Alberta Institutional Abuse Lawyers

Institutional abuse is systemic or repeated abuse that occurs within organizations or institutions of trust, such as:

• Schools and other educational institutions
• Churches and other religious institutions
• Group homes
• Care facilities
• Extracurricular programs
• Hospitals
• Camp, sports, youth or scout groups
• And other organizations

Abuse that occurs within institutions can come in many forms, including physical, sexual, and psychological/emotional. Survivors often experience this type of abuse when they are at their most vulnerable, disproportionately affecting children, individuals with complex care needs, and the elderly. However, any person can experience abuse; in Alberta, 45% of adult residents have experienced some type of sexual abuse in their lifetime. That’s an estimated 1.8 million people in the province alone.

When you have been affected by this kind of abuse, you deserve justice. Survivors have options for legal recourse, where they can pursue compensation for the effects the abuse has had on their lives. Although it can be difficult to begin the process, a trusted and knowledgeable lawyer can advocate for your rights and allow you to tell your story. 

At Watson Goepel, our institutional abuse lawyers in Alberta are dedicated to helping survivors hold the individuals and institutions that have caused them harm accountable. We understand that speaking out about your experience can be challenging–that is why your initial consultation with our team will be completely confidential. Once we understand your situation, we will help you explore your legal options. To connect with a member of our legal team, book a case review today. We help clients across Alberta.

The Effects of Institutional Abuse on Survivors

Although there have been rising efforts across the province to raise awareness about institutional abuse, it continues to affect many people. Typically, institutional abuse involves a perpetrator exploiting their position of trust, authority, or dependency at an organization to engage a more vulnerable person in non-consensual activities. This exploitation of power might involve blackmail, threats, violence, emotional or physical coercion, or other manipulation tactics. Often, perpetrators will attempt to isolate their victim, physically or emotionally, and engage in grooming behaviour, where they attempt to normalize or justify their actions and abuse. 

 While an institution may be unaware of what is happening, often, the institution may become complicit in the abuse by protecting the perpetrator or covering up their offences.

Survivors can be affected in many ways by sexual abuse, sexual assault, or other types of exploitation at an organization can be affected in many ways. The trauma can last throughout a survivor’s life, long after the abuse has stopped. Survivors may struggle with:

• Substance abuse or addiction
• Mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD
• Financial loss, due to paying for treatment, lost wages, etc. 
• Loss of education or opportunity, and inability to work
• And more

You should not be left to deal with these consequences alone. You can take legal action against the individual and/or the institution that caused you harm. 

How Can Our Lawyers Help You?

According to the Criminal Code of Canada, institutional abuse is a serious criminal charge known as an indictable offence. This means that an institutional abuse conviction will potentially involve more severe penalties, lengthy imprisonment, or even life sentences for those found guilty.

In addition, in Alberta, no statute of limitations applies to institutional abuse or sexual assault claims. This means that survivors can come forward months, years, or even decades after the abuse occurred. This approach acknowledges the unique challenges that survivors of institutional and sexual abuse face in speaking out.

At Watson Goepel, we are dedicated to helping survivors of abuse take legal action against the perpetrators and institutions. Our team approaches each case with empathy and respect, prioritizing the comfort and safety of our clients above all else. We will make sure that your rights are protected when you decide to start the legal process to pursue the justice you deserve.

Our lawyers will:

• Consult With You Confidentially: We offer free, completely confidential consultations for client who choose to meet with us and share their story. You can feel secure knowing that you will remain protected when discussing your legal options.
• Start a Civil Claim on Your Behalf: If you have endured institutional abuse, you can sue the perpetrator for financial compensation. You may also pursue a legal claim against the institution where the abuse occurred. This is because, in many cases, organizations that employ perpetrators may be guilty of enabling criminal activity or negligently failing to address it. Our lawyers will help you identify parties who may be liable in your situation, collect evidence to show how the abuse has impacted your life, and pursue fair restitution. You may be eligible for compensation for pain and suffering, treatment costs, loss of past and future income, punitive damages, and more. 

If you or a loved one has been afflicted by institutional abuse, our team is ready to help. We will identify your best legal path forward and help you pursue compensation. Although no amount of money can compensate you for what you have endured, our team believes that a legal claim can bring you one step closer to justice.

Contact Our Alberta Institutional Abuse Lawyers Today

If you have suffered sexual, physical, or emotional abuse at an institution, you have the right to hold the responsible parties accountable. The legal representation we provide at Watson Goepel LLP is trauma-informed, and we are sensitive to the needs of abuse survivors. We appreciate that your story will be a difficult one to tell. You can be assured that when you are ready to share it with us, it will be in a safe, confidential, and judgment-free space. 

To discuss your legal options, schedule a free consultation with our institutional abuse lawyers today.