Truro Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Sexual abuse involves an imbalance of power between the perpetrator and their victim. Perpetrators of sexual abuse use this power imbalance to their advantage, in order to coerce, manipulate, threaten, or otherwise convince a young or vulnerable person in their care to engage in non-consensual sexual activity.
Children and minors are not legally capable of providing informed consent for sexual activity, nor are teenagers who have reached the age of consent if their sexual partner is an adult who holds a position of authority, trust, or dependency in their lives. For example, a teenager who has reached the age of consent but is not still legally considered an adult cannot give consent to a teacher, religious figure, sports coach, foster parent, or other adult authority figure. Adults who use their positions of authority, trust, or dependency to coerce teenagers to engage in sexual activity have committed a form of sexual abuse called sexual exploitation.
In many instances, sexual abuse is perpetrated by people who work or volunteer for a number of different organizations that cater to children, teenagers, or membes of vulnerable communities. Perpetrators of sexual abuse frequently use their positions of authority within these organizations to prey upon the young or vulnerable people they have, in many cases, been hired to care for and protect. Common examples of these organizations include:
- Schools
- Religious institutions
- Sports leagues
- Extra-curricular programs
- Summer camps
- Detention centres
- Psychiatric facilities
- And more
When an organization’s leadership learns that one of its staff members or volunteers has committed sexual abuse, they have a duty to report the crime to the proper authorities and remove the perpetrator from their staff. If an organization’s leadership fails to take appropriate actions and, instead, turn a blind eye to abuse within their institution, they put even more young or vulnerable people at risk of suffering the lifelong effects of being sexually abused. This contributory negligence is a form of sexual abuse known as systemic or institutional sexual abuse because, through the inaction of the organization’s leadership, the cycle of abuse is allowed to continue perpetuating itself in a consequence-free environment.
The survivors of sexual abuse often feel the reprecussions of their trauma for years or even decades. In addition to developing mental health issues and, in some cases, harmful, self-destructive coping mechanisms, survivors of sexual abuse often incur sunbstantial financial losses as a direct result of being victimized in the past.
Since there is no statute of limitations on sexual abuse claims in this province, if you were victimized in the past, no matter how long ago the abuse took place, you may be entitled to financial compensation. By working with our sexual abuse lawyers serving Truro, you may be able to recover damages you incurred or will incur in the future because of the trauma you endured. Depending on the circumstances of your case, our Truro sexual abuse lawyers may be able to pursue a civil claim against your abuser as well as the organization that hired them or introduced you to them.
To speak with our sexual abuse lawyers serving Truro, schedule your free initial consultation with Preszler Injury Lawyers.
Free Consultation for Truro Residents – We Don’t Get Paid Unless We Win
Our Truro sexual abuse lawyers appreciate how difficult it can be to discuss trauma from the past. Preszler Injury Lawyers offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation to all prospective clients. By speaking with our sensitive, compassionate sexual abuse lawyers serving Truro, you can learn about legal options that may be available to you, and if you are eligible to pursue a claim, begin your pursuit of accountability and justice.
To learn how Preszler Injury Lawyers may be able to help with your case, contact our Truro sexual abuse lawyers and receive your free initial consultation.
