Windsor Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Learning that a child has experienced sexual abuse completely alters a parent’s life, and it will never be the same for them again. Many parents forever lose their trust in others and take on a much more cynical outlook on the world. These are unfortunate realities of child sexual abuse and the aftermath that it causes. Sexual abuse rips apart lives and families, and the punishment that the perpetrator experiences rarely meets the severity of the crime committed and the damage done.
If you were the victim of sexual abuse, Preszler Injury Lawyers may be able to help you recover compensation, regardless of how far in the past your abuse occurred. To learn more, schedule a free initial consultation with our Windsor sexual abuse lawyers by calling 1-800-JUSTICE.
What Is Child Sexual Abuse?
If you are wondering if your child experienced sexual abuse, it is time to immediately talk with the authorities. Sexual abuse is a broad term and does not necessarily mean that the abuse was physical. Examples of child sexual abuse include the following acts:
- Touching the child’s genitals for sexual pleasure and not for a necessary reason
- Any touching or groping of the child for sexual pleasure
- Asking, coercing, or forcing the child to touch the perpetrator’s genitals
- Sexual intercourse
- Placing objects in the mouth, vagina, or anus of a child for sexual pleasure
- Showing child pornography
- Taking pictures of a child in sexual poses
- Encouraging a child to engage in sexual acts
- “Flashing” or exposing one’s genitals to a child
- Engaging in sexual acts with a child present
- Viewing a child undress or use the bathroom with or without the child’s knowledge
- Use of technology such as phones, computers, or social media to expose a child to sexual acts
The State of Child Sexual Abuse in Canada
The prevalence of sexual assault in Canada is remaining steady as other crimes drop, according to the Windsor Star. Sexual abuse of children, in particular, is far from being eradicated. With child pornography and other forms of abuse that can be carried out online or via technology, as well as physical and in-person forms of sexual abuse, we have an uphill battle to fight when it comes to eradicating this heinous crime. In fact, 8% of respondents in a recent study of 33,000 Canadians over the age of 15 reported being the victim of sexual abuse. This survey only uncovers acts of sexual abuse that the respondents did not want hidden. Other studies show that the occurrence of sexual abuse is much higher than this figure. Reported on by Little Warriors and according to various research:
- One in three girls experience an unwanted sexual act
- One in six boys experience an unwanted sexual act
- Sexual assault against children is five times higher than the rate of sexual assault against adults
- Children under the age of 18 account for just 15% of the population, yet they are the victims of 61% of all sexual assault in the country
- 95% of child sexual abuse victims know their perpetrator
Holding the Perpetrator and Other Parties Accountable
If your child is the victim of sexual abuse or you have any reason to believe that they are, it is imperative that you immediately contact the authorities to protect your child from further harm. In addition to other professionals whom you will lean on in this time of need, such as child therapists, it is in your best interest to seek the guidance of a Windsor child sexual abuse injury lawyer.
In many cases, the perpetrator’s employer can be held responsible. Individuals generally do not have large personal property or assets that are worth pursuing. In other cases, they may have assets but it can be extremely difficult to confiscate them, such as a home or retirement account. As such, many parental victims end up not pursuing the perpetrator in this regard, when, in fact, there may be large financial assets that are within reach. Employers of the perpetrator are often found liable for conduct that leads to the eventual assault or child abuse. These employers may include, though are not limited to, the following:
- Public schools
- Private schools
- Nurseries
- Child daycare facilities
- Hospitals
- Doctor’s offices
- Amusement parks
- Arcades
- Cinemas
- Dentists
- Many others
Damages in a Civil Suit
In addition to suing for any potential out-of-pocket medical expenses, including psychotherapy for you and/or your child, you may be able to sue for the following:
- The emotional distress of your child
- Loss of enjoyment of life of your child
- Other damages relating to disorders, emotional disorders, and developmental disorders of the child victim
- Emotional damages and other economic damages caused to the parent or parents of the child knowing that their child was abused
- Lost income and other expenses caused by emotional distress
CONTACT PRESZLER INJURY LAWYERS
Our Windsor sexual abuse lawyers are committed to helping victim in the local community. To learn how our Windsor sexual abuse lawyers may be able to provide you with assistance, call 1-800-JUSTICE and receive a free initial consultation on your case.
