FAQs

If you are a survivor of abuse within the Boy Scouts or Scouts Canada, you have legal rights in Ontario to seek justice and accountability. Two main legal pathways are available, which can be pursued independently or at the same time:

1. The Criminal Justice System

This pathway focuses on prosecuting the individual abuser for their criminal actions.

• How It Begins: Report the abuse to the police. There are no time limits for reporting sexual assault in Canada.
• The Process: Police investigate your claim. If sufficient evidence is found, criminal charges are laid, and a Crown Attorney prosecutes the case in court.
• Your Role: As the survivor, your testimony is vital, but decisions about the case are made by the police and Crown Attorney.
• The Goal: To prove guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt,” potentially leading to penalties like jail time.

2. The Civil Justice System

This pathway allows you to seek financial compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.

• How It Begins: Hire a lawyer specializing in sexual abuse cases to file a lawsuit. You can sue the abuser and the organization, such as Scouts Canada, for negligence.
• The Process: The lawsuit argues the organization failed to protect you through negligent hiring, poor supervision, or ignoring prior complaints. The case may involve settlement discussions or go to trial.
• Your Role: As the plaintiff, you control the lawsuit with your lawyer’s guidance.
• The Goal: To prove liability on a “balance of probabilities” and secure compensation for pain, suffering, lost income, and therapy costs.

Ontario has no time limits for filing civil lawsuits related to sexual abuse. Consulting an experienced sexual abuse lawyer can help you navigate these options and determine the best path forward.