Burlington Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Sexual abuse is a indictable offence punishable by substantial prison time under the Canadian Criminal Code. Often cloaked in social stigma, and layered with nuanced dynamics between an abuser and target, it can take years for a survivor of sexual abuse to speak up about the traumas inflicted upon them. The silencing of survivors could compound with the impacts of the abuse itself to immensely negative effect. Survivors of sexual abuse are often impacted by a higher rate of mental health disorders as well as physical ailments alike.
Because it often takes years for a survivor to be able to come forward, there is no statute of limitations on cases of sexual abuse in Ontario. This means that a lawsuit may be opened against a perpetrator even decades after the abuse took place. If the perpetrator is found guilty in criminal court, they could face harsh punishments, including jail time. In addition to the Crown’s pursuit of criminal charges against a sexual abuser, their survivors may be entitled to pursue a civil suit against them in order to regain financial compensation. By doing so, survivors may be able to recover damages they have incurred because of the trauma. Damages often include medical bills, psychological care, lost wages, and more.
If you have been subjected to sexual abuse at any point, connect with our Burlington sexual abuse lawyers today to discuss the specifics of your case. We are dedicated to treating each case with compassion, and helping our clients receive the compensation they deserve. Call us at 1-800-JUSTICE or contact us through our online booking form.
How Do We Define Sexual Abuse?
When a person in a position of trust or authority uses their position of power to coerce someone in their care to engage in unwanted sexual conduct, they have committed sexual abuse. This conduct could be physical in nature (e.g., sexual assault, unwanted touching, etc.) or committed without physical contact (eg. voyeurism, indecent exposure, verbal harassment and more).
In accordance with Canadian law, any sexual activity without the consent of all parties involved is a crime. Children who have not yet reached the age of consent are not considered capable of consenting to sexual activities. Furthermore, if a teenager has reached the age of consent but not the age of majority, they are not legally capable of providing consent to participate in sexual activities with an adult in a position of trust or authority, like a teacher.
Sexual abuse may also transpire between adults, typically where an imbalance of power is present. This can occur in nursing homes when staff members target the senior citizens in their care, in spousal relationships where one partner wields financial control over the other, and other scenarios.
Impacts of Sexual Abuse
Survivors of sexual abuse have been observed to have a statistically higher likelihood of developing a number of mental health disorders, as well as physical illnesses, as a result of their trauma. This may include depression, anxiety, and high stress, which could in turn lead to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and even the risk of heart attack and/or stroke.
Contact Our Burlington Sexual Abuse Lawyers Today
Survivors of sexual abuse may be entitled to financial compensation to recover the costs of damages they have incurred as a result of being victimized by a sexual abuser. Whether the abuse took place recently or long ago, our sexual abuse lawyers serving Burlington may be able to help you.
At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we understand the sensitive nature of speaking about sexual abuse. We approach each case with a compassionate ear and commitment to respectful listening. Contact us today to book a free initial consultation with our Burlington sexual abuse lawyers, and see how we might be of service to you.
