Tracadie-Sheila Sexual Assault Lawyer
Any non-consensual sexual activity is sexual assault. Also referred to as sexual battery, sexual assault can include violent, aggressive, unwanted acts perpetrated against another person, including rape and attempted rape. However, other non-consensual actions and behaviours can also be included in the definition of sexual assault. These may include forced kissing, groping, unwanted touching, grabbing, and other forms of harassment.
Consent is an active, evolving, and– importantly– revocable agreement between adults. During a sexual encounter, partners have the right to revoke consent at any time for any reason. Even if consent has been granted by the participants in a sexual encounter, any partner has the right to stop the activity if they no longer wish to proceed.
One way of understanding sexual assault is to think about the idea of control. All people should have the ability to control what happens to their body. When someone sexually assaults another person, the perpetrator essentially robs their victim of their control over their body. Perpetrators of sexual assault often use violence, threats, or other forms of manipulation to intimidate their victims into participating in sexual activities to which they have not consented.
When the victims of sexual assault are robbed of their autonomy over their own bodies, they can feel the emotional and psychological effects of this traumatic experience for years or even decades. Surviving sexual assault can have long-lasting or permanent consequences, adversely impacting a victim’s mental health for years to come.
Many survivors of sexual assault incur substantial financial losses as a direct result of being victimized. They may require extensive psychological counselling or psychiatric treatment to try coping with their trauma.
Additionally, the emotional fallout of an assault may make it impossible for survivors to continue working. Severe mental health issues can be debilitating in nature, and may prevent survivors of sexual assault from performing the duties of their jobs. When this happens, sexual assault survivors may sustain financial losses related to lost wages or reduced future earning capabilities.
Other examples of damages commonly sustained by sexual assault survivors include:
- Mileage for medical appointments
- Failure to reach potential
- Loss of interdependent relationship
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- And possibly more
The majority of cases involving sexual assault involve people with whom victims have a pre-existing personal relationship. While many may believe assaults are typically perpetrated by strangers, more often than not, sexual assault is committed against friends, family members, co-workers, and other acquaintances. This is one of the many reasons survivors of sexual assault are often hesitant to speak about the crime committed against them, or to seek restitution for the trauma they have endured.
Our sexual assault lawyers serving Tracadie-Sheila appreciate how hard it can be to discuss emotionally difficult subject matter. At Preszler Injury Lawyers, all prospective clients receive a free initial consultation during which they can discuss their situation with sensitive, compassionate professionals, and receive legal advice tailored to their specific set of circumstances.
Working with our Tracadie-Sheila sexual assault lawyers will not change the past or undo the emotional damage you have sustained as a direct result of your violation. However, by pursuing a civil claim against your abusers, our sexual assault lawyers serving Tracadie-Sheila may be able to help you recover financial compensation for the damages you have incurred or will incur in the future.
To learn how we may be able to help with your case, book your free initial consultation with our Tracadie-Sheila sexual assault lawyers by calling Prezler Injury Lawyers.
Free Consultation for Tracadie-Sheila Residents – We Don’t Get Paid Unless We Win
No matter how far in the past your assault took place, our sexual assault lawyers serving Tracadie-Sheila may be able to provide you with beneficial legal assistance. That is because, in this province, there is no statute of limitations on sexual assault claims.
To review your case and learn about legal options for financial recovery that may be available to you, call Preszler Injury Lawyers as soon as you feel able, and schedule your free initial consultation with our Tracadie-Sheila sexual assault lawyers.
