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Sexual Abuse Lawyers

Are You or Someone You Know a Victim of Sexual Abuse?

Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein is a Safe Space for Sexual Abuse Survivors

Start your healing with a free consultation

Empowering Survivors: Our Sexual Abuse Legal Services

We have helped thousands of survivors, whether the sexual abuse or sexual assault was an isolated incident or long-term abuse. We help sort through their legal options to find the most effective path forward and ensure both the abuser and responsible institutions are held to account. We empower individuals to stand up for themselves, secure in the knowledge that our extensive legal experience with sexual abuse and sexual assault cases protects them. If a survivor chooses to sue, we know how to prepare an effective lawsuit to help achieve their healing goals.

Sexual abuse is perhaps the most personal of all personal injuries. It is not accidental; it is a deliberate act that is a violent attack on the autonomy, dignity, and security of another person. Survivors of this abuse often suffer in silence and may feel entirely alone as they process what happened to them. 

Contact us today to discuss how we can support your journey toward justice.

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We Have Represented Victims in Cases Related To

  • Childrens’ Aid Societies
  • Religious Institutions (Catholic Church, Anglican Church, United Church, Pentecostal)
  • Boy Scouts and Girl Guides
  • Sports Organizations
  • School Boards
  • Indian Residential Schools class action
  • The Maple Leaf Gardens sexual abuse scandal
  • And many other individuals and institutions.

Trust and Compassion:
What Others Say About Our Support

  • "If you're looking for someone who will stand by you, champion your cause, and guide you with both expertise and empathy, Ivanna is the lawyer you want on your side. Her dedication to her clients goes beyond the courtroom - she's truly in it to make a difference. Working with her was not just about navigating a legal process; it was about finding a way back to strength and empowerment."

    — Sexual Abuse Survivor

  • "Erin Ellis proved herself to be an incredible lawyer.  What was most amazing though, besides her legal acumen, was her calm and comforting personality, which proved very reassuring throughout the entire process. Although these issues are very sensitive and raw, Erin and her staff never made me feel uncomfortable in the least bit."

    — Former Client - Sexual Assault Survivor

  • "Simona: My thanks for affirming that the principles of integrity are still very much alive."

    — Former Client - Sexual Assault Survivor

  • "Thank you for helping me through this very difficult time. You have given me the strength to go on...I am grateful that you have been in my life."

    — Former Client - Sexual Assault Survivor
  • "I regularly refer clients to Jellinek Law. In my opinion, Simona is one of Ontario's leading lawyers in helping sexual assault survivors obtain proper compensation." — Robert B. Munroe, Ross & McBride LLP, OTLA Past President

Recognized Leaders in
Sexual Abuse Legal Support

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Feb 14, 2025, 16:30 by JT Kent
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There Are No Time Limits to Submit a Sexual Abuse Claim

There are no time limits on advancing a criminal case or civil claim, even if the abuse occurred decades ago. As we explain your rights and options, we hope you will feel empowered and confident in making the right decision about how to proceed.

If you choose to pursue a civil claim for compensation through Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein, we will only receive payment if we successfully obtain a settlement or court award for you.

Taking that first step to contact a law firm to discuss how you were hurt by sexual abuse can be challenging and courageous. When that call is made to Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein, you can trust it will be received with all the compassion, professionalism, and respect that you need and deserve.

Let Us Help You Move Forward

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A Guide for Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors

Sexual assault can affect anyone, regardless of gender or age, often involving trusted individuals as perpetrators. Many survivors keep these experiences secret due to fear, shame, or threats. Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein Lawyers specializes in empowering survivors through legal action, recognizing that success means different things to different people - from simply knowing they can sue to obtaining maximum compensation.

Childhood sexual abuse can have profound, long-lasting impacts on a survivor's life, affecting relationships, mental health, and personal development. This guide aims to help survivors understand their legal options, offering support and guidance through a complex healing journey and helping them decide if pursuing legal action is the right choice for their personal recovery.

Download Our Guide for Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors

Let Us Help You Move Forward

Frequently Asked Questions

What constitutes teacher sexual abuse?

Teacher sexual abuse involves any form of sexual misconduct, harassment, or exploitation perpetrated by a teacher towards a student. This can include inappropriate behavior, grooming, assault, or any unwanted sexual advances.

What is the process of a sexual assault case?

A sexual assault survivor has many options for how to proceed. They may:

  • Bring the case to police for a criminal investigation;
  • File a human rights complaint;
  • Lodge a complaint with a professional disciplinary body that the perpetrator belongs to;
  • Seek emergency funding from Ontario’s Victim Quick Response Program; or
  • File a civil claim.

A sexual assault lawyer at Gluckstein Personal Injury Lawyers will carefully explain each of these options and steps involved so you can make an informed decision.

Is sexual assault a violation of human rights?

Yes. Sexual assault is a form of sexual harassment under Ontario’s Human Rights Code.

You can lodge a complaint through the Human Rights Legal Support Centre if the sexual assault occurred in relation to:

  • Employment relationships;
  • Accommodation/housing;
  • Providing goods and services or access to facilities;
  • Creating contracts; and/or
  • Membership in professional associations or trade unions.

Is there a time limit to report a sexual assault to the police?

There is no set time for reporting a sexual assault. The police will begin by taking a statement from you and will then start to collect evidence. If there is enough evidence, the police will lay charges. It is important for any survivor to understand that even if the police do not lay charges, it does not mean they do not believe you. Rather, there may not be enough evidence to proceed within criminal court.

What is involved in filing a sexual assault lawsuit?

For some survivors, choosing to sue is the right choice. Beginning a lawsuit is a big decision. The process can take a few years and you will have to tell your story several times to different people. You may also need to undergo various medical or psychological assessments.

A lawsuit can be a painful process, but it can also be a positive, healing experience. You may receive compensation to help as you move on with your life. Perhaps most importantly, a survivor can regain a sense of power and control in suing the perpetrator(s).

Choosing the right lawyer to help you is an important factor to consider. A lawyer with experience in the area of civil sexual abuse can help you understand the law, and consider all the factors individual to your case.

What is sexual assault?

Sexual assault is any form of non-consensual sexual contact. Sexual assault can happen to anyone at any time. Offenders can be family members, caregivers, teachers, coaches, childcare workers, medical or other professionals, clergy, or total strangers. Sexual assault is a crime of violence. If you have been assaulted, no matter who did it or when it happened, it was not your fault.

What will legal action cost? What will I have to pay?

Generally, there are no costs to our clients throughout the course of litigation. Our firm carries the cost of litigation and any disbursements. When your matter is resolved either through settlement or at trial, our firm will take a portion of the settlement for our fees and disbursements. Our lawyers will explain the retainer and fee arrangements clearly at the initial consultation. We believe that you should not need to be independently wealthy to access justice for harm caused to you.

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Confidentiality

At Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein Lawyers, we recognize and respect the sensitivity of personal information.

Understandably, you may have concerns about your privacy. We can take steps to protect your privacy, even in court, by beginning your case with your initials instead of your name.

Taking that first step to contact a law firm to discuss how you were hurt by sexual abuse can be challenging, but when that call is made to Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein you can trust it will be received with all the compassion, professionalism and respect that you need and deserve.

Reach Out in Confidence - We're Here for You