Kelowna Institutional Abuse Lawyer

Institutional abuse is a devastating violation of trust that can have long-lasting emotional, psychological, and financial effects on survivors. In Kelowna, institutional abuse continues to impact individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. It often occurs in environments that should have provided protection and care.

Unfortunately, many survivors of abuse within institutions face undue scrutiny or disbelief from peers, employers, and even law enforcement. According to reports, Kelowna RCMP dismissed nearly 40 percent of reported cases of sexual violence in 2018. This statistic underscores the barriers survivors can face when seeking justice.

At Preszler Injury Lawyers, our Kelowna institutional abuse lawyers understand how isolating and overwhelming it can feel to come forward. We are here to provide compassionate legal guidance and help survivors hold negligent organizations accountable for their actions or inaction. To share your story with a member of our legal team in a confidential, free consultation, call 1-844-373-8202 or contact us online now.

How Does Institutional Abuse Happen?

Institutional abuse occurs when individuals in positions of authority, trust, or dependency within an organization exploit their power to harm vulnerable people. This can include physical, sexual, emotional, or financial abuse, and it often happens in settings such as:

• Religious institutions and churches
• Schools and universities
• Sports or extracurricular programs
• Medical or psychiatric facilities
• Long-term care homes
• Correctional institutions
• Foster homes or group residences

When organizations fail to create a safe environment, ignore complaints, or conceal misconduct, they may be held responsible for institutional negligence. These cases often reveal systemic issues where policies, supervision, or accountability measures were missing or ineffective. Some examples of institutional negligence include:

• Failing to implement or enforce safeguarding policies
• Ignoring or dismissing reports of abuse
• Failing to properly train or supervise employees and volunteers
• Allowing known offenders continued access to vulnerable individuals
• And more

When institutions neglect their duty of care, survivors have the right to pursue a civil claim for justice and compensation. Not only against the perpetrator but also against the organization that enabled the harm.

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Tell Us About Your Case

For more than 60 years, Preszler Injury Lawyers has been helping people across British Columbia pursue the compensation they deserve for their institutional abuse claims. As one of the country’s longest-standing personal injury law firms, our practice is devoted entirely to injury law and helping accident victims–it’s all we do.

Schedule a free consultation today to speak with our award-winning personal injury lawyers and find out if you have a case. Our legal team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to take your call.

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The Effects of Institutional Abuse on Survivors in Kelowna

The harm caused by institutional abuse can extend far beyond the immediate trauma of the situation. Survivors might experience severe emotional and psychological consequences, such as:

• Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Shame, guilt, or self-blame
• Difficulty forming trusting relationships
• Fear of authority figures or institutions
• Social isolation and loss of confidence
• And more.

Financially, survivors often face additional burdens due to these consequences. Many are forced to take time off work or school to manage their well-being, leading to lost income, missed career opportunities, or reduced future earning capacity. They might incur significant costs for counselling, therapy, and medical treatment as part of their recovery.

It has also been shown that survivors of abuse may be more likely to struggle with substance use disorders as a result of their trauma. This can also have significant financial, emotional, and psychological impacts on the individual and their family or community.

At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we know no amount of compensation can undo the harm caused. However, financial recovery through a civil claim can provide survivors access to care, support, and resources that aid in healing and closure. 

How to Pursue a Civil Claim for Institutional Abuse

By working with our Kelowna institutional abuse lawyers, survivors may be able to file a civil claim against both the individual perpetrator and the institution that allowed the abuse to occur.

Through a civil action, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for:

• Medical and therapy expenses
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Emotional pain and psychological harm (pain and suffering)
• Out-of-pocket expenses related to recovery
• Punitive damages, in cases of particularly egregious institutional negligence
• And possibly more

Our lawyers take a trauma-informed approach to every case, ensuring survivors feel supported and respected throughout the legal process. We will help you gather evidence like report records, witness testimony, and additional complaints to help support your case. 

It is important to note that under the BC Limitation Act, there is no statute of limitations for civil claims involving sexual misconduct or institutional abuse. This means that survivors can pursue compensation regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred. The law recognizes that disclosure is an extremely personal and difficult process, and survivors deserve the opportunity to seek justice when they feel ready to do so. 

Contact Our Kelowna Institutional Abuse Lawyers Today

Surviving abuse within an institution can have lifelong effects, but you do not have to face this alone. Our Kelowna institutional abuse lawyers understand the sensitive nature of these cases and are dedicated to providing compassionate, confidential legal support. 

During your free initial consultation, you can share as much or as little as you wish. Our lawyers will listen, provide advice, and help you understand your legal options for pursuing accountability and compensation.

Call 1-844-373-8202 or fill out our online case evaluation form to get started today.

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Survivor of Institutional Abuse in Kelowna?