, survivors may also be entitled to financial compensation that could help to cover the costs of medical and pyschological treatment, as well as other damages incurred due to the traumatic ramifications of the abuse.
The legal system can be challenging to navigate on your own, particularly concerning this sensitive topic. At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we strive to approach each client with sensitivity and compassion. Contact our Brampton sexual abuse lawyers today to set up a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation and learn how we might be able to help you.
What Constitutes Sexual Abuse in Canada?
Sexual abuse is an ongoing pattern of sexual assault in which one party forces sexual acts upon another. This may include unwanted sexual touching of any kind, with or without physical violence. This may also include non-consensual sexual behaviour without contact, such as sexual gestures, voyeurism and stalking, verbal threats, or wordless gestures.
Often, cases involving sexual abuse feature a perpetrator who has been in a position of authority in relation to the target. Examples might include a parent in relation to their child, a teacher to their student, a personal support worker to a resident of a long-term care home, or another authority figure to some in their care. In such cases, the survivor may be emotionally, financially, and/or physically dependant on the abuser, and as such, the sexual abuse may be intertwined with other elements of the relationship, some of which may be positive. Because of this, and any number of other factors, survivors of sexual abuse frequently experience shame, fear, and a sense of isolation that may prevent them from reporting the crime.
The Effects of Sexual Abuse
No two cases are the same, and no two people experience trauma in the same way. However, there are commonalities among the ways in which many survivors of sexual abuse respond to the trauma they have endured. Reports show a disproportionate increase in likelihood that a person may develop post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and issues with substance abuse as a result of being victimized by a sexual abuser.
Coming Forward About Sexual Abuse
Even if decades have passed since the sexual abuse took place, survivors may still open a claim against assailants. This is because there is no statute of limitations for cases involving sexual assault.
Should you decide to begin a civil action against your assailant in an attempt to pursue financial compensation for the costs you have incurred as a result of their crime, you may do so at any time. As a first step, it could be essential to consult with a Brampton sexual abuse lawyer who understands the workings of the legal system and may be able to help you navigate its complexities.
Contact Our Brampton Sexual Abuse Lawyers Today
Pursuing a sexual abuse claim can be an emotionally taxing process. No survivor of their heinous crime should have to go through it alone.
At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we are committed to offering compassionate, sensitive service to our clients. We are happy to address any of your concerns or questions, and strive to do our best in helping you understand your legal rights. If you are interested in speaking with one of our Brampton sexual abuse lawyers, call us at 1-800-JUSTICE or contact us online to book a free initial consultation today.
