Sexual Assault Lawyer Ottawa
In the context of sexual encounters and activities, consent refers to an active, evolving agreement between two adults. Any sexually oriented activity– including touching above clothing and explicit verbal communication– that is performed without the consent of all parties involved is considered sexual assault.
Sexual assault can occur within various contexts, scenarios, and relationships. This can include intimate partner violence, in which spouses, romantic, dating partners of any gender and sexual orientation cause their partner various forms of harm. In Canada, more than 6 million women over the age of 15 experienced psychological, physical, or sexual abuse in the context of an intimate relationship.
The crime of sexual assault can also be perpetrated by strangers against random or targeted victims. It can occur in public, in private, online, at the workplace, and in other locations. However, most cases of sexual assault take place in private settings between two people have a previous acquaintance. Often, the perpetrators of sexual assault are friends, neighbours, colleagues, or co-workers with their victims.
More than 11 million Canadians over the age of 15 have reportedly been assaulted. This statistic excludes instances of assault or abuse within the context of intimate relationships. Sexual assault is the only violent in crime in Canada that is not on the decline. And yet, for numerous justifiable reasons, the victims of sexual assault largely keep silent about the traumatic experiences to which they have been subjected.
For every 100 cases of sexual assault in Canada, only 6 are reported to the police. Many survivors of sexual assault think that, if they speak out against their abusers, they will be subjected to undue scrutiny, stigmatization, and disbelief. Oftentimes they fear that seeking out accountability and justice for the crime committed against them will only result in more pain and additional emotional trauma.
However, our Ottawa sexual assault lawyers believe in fighting on behalf of survivors in the local community. Our sexual assault lawyers serving Ottawa are committed to bringing abusers to justice, and doggedly pursuing the maximum amount of compensation to which victims might be entitled.
No one should be forced to suffer the physical, emotional, psychological, and financial consequences of someone else’s criminal actions. Unfortunately, after being the victim of sexual assault, many survivors incur substantial economic losses in order to try coping with and recovering from their traumatizing experience.
By working with our Ottawa sexual assault lawyers, victims might be able to pursue a civil claim against their abuser in an attempt to recover compensation for expenses they have incurred as a result of the violence committed against them. Our sexual assault lawyers serving Ottawa have a history of helping victims recover the damages they are rightfully owed, often including:
- Pain and suffering
- Failure to reach potential
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Lost wages
- Loss of interdependent relationship
- Psychological counseling
- Prescription medication
- Mileage for medical appointments
- And possibly more
To learn if you might be entitled to compensation, contact Preszler Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with our Ottawa sexual assault lawyers.
Call 1-800-JUSTICE Today
Our sexual assault lawyers serving Ottawa appreciate that you must have many questions about how to go about taking legal action against your abuser. During your free initial consultation with our Ottawa sexual assault lawyers, you will have the chance to ask questions and receiver specific, personalized feedback.
To speak with our sexual assault lawyers serving Ottawa today, schedule your free initial consultation by calling 1-800-JUSTICE.
