Brockville Sexual Abuse Lawyer
There are multiple options for legal recourse available to survivors of sexual abuse. An indictable offence under the Canadian Criminal Code, perpetrators of sexual abuse who are found guilty in criminal courtmay face substantial prison time.
Additionally, survivors of sexual abuse might whish to file a civil lawsuit against the person who abused them. A sexual abuse civil claim can usually be pursued in tandem with criminal proceedings. If suceesful, a survivor of sexual abuse may be able to recover financial compensation to help cover medical bills, psychological treatment, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. There is no statute of limitations on sexual abuse cases in Ontario, therefore it is never too late to pursue legal action.
Each case is unique, and the legal options available to you may vary depending on the circumstances of your specific story. Our team of Brockville sexual abuse lawyers respect the courage it takes to come forward, and are dedicated to compassionate listening as we seek to help our clients recover the recompense they deserve. Contact us today for a free initial consultation and see how we might be of help to you.
What is Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse is a repeated pattern of behaviour in which one person forces unwanted sexual avtivity on another. This may involve physical acts, such as sexual assault or molestation, and it may involve nonphysical activity such as verbal harrassment, voyeurism, forcing a target to view sexual acts, stalking, and more. This is a deeply disturbing crime which often carries lifelong adverse effects for survivors, both physical and mental.
One of the reasons sexual abuse is so insidious lies in the power imbalance often at the root of relationships in which the abuse takes place. 10% of Canadians in a 2014 study reported having been survivors of childhood sexual abuse, usually meaning they were targeted by an adult when they themselves were children.
Childhood sexual abuse is often perpetrated by a trusted authority figure, or a person charged with the protection and care of the child they target. This may be a parent or grandparent, an older sibling, a sports coach or teacher, a member of the clergy, a community leader, or other trusted figure in the community. The survivor of this abuse may be silenced as a result of their social, financial, and/or emotional dependence on their abuser.
Sexual abuse may also occur between adults wherein a dependent relationship may be established. For example, senior citizens in the care of nursing home staff are at times targeted in cases of sexual abuse. Another example may be spousal sexual abuse.
Health Consequences of Sexual Abuse
Survivors of sexual abuse are statistically more likely to experience adverse health effects as a result of their trauma. This may manifest in a number of different ways, including physical ailments such as high blood pressure and heart disease (often associated with high stress levels), and mental health disorders that may range from chronic depression and anxiety to substance abuse and other forms of self-harm.
Because of the trauma inflicted upon them, survivors of sexual abuse often incur medical bills including the costs of rehabilitation and psychological care. Income may be lost, and quality of life may decrease for many years following the abuse.
Contact our Brockville Sexual Abuse Lawyers Today
If you have been the target of sexual abuse, even if the crime took place many years ago, you may be eligible for financial compensation to help recover costs you have incurred as a result of this trauma. Our team of Brockville sexual abuse lawyers are committed to compassionate listening, and would be happy to address any legal questions you may have. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation, initial consultation with Preszler Injury Lawyers.
