Kenora Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Sexual abuse is among the most traumatic crimes. Its effects can impact a survivor for many years after the abuse takes place. It is a crime punishable by significant prison time under the Criminal Code of Canada. While the Crown may be able to pursue criminal charges against the perpetrator of sexual abuse on behalf of the state, survivors themselves might be entitled to pursue a civil claim against their abuser in order to recover financial compensation for damages they have incurred as a result of their trauma.
Each case is unique. It can be vital to have the support of Kenora sexual abuse lawyers to help you understand your legal rights. If you are a survivor of sexual abuse and would like to discuss what options may be available to you, call us today at 1-800-JUSTICE or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation with Preszler Injury Lawyers.
Prevalence of Sexual Abuse
A recent study revealed that 1 in 10 Canadians have been the victims of childhood sexual abuse. Despite this troubling statistic, only about 7% of childhood sexual abuse cases reach the attention of police or social services. In fact, many people do not disclose the abuse as it is happening, or even for years after the fact. Children, mentally disabled, enfeebled, or otherwise vulnerable victims may not even have the resources to understand the extent of the abuse they are enduring.
Sexual abuse, like sexual assault, occurs when one person forces another party to engage in unwanted sexual activities. This may involve unwanted touching or intercourse, and it may involve non-contact actions such as verbal harassment, stalking, voyeurism, exposure, and more.
In sexual abuse cases, a perpetrator typically enacts an ongoing pattern of abusive behaviour over the course of a given time span. They often “groom” their target into accepting increasing amounts of abuse while isolating them from support networks and shrouding the overall actions in silence and shame.
At the root of sexual abuse cases, there is usually a power imbalance. The perpetrator may be an adult responsible in some way for their target’s welfare and care. The vulnerability of the sexual abuse victim is often profound. It is not surprising that, given social stigmas surrounding sexual abuse, and the disempowered position of the survivor, many of these cases go unreported.
Suing for Sexual Abuse
Not only do most survivors of sexual abuse experience profound trauma as a result of a perpetrator’s actions, they may face substantial losses over the course of their lives. However, there may be compensation available to them. By pursuing a civil lawsuit, a survivor may be able to recover damages they would have never incurred had the crime not been committed against them.
Survivors of sexual abuse have been reported to face a higher likelihood of developing mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Higher rates of addiction and substance abuse disorders have also been associated with sexual abuse. The costs of treatment – from medical bills and rehabilitative care to psychological counseling – can add up to exorbitant amounts. Because of their trauma, survivors may drop out of school, thus reducing their future earning potential. They may take time off work, or lose their income altogether. By working with our sexual abuse lawyers serving Kenora, survivors may be able to recover damages for these substantial losses.
Contact Our Kenora Sexual Abuse Lawyers Today
No two cases are the same, and the legal options available to each survivor may vary. If you have been impacted by sexual abuse at any point in time, our team of Kenora sexual abuse lawyers are here to address your questions.
We offer a free, confidential, initial consultation, with no obligation to hire us or move forward with a case. Should you choose to move forward, we do not charge legal fees unless you receive compensation. Call us at 1-800-JUSTICE or contact us online today and see how Preszler Injury Lawyers may be able to help you.
