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Sixties Scoop Survivors

About The Sixties Scoop

The Sixties Scoop was a dark chapter in history that forcibly separated Indigenous children from their families, culture, and identity, leaving lasting scars on survivors and their communities. At Gluckstein Lawyers, we are dedicated to amplifying the voices of Sixties Scoop survivors, offering legal support, and fostering a path to healing. The Sixties Scoop's impact on Indigenous communities is undeniable, and our mission is to provide unwavering assistance while raising awareness about the injustices that transpired.

Gluckstein Lawyers – Land Acknowledgement

We, at Gluckstein Lawyers would like to begin by acknowledging that our office is situated on the traditional territory of the Wendat, Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

This land is covered by the 1740 Dish with One Spoon Covenant between the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee binding them to share the territory and protect the land and resources, as well as Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit and the Williams Treaties signed by multiple Mississauga and Chippewa bands.

As a law firm operating in Toronto and throughout Ontario, we recognize our responsibility to honor and respect the enduring presence and cultural contributions of Indigenous peoples. We are committed to fostering an awareness of Indigenous rights, promoting reconciliation, and actively engaging in truly meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities.

We Can Help

If you have questions about the childhood abuse you suffered as a Sixties Scoop Survivor, we can help. We are here to help you navigate the supports, resources and resolutions that you may need as an abuse survivor, and we can give you options on what comes next. We can also provide guidance on your legal options if you have experienced abuse in other foster and/or adoptive homes, at school, church, on a sports team, or at other institutions elsewhere during your childhood.  

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Resources

We are devoted to assisting survivors in navigating the complex legal landscape surrounding this chapter of Canadian history. Explore our Sixties Scoop resources to learn more. 

FAQs

  • Sixties Scoop

    Can I pursue a civil claim if the police were not notified of the abuse or if a criminal case was dismissed or resulted in a not guilty verdict?

    Yes. Civil abuse claims are distinct from criminal proceedings. The burden of proof is lower in a civil lawsuit than it is in criminal court.

  • Sixties Scoop

    Can I sue if my abuser has passed away?

    Yes, under certain circumstances. If the abuser’s death occurred within the past two years you are still eligible to launch a claim against their estate. You may also sue at any time if an institution was involved. If the abuser was someone other than a survivor’s parents, a lawsuit is often still possible, but there may be more complications.

  • Sixties Scoop

    Can I sue if there were no witnesses?

    Yes. We will work with you to establish and build your credibility and use other evidence to support facts that are important to your story.

  • General| Sixties Scoop

    How long do you have to press charges for sexual assault in Canada?

    Unlike other crimes or cases of civil liability, there is no statute of limitations for sexual assault cases in Ontario. Even if the assault occurred decades ago, you can still pursue criminal charges or other avenues for justice.
  • General| Sixties Scoop

    How long does a sexual assault investigation take Ontario?

    A sexual assault investigation can take anywhere from a few months to a few years depending on the circumstances, the number of parties involved, and what legal avenue a sexual assault survivor chooses.
  • Sixties Scoop

    If I received settlement money from the class action, can I still file an abuse claim?

    Yes. The class action is solely related to cultural losses, not individual losses, or harm from physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.

  • Sixties Scoop

    If the abuse happened a long time ago, can I still sue?

    Yes. There is no statute of limitation for harms caused by sexual assault, abuse of a minor, or sexual misconduct involving a minor. Historical sexual abuse cases can still succeed even if they happened many years ago. Our firm has represented many survivors who were abused decades ago.

  • General| Sixties Scoop

    What is considered historical sexual assault?

    Historic sexual assault or historic sexual abuse are terms to refer to actions that occurred in the distant past. In these cases there may no longer be any physical evidence of the events, but testimony from the survivor can still be persuasive to a court.
  • General| Sixties Scoop

    What is considered institutional sexual abuse?

    If sexual abuse has been committed against someone who is owed a duty of care by a public or private institution, it can be considered institutional sexual abuse. The abuse can be committed by someone in a position of institutional leadership or another person receiving the services of the institution. Although the institution may not have committed the sexual abuse or known about it, if their negligent actions or inaction caused or contributed to the circumstances that allowed it to take place, the institution may share liability.

    Some examples of institutions where cases of sexual abuse have taken place include:

    • Residential schools;
    • Foster homes and group homes;
    • Day schools;
    • Daycare;
    • Hospitals;
    • Nursing homes;
    • Religious centres;
    • Youth sport activities and clubs;
    • Seniors residences;
    • Assisted living centres;
    • Youth corrections facilities;
    • Jails and prisons.
  • General| Sixties Scoop

    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.
  • General| Sixties Scoop

    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.

  • General| Sixties Scoop

    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.

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