Blog
  1. Home
  2.  » 
  3. Uncategorized
  4.  » Helping First Nation and Aboriginal victims of sexual assault

Helping First Nation and Aboriginal victims of sexual assault

On Behalf of | Aug 28, 2015 | Uncategorized |

Sexual assault is one of the most heinous crimes a victim can ever experience. The psychological trauma of sexual assault can create emotional scars that can last a victim for a lifetime. In the worst cases, sexual assault victims are forced to endure abuse at the hands of people they trust, or people they rely on for their well-being. This creates situations where many abuse victims simply remain silent about the abuse due to fears of losing their residences or their primary means of support.

This is especially true in cases involving First Nation and Aboriginal victims who happen to rely on governmental or religious organizations for critical services. Sexual predators working for these types of agencies can sometimes abuse their influence and authority to engage in the abusive behaviour.

There are a few things you should know if you are an Ontario First Nation or Aboriginal victim of sexual assault. Under Canadian law, victims of sexual assault are entitled to sue their attackers in civil court for assault, battery or intentional infliction of emotional distress, among other things. Depending on the circumstances, sexual assault or abuse victims may also be able to sue third parties, such as employers or government agencies, for negligence, breach of fiduciary duty or vicarious liability, for damages resulting from the abuse.

Visitors to our website can find past cases where our law firm has previously represented First Nation and Aboriginal clients in these very types of cases. It is important to note that the civil standard for proving sexual assault is not as stringent as the criminal standard. In Canada, a victim bringing a civil claim need only prove that it is more likely than not that the sexual assault occurred, as compared to the criminal burden of proof which requires that the assault be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Based in Ontario, our law firm is well-equipped to help sexual abuse survivors throughout Canada, especially in Ontario and the greater Toronto area. Prospective clients should know that they can discuss their cases confidentially with one of our lawyers at no cost for an initial consultation.