Georgina Sexual Abuse Lawyer

A deeply traumatic crime that often has profound effects on survivors’ lives long after their violation, sexual abuse frequently goes unreported. In a recent study, it was observed that approximately 10% of Canadians have been the targets of sexual abuse when they were children. However, only about 7% of said cases ever reached the attention of authorities such as law enforcement or child welfare services. 

Childhood sexual abuse is often perpetrated by an adult in a position of trust and authority. This may be a parent, a teacher, a leader within a community or religious organization, or another adult charged with the care of a minor. Perpetrators frequently engage in grooming behaviours, or calculated series of actions that manipulate the child into a sexual relationship while keeping the crime shrouded in silence. 

If you have been the target of sexual abuse at any point in time, there may be financial compensation available to you. By working with our sexual abuse lawyers serving Georgina, you might be able to recover costs you have incurred as a result of your trauma, including medical bills, psychological treatment, lost income, and possibly more. 

Each individual case is unique. Contact our Georgina sexual abuse lawyers today and see how we might be able to help you.

What Constitutes Sexual Abuse?

Whereas sexual assault refers to any single event of unwanted sexual behaviour, sexual abuse typically refers to an ongoing pattern of the same. This includes physical acts such as rape and unwanted touching, as well as non-contact offenses such as verbal harrassment, stalking, exposure, and voyeurism.

Sexual abuse is also typically associated with relationships that feature a power imbalance. Childhood sexual abuse occurs when a person in a position of trust and authority uses that position to force or coerce a child into sexual acts. 

However, it is also possible for an adult to sexually abuse another adult. This can occur in the context of an abusive marriage, where one spouse wields financial, emotional, and/or physical control over the other, for example. Instances of sexual abuse are also frequently known to occur in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, psychiatric hospitals, incarceration facilities, and other locations wherein staff members wield authority over the adults in their care. 

Adverse Effects of Sexual Abuse

Everyone responds to trauma in different ways. There is no right or wrong way to process the immense impacts of enduring sexual abuse. However, in the aftermath of such trauma, studies have shown a greater likelihood of developing adverse mental health conditions such as chronic anxiety, panic disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Higher rates of substance abuse and self-harm have likewise been observed among survivors of sexual abuse, as well as higher stress levels, which could lead to physical conditions such as hypertension.

Filing a Civil Claim

Because of the social stigmas and layers of manipulations at the root of sexually abusive relationships, survivors often take time to come forward and disclose the truth of their experience. It can take decades for a survivor to acknowledge (even to themselves) that abuse has occurred. Because of this, therre is no statute of limitations on sexual abuse and sexual assault cases in Ontario. This means that a survivor may file a civil claim against their perpetrator at any point in time.

By working with our sexual abuse lawyers serving Georgina, eligible survivors of sexual abuse may be able to recover compensation from their abusers. By pursuing a civil claim, they may be able to recover the costs of medical and psychological treatment, other income lost as a result of their trauma, and possibly more. 

Call Our Georgina Sexual Abuse Lawyers Today

At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we have great respect for the courage it takes a survivor to come forward with a sexual abuse claim. We are dedicated to listening, and providing compassionate service to all our clients. 

If you would like to learn more about legal options available to a survivor of sexual abuse, or are looking for support in your specific case, call us today at 1-800-JUSTICE or contact us through our online booking form to schedule a free initial consultation. See how our Georgina sexual abuse lawyers may be able to help you.