Kanata Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Sexual abuse occurs when an adult in a position of power, trust, and/or authority exploits that position to force a minor or an adult member of a vulnerable population into participation in non-consensual sexual acts. Examples of abusive teachers, clergymen, camp counselors, scout leaders, sports coaches, and other adults in positions of authority are rampant across the country.
Approximately 1 in 10 Canadians have reported having been sexually abused as children. Of them, only 7% ever disclosed the abuse to authorities at the time.
Shame, fear, and perpetrators’ calculated manipulation of their targets often compound to force survivors into silence. An abused child may not have the ability to fully appreciate what is being done to them or the ability to extricate themselves from profoundly harmful circumstances. Layers of social, familiar, or professional ties often complicate the context of the abuse, making it difficult at times to even recognize that abuse has taken place.
Whether the abuse happened recently or many years ago, survivors may be entitled to legal support. By working with our Kanata sexual abuse lawyers, survivors may be able to file a civil claim in order to recover compensation for financial losses they have incurred as a result of their trauma.
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse and would like to learn more about your legal options, contact our Kanata sexual abuse lawyers today. It is never too late to learn what support may be available to you.
Consequences for Survivors of Sexual Abuse
With physical and psychological ramifications, the impacts of sexual abuse can be profoundly life-altering. Everyone experiences trauma differently, and the contexts of each survivor’s story can be extremely different. However, there are commonalities in the serious consequences of this traumatic experience, as reported in numerous studies about survivors of sexual abuse.
As a result of the trauma, survivors of sexual abuse have been shown to face a higher likelihood of:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks and other panic disorders
- Substance abuse issues
- Addiction
- And more
Individuals may, in the process of seeking healing through medical and psychological treatment or rehabilitative care, incur substantial debt. This may, in turn, contribute to additional stress, anxiety, and depression. Survivors may need to take time off work to seek treatment, thus losing potential income, which may affect not only their day to day lives but the lives of their dependent loved ones.
Compensation May Be Available
By pursuing a civil claim, a survivor of sexual abuse may be able to recover financial compensation for damages like medical treatment, psychological counseling, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Our team of Kanata sexual abuse lawyers offer free initial consultations to all prospective clients. Contact us today and see what legal options may be available to you.
Because of the sensitive nature of sexual abuse cases and the entrenchment of silencing that is forced upon survivors, there is no statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims in Ontario. That means a survivor of sexual abuse may be entitled to file a civil claim against their abuser at any point in time, even if decades have passes since the abuse took place.
Contact Our Kanata Sexual Abuse Lawyers Today
At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to providing compassionate service to our clients. We believe no one should have to shoulder the financial burden of someone else’s crime. Call us at 1-800-JUSTICE or contact us online to schedule a free, no obligation, confidential consultation and see how our Kanata sexual abuse lawyers may be able to help you.
