FAQs
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- What legal options are available for survivors of Boy Scout abuse in Ontario?
Survivors of abuse in the Boy Scouts or Scouts Canada can pursue justice through two legal paths in Ontario: report the abuser to police for a criminal case or file a civil lawsuit against the abuser and Scouts organization for financial compensation. Both options can be pursued simultaneously.Get More Information -
- What should I expect during the civil lawsuit process for sexual abuse?
The civil lawsuit process for sexual abuse includes a consultation, filing a claim, and discovery (information exchange). Many cases settle through negotiation or mediation, but some proceed to trial. Gluckstein Lawyers will guide and support you through every step of the process.Get More Information -
- What compensation can I receive from a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse?
In Ontario, survivors of sexual abuse can seek financial compensation through a civil lawsuit. This includes coverage for therapy, lost income, and non-economic losses like pain and emotional distress. A skilled sexual abuse lawyer can help you understand your rights and secure a fair settlement for your recovery.Get More Information -
- How can Gluckstein help survivors of sexual abuse in Toronto and Ontario?
Gluckstein Lawyers offers compassionate legal support for sexual abuse survivors. Our experienced team guides you through filing a civil lawsuit, handles all communications, and connects you with essential resources, so you can focus on healing while we fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.Get More Information -
- What legal options are available for survivors of clergy abuse in Ontario?
Survivors of clergy abuse in Ontario can file civil lawsuits against both the abuser and the institution for negligence. Gluckstein Lawyers provide compassionate guidance to help secure justice and financial compensation for the trauma endured.Get More Information -
- Can I sue for sexual abuse that happened years ago in Ontario?
Yes, in Ontario, there is no time limit for filing a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse. You can seek justice and compensation for past abuse, no matter how long ago it occurred. A compassionate lawyer can guide you through the process of pursuing a historical claim.Get More Information -
- How can a sexual abuse lawyer help me with my case?
A sexual abuse lawyer supports survivors by managing civil claims, explaining rights, gathering evidence, and handling communications. The team at Gluckstein Lawyers provides expert guidance, protects against re-traumatization, and fights for justice and compensation with compassion and dedication.Get More Information -
- What legal options are available for survivors of institutional abuse in Ontario?
Survivors of institutional abuse in Ontario can pursue two legal options: report to police for a criminal case or file a civil lawsuit for financial compensation against the abuser and negligent institution (such as a school, hospital, or care facility.) These paths are separate and can be pursued at the same time.Get More Information -
- What constitutes teacher sexual abuse?
Get More InformationTeacher 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.
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- Can schools be held liable for teacher sexual abuse?
Get More InformationIn some cases, a school board may also be found vicariously liable for sexual abuse committed by a teacher (i.e. the school board would be held responsible for the misconduct and abuse committed by the teacher, even if the school board did not know of the abuse.)
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- If I'm a member of the Crown Ward Class Action case, can I still sue for the sexual abuse I suffered while in the care of Children's Aid?
Get More InformationYes, you can. Since the Crown Ward Class Action case is only against the Ontario government for its failure to pursue legal action, you are still able to sue Children's Aid for the sexual abuse that happened to you while in its care.
You might be entitled to compensation through both the class action as well as your individual lawsuit. One does not prevent the other.
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- 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.Get More Information -
- How long does a sexual assault investigation take in 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.Get More Information -
- What is the process of a sexual assault case?
Get More InformationA 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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- What is considered institutional sexual abuse?
Get More InformationIf 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.
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- 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.Get More Information -
- Is sexual assault a violation of human rights?
Get More InformationYes. 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.
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- Is there a time limit to report a sexual assault to the police?
Get More InformationThere 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.
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- 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.Get More Information
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?
Get More InformationSexual 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.
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- What will legal action cost? What will I have to pay?
Get More InformationGenerally, 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.
Confidentiality
At 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 Gluckstein, you will be treated with the compassion, professionalism, and respect you deserve.