Ottawa Sexual Assault Civil Lawyers

It can be difficult to come forward after experiencing sexual assault, but you are not alone. We will be here for you every step of the way. Our law firm is here to offer compassionate, non-judgmental care throughout your healing journey. It is important to us that you not just feel safe but also supported during one of your life's most challenging times.

Our sexual assault lawyers in Ottawa have a wealth of experience successfully handling cases like yours, and each case we take on is unique, meaning each situation gets individualized attention. We will advocate for you and get the compensation to help you recover and rebuild your life, which can pay for therapies and support you and your family.

We understand the challenges faced by sexual abuse survivors and are committed to providing the best possible support. Our experienced team has a proven track record in court proceedings and is nationally recognized for its expertise on this subject matter. We bring knowledge and compassion together to meet your needs.

Our team focuses on the following types of sexual abuse and assault cases:

• Historic Sexual Abuse
• Institutional Sexual Abuse
• Physician Sexual Abuse
• Childhood Sexual Abuse
• Male Victims of Sexual Abuse
• Family and Foster Care Sexual Abuse
• Clergy Sexual Abuse
• Teacher Sexual Abuse

How is sexual assault defined and how does it relate to the law?

Sexual Assault or abuse is defined by Canadian civil law in very broad terms. Sexual assault can be any sexual activity that is unwanted or non-consensual. Consent must be communicated through affirmative words or conduct; silence does not mean someone consented to these acts. It's possible for someone who has been assaulted to withdraw consent during the interaction at any time.

What should I do if I've been sexually assaulted?

If you have just been assaulted and are in immediate danger, please call 911 or another emergency hotline if you feel comfortable doing so. You don't have to involve the police if you're not in immediate danger. Understandably, many victims of sexual assault or abuse don't want to involve the police because of stigmas, shame, fear of discrimination, or because they don't want to be re-traumatized. All of these reasons are valid, and if you do not feel comfortable sharing with the police, we can pursue other pathways to justice for you.

You can still pursue justice and/or restitution even if you decline to provide information or participate in a criminal case against your perpetrator. You can take photos of yourself and the scene, collect physical evidence left behind by the accused, or write/record the events that transpired.

Are there time limits to bring a civil action?

There is no time limit on when you can report a sexual assault in Ottawa, Ontario. If the assault happened many years ago or you have blocked out the memories of it, talking to a counsellor with trusted experience can help you work through the pain and memories.

If you have suffered a sexual assault or abuse and feel comfortable filing a claim, Nicholson Gluckstein Lawyers is here to advocate for you and support you during this incredibly challenging time.

Supportive and empathetic care in a unique way

We want to help you feel safe. We will never judge you or make assumptions about your situation. We will answer any questions you may have about your case. We will never make assumptions based on gender identity/sexual orientation (or race). We will always be patient and here to listen to you–it is more than okay to take your time when dealing with something as traumatic as sexual assault or abuse.

An animal's presence can help reduce the feeling that a survivor of sexual assault or abuse is being judged for recounting their trauma. Survivors often develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other mental health issues after an assault, which can intimidate them when talking to someone they barely know about what happened. Having a compassionate animal, like a dog, present during a consultation between a survivor and one of our lawyers can help our clients feel more at ease.

At Nicholson Gluckstein Personal Injury Lawyers, we care about our client's safety and well-being. We support animal therapy and allow clients to bring their support pets to appointments. If a client does not have a pet but is interested in animal-assisted support, we will provide one of our office dogs for the session.

Free Consultation

Our Ottawa Sexual Assault Lawyers will help you through every step of the process, from start to finish. We want to ensure you are heard and get the compensation and closure you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.