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Sexual Abuse

At Beckett, we are dedicated to helping survivors of sexual abuse

Statistics show that one in three women and one in six men have been victims of sexual abuse. We recognize and understand the unique and significant challenges that survivors of sexual assault endure. Childhood sexual abuse that has happened even decades ago can still be pursued, both criminally and civilly. Beckett has acted for hundreds of survivors of sexual abuse in cases all over Ontario, as well as in the Maritimes, Western Canada and even the far North.

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Sexual abuse lawyers who fight for your rights

Our compassionate and experienced personal injury lawyers will guide you through a process aimed not only at compensation but also healing and justice. If you or someone you care about is a victim of sexual abuse, please contact us for a free, private and confidential consultation of your rights.

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We advocate for survivors of sexual abuse

At Beckett, we not only help people who were sexually abused but we also want to make lasting changes in the legal system that will reduce and better address sexual crimes. We advocate for greater rights for victims and more efforts to combat sexual crimes, including submissions to both government and private organizations, as well as being an active presence in the news. We were the only law firm approved by the Ontario government as the representatives of the Victims Group at the Cornwall Public Inquiry, which examined institutional responses to allegations of historical sexual abuse in Cornwall. We also collaborate with local sexual assault centres and support their efforts.

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How to start a sexual abuse lawsuit

At Beckett Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand how difficult it is to start your sexual assault claim. We have adapted our approach to make it a much easier process for survivors to start a lawsuit. Your first contact with us can be through a variety of means that make it easy for you. We often speak to you initially on the phone or have email exchanges before you actually need to meet with us, whether at our offices or in your town. Before we begin the lawsuit, we will work with you to ensure that you understand the legal procedures and that we have all the information we need. We will file the paperwork that will start your sexual abuse lawsuit. Though we are not health care providers, we also can direct you to various resources like psychological counselling to help your during your healing process.

Beckett has extensive experience assisting survivors of sexual abuse in Canada

In 2004, we achieved a trial judgment, which totalled almost $3 million, against the Diocese of London in a groundbreaking case involving three brothers who had been abused by their former priest (J.R.S. v. Glendinning).
In 2009, we achieved the largest Canadian settlement for a victim of sexual abuse at $1.75 million.
In the case of K.M.M. v. The Roman Catholic Diocese of London in 2011, we obtained the largest trial award for a female victim of sexual abuse by clergy at $610,000.

In 2012, we achieved a substantial increase in the court’s assessment of compensation granted in cases involving a single touch assault (D.M. v. W.W.), demonstrating that all forms of sexual abuse are significant and harmful to the victim.
In 2018 we obtained a jury verdict of $2.57 million which included the largest Canadian punitive damage award ($500,000) against an institution in a sexual abuse case (MacLeod v. Marshall et al.).

Past results are not necessarily indicative of future results. Amounts recovered and other litigation outcomes will vary according to the facts in individual cases.

Testimonial

"Initiating a civil action against the Catholic church is a daunting task. It requires not only a strong legal team, but a legal team that sees you as an individual, wants to know and understand your experiences, your fears. A legal team that supports you as a person, not a file, going through a very traumatic process. A legal team that will support you in getting what you deserve for all you have suffered and continue to suffer. Beckett is that legal team and I am truly thankful for all they have done for me over the years." Carol, Kingston, ON - Victim of Father Charles Sylvestre

Frequently Asked Questions

What constitutes sexual assault or abuse?

Sexual assault or abuse is typically considered to be physical contact of a sexual nature of another person without that person’s consent. In some circumstances, it is not necessary for the perpetrator to touch or even verbally threaten the victim. A person's act or gesture, without words, force or any physical contact, can constitute a threat to apply force of a sexual nature.
Can you claim compensation against a doctor for indecent assault?

Yes. If your doctor or other health professional sexually abuses or assaults you, you may bring a claim seeking compensation for the damage it has caused you. In some circumstances, you may also bring a claim against the health professional’s employer, such as a clinic or hospital.
How do I help a friend who has been sexually assaulted?

It is often very difficult for a victim of sexual abuse to disclose what they have gone through. What is most important is that you listen and support your friend. Encourage your friend to seek medical assistance or counselling and help your friend in finding these services. You may also want to help your friend report the assault to the police. If your friend has questions about his or her legal rights, it is best to seek the assistance of a lawyer who is knowledgeable in the area and who will be able to provide advice based on your friend’s individual circumstances.
What can I do if I’ve been sexually abused?

As a survivor of sexual abuse, you have the right to make a complaint to the police against the person who sexually abused or assaulted you. You can make a complaint by either calling or going to your local police station. There is no time limit on when you can bring a criminal complaint in Canada.

You may also bring a lawsuit against the perpetrator seeking compensation for the injuries you have suffered as a result of the sexual assault or abuse. In some circumstances, there may be other people or institutions legally responsible other than the perpetrator. For example, the employer of the abuser may be responsible if the abuse occurred in the place of that person’s employment. It is best to contact a lawyer to better determine if you have a viable lawsuit. In many provinces, such as Ontario, there is no time limit on when you can bring a lawsuit for injuries caused by sexual assault or abuse. Whether or not time limitations apply to your case, however, is also an issue that is best discussed with a lawyer. If you think that you may want to seek compensation, it is best to contact a lawyer right away to ensure that your rights are protected.

Lastly, many provinces have established government tribunals to provide compensation to victims of violent crimes, including those who have been sexually assaulted or abused. The application process and type of compensation provided varies on a province-by-province basis. In Ontario, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board provides victims with compensation for pain and suffering and funding for counselling and other services. The criminal act must have occurred in Ontario in order for the victim to be eligible. There is no time limit on when you can make an application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board for sexual assault or sexual abuse.