FAQs
What legal options are available for survivors of institutional abuse in Ontario?
both the abuser and the organization accountable. These can be pursued separately or simultaneously:
1. The Criminal Justice System
This pathway focuses on holding the individual abuser accountable for their criminal acts.
- How to Start: Report the abuse to the police, who will investigate your claim.
- What to Expect: If sufficient evidence is found, criminal charges will be laid, and a Crown Attorney will prosecute the case in court.
- Your Role: As a survivor, your testimony is key, but the Crown Attorney controls the prosecution.
- The Goal: To prove guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt,” potentially leading to a conviction and sentencing. There is no time limit to report sexual assault in Canada.
2. The Civil Justice System (Filing a Lawsuit)
This pathway allows you to seek monetary compensation and hold the institution accountable.
- How to Start: Hire a lawyer specializing in sexual abuse cases to file a lawsuit. You can sue the abuser and the institution (e.g., school, hospital, or sports organization).
- What to Expect: The lawsuit will argue the institution was negligent, such as through poor hiring practices, inadequate supervision, or concealing abuse.
- Your Role: As the plaintiff, you and your lawyer control the strategy, including settlement negotiations or trial.
- The Goal: To prove liability on a “balance of probabilities” and secure compensation for pain, suffering, lost income, and therapy costs. There is no time limit to file a civil lawsuit for sexual assault in Ontario.
Understanding these options is the first step. Our team of experienced sexual abuse lawyers at Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein Lawyers are here to help you navigate the process and determine the best path forward. Contact us to learn more.
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Confidentiality
At Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein Lawyers, we take the privacy of your personal information seriously.
It is natural to have concerns about your privacy. Even in court, we can protect your privacy. For example, we can use your initials instead of your full name.
Reaching out for the first time can be hard. When you call Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein, you will be treated with the compassion, professionalism, and respect you deserve.