Penticton Sexual Abuse Lawyers
Survivors of sexual abuse often suffer in silence. This may be because of fear, shame, guilt, and a lack of understanding about the legal process.
Unfortunately, many survivors of sexual abuse are afraid to come forward because they fear not being believed or being blamed for the abuse. They may also be concerned about the impact that going public with their story will have on their relationships, their career, and their overall well-being. This is all perfectly normal and understandable, especially considering the effects of sexual abuse on victims’ mental health.
Being victimized by another person can be a devastating, traumatizing ordeal with lifelong repercussions. Many survivors of sexual abuse develop debilitating mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Survivors of sexual abuse might also engage in unhealthy, self-destructive coping behaviours to try and alleviate their pain. Sexual abuse survivors are 13 times more likely to develop alcoholism and 26 times more likely to develop other substance use disorders than non-victims.
It is important for survivors to understand that they have rights and that they are not alone. Support groups, psychological counseling, and other forms of therapy may be able to help them cope with the emotional impact of the abuse to which they were subjected, and to take steps towards healing. Survivors of sexual abuse can also benefit by seeking out advice from Penticton sexual abuse lawyers, who may be able to help them understand their rights and the legal options available to them.
Our sexual abuse lawyers serving Penticton have represented numerous members of the community. At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we are committed to helping people who have been wronged in their pursuits of justice and fair compensation. If you were the victim of sexual abuse, we may be able to help you pursue a civil claim.
The goal of a civil claim is to hold the abuser and any other liable parties accountable by seeking financial compensation for damages the survivor has incurred or will incur in the future. In certain cases, both the perpetrator of abuse and other parties or entities may be considered liable for damages incurred by survivors.
If someone in a position of trust, authority, or dependency uses their power to exploit vulnerable individuals, they have perpetrated sexual abuse. Types of people who commonly engage in these kinds of criminal actions often include:
- Religious figures
- Teachers
- Scout leaders
- Camp counselors
- Extracurricular programme staff
- Caretakers
- Detention centre guards
- And more
If a trusted authority figure or someone upon whom the victim was dependent manipulates, bullies, threatens, or otherwise coerces them into engaging in sexual activity, they may be liable for economic damages incurred by the survivor of this abuse. Organizations and employers can also be considered contributorily negligent if they knew or should have known about the abuse and failed to take action. For example, a school that fails to properly investigate reports of abuse by a teacher or a church that covers up abuse by a priest could be held liable for damages.
Damages that may be available to survivors of sexual abuse include compensation for medical expenses, therapy and counseling expenses, loss of potential, lost income, reduced future earning capabilities, and possibly more. To learn more about working with our sexual abuse lawyers serving Penticton and the compensation that might be available to you, contact us today.
Speak with Preszler Injury Lawyers Today
It is important to note that there is no statute of limitations on sexual abuse claims in British Columbia. This means that it is never too late for a survivor of sexual abuse to speak out and seek justice. A survivor may be eligible to file a civil claim against their abuser at any point in their life, regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred.
To learn more about the supports our Penticton sexual abuse lawyers may be able to offer you, contact Preszler Injury Lawyers and receive a free initial consultation on your case.
