Mississauga Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Most survivors of sexual abuse suffer in silence. Despite the fact that 1 in 10 Canadians have been sexually abused by adults before the age of 15, the majority of victims did not immediately report their maltreatment to police or child protective services. According to Statistics Canada, 93% of victims of childhood sexual abuse across the country did not report the crime to the authorities before the age of 15, and 67% of victims did not speak about their abuse to anyone, including friends or family members.
There are many reasons why victims may feel unsafe about speaking out about abuse they suffered. Many victims unfairly blame themselves for the abuse to which they were subjected. They might wrestle with feelings of shame, stigma, confusion, and guilt. They may harbour fears that, if they were to reveal the truth of their experience, no one would believe them. Or they might worry that, if they were to speak out against their abuser, they would be subjected to further harm.
Perpetrators of sexual abuse leverage the authority they wield over a child or vulnerable individual, exploit the trust placed in them, or take advantage of someone’s dependency upon them in order to engage in unwanted sexual activity. Using their positions of authority, trust, or dependency, they might manipulate their victims into believing that engaging in problematic sexual activity is perfectly normal. Or, they might threaten, intimidate, bully, or otherwise coerce their victims to engage in illicit sexual acts against their will.
Abusers often silence their victims through psychological manipulation, as well. Oftentimes, they convince their victims to keep their actions a secret, threaten future punishment if the victim informs anyone about the abuse they have suffered, or persuade their victim that they will be shamed and rejected by their loved ones if they inform them about their abuse.
Since an imbalance of power is the cornerstone of sexual abuse, perpetrators usually seek out employment or volunteer opportunities in fields that place them in positions of authority over children, adolescents, or members of vulnerable communities, including disabled, elderly, and incarcerated individuals. That being the case, sexual abusers often find employment as:
- Teachers
- Sports coaches
- Camp counselors
- Extracurricular activity leaders
- Scout leaders
- Religious figures
- Orderlies at psychiatric facilities
- Juvenile detention centre guards
- And more
Surviving sexual abuse can have far-reaching impacts that impact a victim’s psychological health and financial wellbeing. And although resources exist to help adult victims of childhood sexual abuse in Mississauga to reckon with their traumatizing experiences, it is only by pursuing a civil claim that survivors can legally recover financial compensation.
By working with our Mississauga sexual abuse lawyers, people who have been victimized by an abuser may be able to recover compensation for damages they have incurred as a result of their psychologically scarring experience. Being subjected to sexual abuse can have long-lasting, wide-ranging financial consequences for traumatized victims. Our sexual abuse lawyers serving Mississauga are committed to helping survivors in their pursuits of justice and fair compensation. To learn about options that might be available to you, contact our Mississauga sexual abuse lawyers online, or call 1-800-JUSTICE.
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There is no statute of limitations on sexual abuse claims in this province. Therefore, regardless of how long ago your abuse occurred, you could still be eligible for compensation.
Our sexual abuse lawyers serving Mississauga know you must have many important questions about legal options that might be open to you. To receive personalized feedback tailored to the specific details of your case, call 1-800-JUSTICE today to receive your free initial consultation.
