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.