Bridgewater Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Many cases of sexual abuse occur within the structure of a larger organization or institution that serves children, teenagers, or members of vulnerable communities. Sexual abusers often prey upon the people who are dependent upon them, or upon people who have placed their trust in them. When abusers pursue employment or volunteer opportunities within organizations that cater to young or vulnerable people, they could use their positions of trust or authority within the institution to coerce, manipulate, threaten, or intimidate the people in their care to engage in non-consensual sexual activity.
Different types of organizations that often inadvertently hire and employ sexual abusers include:
- Schools
- Religious institutions
- Sports leagues
- Extra-curricular programs
- Summer camps
- Detention centres
- Psychiatric facilities
- Foster care
- And more
If the leadership of one of these organizations becomes aware that sexual abuse has been perpetrated by one of its employees or volunteers, they are obligated to inform the police and remove the abuser from their position. Unfortunately, many organizations are reticent to bring unwanted negative attention to their institution and, rather than doing the right thing, remain silent about the abuse that has taken place among their ranks.
By turning a blind eye to serious, damaging abuses committed within their organization, the institution’s leadership essentially allows the cycle of abuse to continue perpetuating itself. In doing so, they put even more young or vulnerable people in their care at risk of enduring traumatic experiences from which they may never recover. Allowing these crimes to continue occuring within the institution in a consequence-free environment could be considered to be a form of contributory negligence referred to as “systemic” or “institutional sexual abuse.”
Criminals who commit sexual abuse may cause their victims a lifetime’s worth of emotional and psychological damage, which may include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Shame
- Low self-esteem
- Lack of self-worth
- Self-harm
- Attempted or completed suicide
- And possibly more
If you are in distress, contact the Canada Suicide Prevention Service at 833-456-4566.
In addition to enduring the emotional and psychological repercussions of being abused, survivors often incur financial losses directly related to the abuse they endured. These financial losses may be related to important mental health services, such as psychological counselling or psychiatric treatment. However, if the trauma stemming from a sexual abuse survivor’s past experiences made it impossible for them to complete educational opportunities or vocational training, or prevented them from continuing to perform the duties of their job, their financial losses may be related to lost wages and reduced earning capabilities.
There is no statute of limitations on sexual abuse claims in this province. That means, if you are the survivor of abuse, our sexual abuse lawyers serving Bridgewater may be able to help you recover financial compensation for damages you have incurred as a result of the trauma you have endured. By working with our Bridgewater sexual abuse lawyers, you may be able to pursue legal action against your abuser and, depending on the circumstances of your case, against the organization that employed them or introduced you to them.
To discuss your case with our sexual abuse lawyers serving Bridgewater and learn about options for legal action that may be available to you, book a free initial consultation with Preszler Injury Lawyers by contacting us today.
Free Consultation for Bridgewater Residents – We Don’t Get Paid Unless We Win
At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we appreciate how difficult it can be to talk about traumatic experiences from the past. Rest assured that our Bridgewater sexual abuse lawyers listen to prospective clients with compassion and sensitivity in a safe, considerate initial consultation.
To learn more about how Preszler Injury Lawyers may be able to assist you, take advantage of your free initial consultation with our sexual abuse lawyers serving Bridgewater.
