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Childhood Sexual Abuse
Trust Destroyed
Children are often innocent victims of sexual assault.
It's an unfortunate fact that both girls and boys are sexually abused by the adults responsible for their care. The perpetrators are people who gain a child’s trust, only to destroy that trust in the most horrific ways.
If you were sexually assaulted as a child, your life has probably been affected in many ways. Almost everything about you may have suffered – your relationships, your education, and your career may have all been hurt by the childhood trauma.
Survivors of childhood sexual assault often live their whole lives not understanding where the pain comes from. Why they haven't accomplished much with their lives. Why they keep turning to drugs or alcohol. Many people come to a realization, often well into adulthood, that the pain they've had their whole lives is rooted in the sexual abuse they endured as children.
Sometimes, exploring the possibility of taking action against the abuser(s) is an important part of the healing process. Whether or not you ultimately decide to sue the perpetrator(s) is your choice. We help give you the information you need to make the choice that's right for you.
Do I have a Claim?
If you were sexually assaulted as a child, you may have a claim against the person who assaulted you, or against other people who can be found responsible.
For example:
- a Children’s Aid Society may be held responsible for sexual abuse by a foster parent
- a church may be held responsible for a priest’s abuse
- a sports franchise may be held responsible for abuse by a coach
There are many situations where others can, and should be, held responsible because they either didn't do anything about abuse they were aware of, or they didn't provide proper supervision, allowing the abuse to happen.
We have been successful in obtaining compensation for our clients in many situations where the abuse occurred decades ago and the perpetrators were deceased. Someone else may not have physically committed the abuse, but they may be just as responsible for the pain you have endured throughout your life.
It is important to realize that even if the sexual assaults happened years ago, you may still be able to report the assaults to police, and/or sue those responsible. We can help you through this often confusing process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
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Pointing Fingers Won't Fix the Issues: A Reply to Ontario's CAS Audit
The Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies (OACAS) and Premier Doug Ford agree that there is a big problem with the province's child welfare system, and that focussing on money is the only wa...Read Full Story -
Simona Jellinek Comments on Proposed Reforms to Canada's Civil Justice System
Senior Counsel Simona Jellinek is featured in an article from The Globe and Mail that discusses the proposed reforms to Canada's civil justice system, aimed at making it more accessible and efficient....Read Full Story -
Ivanna Iwasykiw Discusses Complex Sexual Abuse Prosecutions and Case Dismissals
Associate Ivanna Iwasykiw was recently a guest on CBC Radio's "The House," where she commented on how the increasing complexity of criminal prosecutions of sexual abuse cases is causing more cases to ...Read Full Story -
Beyond Belief: Sexual Abuse By Clergy In Religious Institutions (Part 2)
Religious people frequently turn to their faith to give them a sense of comfort and reassurance during times of crisis. But if the crisis they are facing involves abuse by a clergy member of their chu...Read Full Story -
Beyond Belief: Sexual Abuse By Clergy In Religious Institutions (Part 1)
Sexual violence of any kind is an affront to a person's dignity, security and bodily autonomy. But when an abuser is a member of the clergy, the breach of trust can extend into the domain of a person'...Read Full Story -
Simona Jellinek Comments on the Impact of Sexual Abuse on Alice Munro's Daughter
Simona Jellinek, a Toronto lawyer specializing in sexual abuse litigation, expresses disappointment with a judge’s comments regarding this case.“The judge’s statements show a profound lack of understa...Read Full Story
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Upcoming
Supporting Survivors of Sexual Abuse Conference 2024: Ripple Effects Across Communities
As a survivor of sexual abuse, it can be challenging to find a supportive and understanding community. We hope you can join us for our Annual Supporting Survivors Conference, themed "Ripple Effects A...Continue Reading -
Past
Understanding Your Legal Options as a Sexual Abuse Survivor
If you've experienced sexual abuse, we're here to help. We will discuss legal options for individuals who have experienced abuse in: Children's Aid, Foster and/or Adoptive HomesSchool C...Continue Reading -
Past
Legal Options For Your Clients’ Healing Journeys: An Information Session for Service Providers Supporting Survivors of Abuse and Injury
Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein presents "Legal Options For Your Clients’ Healing Journey: An Information Session for Service Providers Supporting Survivors of Abuse and Injury."This is a free event fo...Continue Reading
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Guide
A Guide for Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors
Anyone can be sexually assaulted. Girls, boys, women and men can all be the victims of sexual predators. Often the very people you’re supposed to trust are the perpetrators of these horrible crim...Continue Reading
Compassionate advocacy when you need it most. You are not alone.
At Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein Personal Injury Lawyers, the initial meeting is free and without obligation on your part – and we never charge you legal fees until your claim is settled.