Vernon Sexual Abuse Lawyers
Being sexually abused can have a significant and long-lasting impact on a person’s mental and emotional well-being. Survivors of sexual abuse may experience a wide range of symptoms, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They may also face issues related to their self-esteem, and have difficulty trusting others. Because of an abuser’s criminal actions, survivors of sexual abuse may have difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships, and struggle with issues related to personal intimacy.
Additionally, survivors of sexual abuse often struggle with eating disorders, dissociative disorders, and other self-harming behaviors, including addiction. Substance use may be a way for survivors to cope with their traumatic experiences. As a result, sexual abuse survivors are 13 times more likely to suffer from alcoholism and 26 times more likely to struggle with substance use disorders than non-victims.
The hallmark of sexual abuse often involves a deep betrayal of trust. It occurs when people in positions of trust, authority, or dependency use their positions of power to sexually exploit vulnerable individuals. Common examples of people who may use an imbalance of power to take advantage of children, teenagers, or vulnerable community members include:
- Religious figures
- Foster parents
- Teachers
- Camp counselors
- Extracurricular program administrators
- Scout leaders
- Sports coaches
- Juvenile detention centre guards
- Psychiatric hospital staff
- And more
The violation of trust and abuse of power at the heart of sexual abuse can make the emotional and psychological impacts of the traumatizing experience even more difficult to bear. To make matters worse, these heinous crimes are often overlooked or actively ignored by people in higher positions of authority. Organizations or employers can be considered contributorily negligent if they fail to take appropriate action to prevent sexual abuse from occurring within their organization. For example, if an employer fails to properly investigate allegations of sexual abuse or fails to implement appropriate measures to protect employees from sexual abuse, they may be held liable for damages.
Our Vernon sexual abuse lawyers are committed to helping survivors in the region in their pursuits of accountability and compensation. By working with our sexual abuse lawyers serving Vernon, survivors in the community may be able may be able to recover damages related to their abuse. Some of the damages that may be available to survivors of sexual abuse include compensation for medical expenses, therapy, prescriptions, psychological counseling, lost wages, failure to reach potential, reduced future earning capabilities, emotional distress, and more.
Pursuing a civil claim may also serve as a means of holding the abuser accountable for their actions to help prevent future abuse. Our Vernon sexual abuse lawyers appreciate that taking legal action can be a difficult and emotional process, but it is an important step in seeking justice and healing.
During a free initial consultation, our sexual abuse lawyers serving Vernon may be able to help you understand your legal rights and advise you of steps you might be able to take to get the compensation you deserve. To learn more about working with our Vernon sexual abuse lawyers, contact us today and set up your free initial consultation.
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There is no statute of limitations on sexual abuse claims in British Columbia, meaning that it is never too late to speak out against your abuser. This means that even if your abuse occurred many years ago, you still have the right to pursue a civil claim for damages.
To discuss your case with our sexual abuse lawyers serving Vernon and receive personalized, cost-free, confidential legal advice, contact Preszler Injury Lawyers today.
