Kapuskasing Sexual Abuse Lawyer

The adverse effects of sexual abuse can be profoundly life-altering. Survivors can experience the impacts of the trauma for many years after the abuse has taken place. While each set of circumstances, and each survivor, are different, it is not uncommon for the crime of sexual abuse to inflict severe psychological, physical, social, and financial damage. 

At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we are passionate about helping survivors of sexual abuse understand their legal rights. If you were the victim of sexual abuse, you may be eligible to recover financial compensation for resulting medical bills, therapy, lost income, and more. Contact us today to book a free initial consultation with our Kapuskasing sexual abuse lawyers and learn more.

Defining Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is an indictable offence under the Canadian Criminal Code. It is a devastating crime wherein an adult in a position of power, trust and authority leverages their status in order to force, coerce, or otherwise manipulate a vulnerable individual into participating in non-consensual sexual activities. 

Affecting approximately 1 in 10 Canadians, sexual abuse is a profound violation of a vulnerable person’s personhood. An imbalance of power is typical in sexual abuse cases, which often involves “grooming.” Grooming is a calculated set of behaviours that isolate the target of sexual abuse  and shroud the crime itself in a cloak of shame and silence.

Survivors may face a higher instance of mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and more. Survivors may be required to seek medical and psychological treatment, or take time off work in order to heal. As a result, survivors often face a significant reduction of income or income potential, thus plunging into financial stress or even debt.

Compensation for Survivors of Sexual Abuse

Survivors of sexual abuse may be able to file a civil lawsuit against their perpetrator in an attempt to seek compensation for the losses they have incurred as a result of the abuse they sustained. Most civil lawsuits are settled outside the courtroom, at times even before the lawsuit itself has been filed.

A common question is how compensation is calculated in a sexual abuse lawsuit. Typically, a survivor will seek compensation for pain and suffering, loss of future income, reduction of earning capacity, as well as punitive damages depending on the circumstances under which their exploitation took place. They may also recover costs associated with medical bills, psychological treatment, and more.

The legal system can be challenging to navigate, especially when dealing with the sensitive areas of sexual abuse. It can be vital to work with a Kapuskasing sexual abuse lawyer who is committed to helping you every step of the way. Contact us today to see how we may be of service to you.

Timelines for a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Because of the complex nature of this crime and the social stigmas that help to obscure it, many people do not step forward and disclose their abuse at the time that it is happening. Many do not disclose it for a long time, even years after the fact. It may indeed take time for a survivor to recognize the extent of their own losses as a result of the crime committed against them.

For this reason, there is no statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases in Ontario. Even if decades have passed since the abuse took place, a survivor may be eligible to file a lawsuit against their perpetrator. If you have any questions about how we may be able to provide you with legal assistance, contact us today to discuss your case with our Kapuskasing sexual abuse lawyers.

Contact Our Kapuskasing Sexual Abuse Lawyers Today

Our team at Preszler Injury Lawyers provides dedicated, compassionate service to our clients, aiming to achieve the best results possible in pursuit of justice. If you have been impacted by sexual abuse at any point in time and are interested in learning more about your legal options, call us today at 1-800-JUSTICE or contact us online through our case evaluation form. Our Kapuskasing sexual abuse lawyers provide free, no-obligation, confidential initial consultations.