Frankford Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Deeply traumatic and yet frequently unreported, sexual abuse is a crime that has affected about 10% of Canadians at some point in their lives. Typically, a perpetrator holds a position of trust and authority over their victims. They leverage this power imbalance to manipulate a person who is dependent on them in some way or who trusts them implicitly. By doing so, perpetrators can coerce their victims into engaging in sexual activities.
Perpetrators of sexual abuse are often teachers, members of the clergy, sports coaches, camp counselors, foster parents, or other adults who use their positions of authority to exploit children. Similarly, perpetrators who care for adult members of vulnerable populations– such as seniors in nursing homes, patients in psychiatric hospitals, and incarcerated adults– can wield their authority to engage in non-consensual, unwanted sexual activities.
Sexual abuse may take place over a short or a long amount of time. It may involve unwanted sexual contact. It could also be non-physical, such as verbal harassment, voyeurism, or exposure.
The practice of “grooming” is common in cases of sexual abuse. This is a perpetrator’s methodical sequence of behaviours designed to manipulate a target into sexual conduct, while building a web of shame and silence that keeps the crime hidden.
Sexual abuse is a criminal offence. When found guilty in criminal court, a perpetrator can face substantial prison time, in accordance with the Criminal Code of Canada. But something many survivors of sexual abuse may not know is that they might be entitled to financial compensation. In fact, our Frankford sexual abuse lawyers have a history of helping survivors in the region recover damages incurred as a result of the trauma they have been forced to endure.
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse and would like to learn more about your legal options, our Frankford sexual abuse lawyers would be happy to address your questions and see how we might be able to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
The Costs of Sexual Abuse
The lasting impacts of sexual abuse can profoundly impact the lives of survivors. Not only is the crime itself abhorrent, it is rooted in one of the deepest betrayals of trust possible. While everyone responds to trauma in a wide range of ways, individuals who are sexually abused stand a higher risk of developing mental health disorders.
Whether it is turning to substance abuse as a form of self-medication to try and cope with the trauma, or developing depression or anxiety in response to the stark reality of harm that has been done to them, survivors of sexual abuse may not only suffer profound pain and diminished quality of life, but they may also incur financial damages.
Paying for medical care, psychological counseling, and other necessary expenses can contribute to significant debt. The resulting financial precariousness might, in turn, exacerbate feelings of stress, isolation, and despondence. Individuals in these circumstances may need to take time away from work in order to seek healing. Unfortunately, doing so often only increases financial pressures.
At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we believe that no one should have to bear the financial consequences of another person’s crime. By working with our sexual abuse lawyers serving Frankford, survivors of sexual abuse mayeb be able to recover the costs of:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Psychological counselling
- Physiotherapy
- Wages lost due to time off work
- Rehabilitative support
- And more
Statute of Limitations
Because the crime of sexual abuse is often connected to complex nets of silencing and stigmatization, all aimed to keep a survivor isolated, it is extremely common that these cases are not brought forward for many years after the abuse takes place. For this very reason, there is no statute of limitations on cases of sexual abuse in Ontario. This means that, even if decades have passed, a survivor of sexual abuse may still be able to file civil case against their abuser.
Call Our Frankford Sexual Abuse Lawyers Today
Our team of Frankford sexual abuse lawyers are committed to providing compassionate, detail-oriented, dedicated service to our clients. We respect the courage that it takes to step forward, and are available to address the specific questions about individual cases. If you have been the target of sexual abuse at any point in time, contact us today online or at 1-800-JUSTICE and see how Preszler Injury Lawyers may be of service to you.
