helping abuse survivors seek justice.
Sexual Abuse
when you are ready to tell your story and pursue justice, we’re here for you.
If you or someone you care about is a survivor of sexual abuse or assault, we understand that bringing a lawsuit is a big and often difficult decision. The lawyers at Helpforme advocate for survivors of both Historical and Institutional Sexual Abuse to ensure they receive the medical care they need, the compensation they deserve, and regain power and control in their lives.
Sexual abuse is a particular form of personal injury. For 20 years, our team of Personal Injury lawyers has earned and kept client trust because of the exceptional quality of our lawyers, and our compassionate and empathetic approach to client care.
We understand your need for a safe place where you can tell your story, discuss your legal options with a compassionate lawyer who understands your situation, and receive clear and candid advice about bringing a claim. When you are ready, we’re here for you.
We handle sexual abuse cases with delicacy and within an adapted communication process designed for your comfort. Our free initial consultation can be conducted confidentially either by phone or by email to offer you anonymity, if desired. Our team is comprised of both male and female injury lawyers. If you feel more comfortable talking to a lawyer of a particular gender, we are glad to accommodate you. Your privacy is of the utmost importance. When the time comes for an in-person meeting, we can meet either at our offices, or in your home. Your well-being is our priority.
Whether you were assaulted recently or decades ago, there is no time limit in Canada for you to bring a claim against a person or organization responsible for a sexual assault.
The Me Too and Time’s Up movements have reached international proportions. While it is extremely difficult to recount painful experiences, people are now empowered to speak up and seek legal action to give closure to their trauma, to make abusers accountable, and to stop them from harming others in the future. Many survivors of sexual assault seek closure and healing, often years after the abuse occurred, whether it was an isolated incident or a pattern of long-term abuse.
Survivors may experience immediate psychological symptoms such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and fear, denial, withdrawal and isolation, confusion, depression and grief. Survivors may also experience long-term psychological and social adjustment problems. While legal action can’t erase the trauma, a civil claim can provide compensation for loss of income, physical and psychological trauma, and treatment expenses, all of which can help survivors move forward in their lives.
Sexual assault is any form of non-consensual sexual contact. It can happen to boys, girls, men and women. Offenders can be family members, caregivers, teachers, coaches, childcare workers, medical or other professionals, clergy, or total strangers.
Every child deserves a champion.
Historical Sexual Abuse
Historical Sexual Assault is a term commonly used to describe a sexual assault that has occurred in the distant past. Also known as Non-Recent Abuse, Historical Abuse involves neglect, physical, sexual or emotional abuse suffered by a child who was under the age of 19 years old at the time of the abuse, but is now an adult 19 years of age or older.
This type of abuse is often linked to Residential schools, public and private schools, churches, and youth organizations. These cases often involve adults who were abused in childhood who were too young to fully comprehend or articulate what was happening to them. Some children may have tried to tell someone but no one believed them, while others may have been too embarrassed or didn’t know who to turn to and so suffered in silence. It’s important to remember that a child cannot consent to abuse.
Some victims only recall their abuse in adulthood, some have only partial memories, while others have lived with clear memories all their lives. No matter how much you remember or how much time has passed, it is never too late to seek help and bring those accountable to justice. Your journey of healing starts with a phone call. We’re here to help.
Institutional Sexual Abuse
When someone lives behind locked doors in a federal, provincial or privately-funded institution such as Psychiatric Hospitals and other mental health facilities, Treatment Centres, boarding schools or Community Living/Care facilities for the disabled, there exists an expectation that institutionalized individuals will be provided with reasonable protection from being harmed by their caregivers. Yet, institutionalized citizens are at risk for sexual abuse.
Sexual abuse is recognized as occurring frequently in residential schools, among the mentally ill, and individuals with developmental disabilities, as well as in other group care facilities. These abuses can cause serious and long-term problems in many aspects of victims’ lives.
The vulnerability of institutionalized individuals is an area of great concern to the team at Helpforme. We protect the rights of all British Columbians who have been injured or harmed in any way, including by sexual abuse. If you or someone you care about has experienced institutional sexual abuse, the legal team at Helpforme are at-the-ready to advise you of your legal options and restorative choices.
We take sexual abuse cases on a contingency basis, so you don’t pay any fees until your claim is resolved positively. Our legal fees are a predictable, fixed percentage of the total compensation you receive – there are no surprises. We do all the legal work and cut through the red tape, so you can focus on healing and recovery.
