Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Halifax, Nova Scotia Seeking Justice For Survivors

Pursuing Justice for Victims of Sexual Abuse in Nova Scotia

One of the most challenging things to live with is the trauma of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse may not leave physical scars, but the memory can cause a lifetime of stigma, pain, and anguish in the survivors. This is even more so when the assailants are persons in authority, leadership positions, family members, or trusted relatives.

Because there’s a culture of silence surrounding sexual abuse, many survivors are reluctant to come forward. Some have even adopted the coping mechanism of repressing those memories.

It is true that no amount of money can undo the damage caused by sexual abuse, but taking legal action can help survivors take control and recover the compensation they need to move forward in their lives. If you’ve been sexually abused, seek legal representation from the sexual abuse lawyers at McKiggan Hebert Lawyers at once.

The #MeToo Movement and Justice for Survivors

For many former survivors of sexual abuse, the MeToo movement heralded a new era of speaking up about their abuse. No longer were they ashamed, shy, crippled, or fearful of possible repercussions.

This helped them take back some of the power they lost when they were violated and get justice for the pain they’d been dealing with for months, years, or even decades.

If you were abused in the past, this can happen to you as well. You can have justice. You can have the answers you need. More importantly, you can get closure and become a survivor.

At McKiggan Hebert Lawyers, our lawyers have seen first-hand how sexual abuse has negatively impacted sexual abuse survivors’ lives. We’ve also seen them fight to regain power, discover their voices, put their lives back together, and move forward.

We’ve helped these clients find hope and seek justice. Let us do the same for you.

What is Historical Sexual Abuse?

By definition, historical sexual abuse is sexual abuse that’s happened in the past. It may have been a one-time event or a series of incidents. It can also be sexual abuse that happened when you were a child—essentially making it child sexual abuse. As long as it happened in your past, it is considered historical, and you can seek justice for it regardless of how long ago it occurred.

The terrible thing about this form of abuse is that it wreaks much havoc on the survivors emotionally and psychologically. For instance, survivors might still suffer both emotionally and psychologically as a result of the abuse. If you’re in this situation, it’s important to seek justice with the help of one of our sex abuse lawyers.

There Is No Limitation Period For Sexual Abuse in Nova Scotia

Many survivors believe that if the abuse happened decades ago, they no longer have legal options. In Nova Scotia and every other province and territory in Canada, there is no limitation period for filing civil compensation claims related to sexual abuse, sexual assault, battery, or any other misconduct of a sexual nature — regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred.

This is outlined in the Limitations of Actions Act (Section 11), which removes time limits for victims of sexual abuse to seek legal action. This law recognizes that it often takes survivors years or even decades to come forward due to the trauma they’ve experienced.

Our team at McKiggan Hebert Lawyers has extensive experience handling historical sexual abuse cases, gathering evidence, and building strong claims even when the events took place in the distant past. We will help you navigate the legal process with compassion and care.

What Steps Should I Take to File A Sexual Abuse Claim in Nova Scotia?

The law in Nova Scotia has recognized sexual abuse as a serious form of injury. This means that you could be entitled to compensation as a survivor of sexual abuse.

For people whose sexual abuse happened a long time ago, we understand that it can be complicated. You may not remember every little detail of the abuse, and even if you do, it can be hard to discuss these memories even though so much time has passed.

When you work with our trauma-informed team, our compassionate lawyers and support staff will stand by your side and make the process as easy as possible for you. The good thing is that we’ve helped hundreds and hundreds of sexual abuse survivors, so we know what it takes to win these cases.

There are two ways for survivors to seek justice:

File criminal charges against your assailant to ensure they face legal consequences.
File a civil compensation claim against your assailant or the institution or organization that allowed the abuse to occur to recover compensation.

Why Should I Consider Filing a Civil Claim Against My Sexual Assailant?

It’s true that no amount of compensation will erase the memories of childhood sexual abuse. But pursuing a civil claim against your abuser or a responsible institution can provide more than just financial compensation. It holds the wrongdoer accountable, helps prevent future abuse, and empowers survivors to reclaim their voices. Compensation can cover:

Medical expenses
Therapy costs
Lost income
Pain and suffering

Our lawyers will explain your options in detail, helping you understand the potential benefits of filing a civil compensation claim and how it can contribute to your long-term recovery.

Can I File a Claim Against an Employer or Institution?

In many cases, sexual abuse survivors were harmed by individuals affiliated with organizations such as schools, religious institutions, sports clubs, or other organizations in positions of trust. For example, as Boy Scout abuse lawyers, we have provided unfailing assistance to those harmed by members of the Scouts Canada organization.

If an institution failed to protect you at the time or knowingly allowed the abuse to occur, they may be held legally responsible. We will carefully investigate your case to determine if the organization should bear responsibility for the harm you suffered.

Understanding Trauma and Its Impact on Survivors

Sexual abuse can have long-lasting effects on a survivor’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Trauma may manifest in various ways, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and difficulties with relationships. Every survivor’s journey is unique, and the effects of trauma can linger for years. At McKiggan Hebert Lawyers, we recognize the importance of addressing our client’s legal and emotional needs. We can help connect you with support services and counselling resources to begin healing while we advocate for your legal rights.

How Can a Lawyer Support Me Through This Process?

At McKiggan Hebert Lawyers, we understand how difficult it can be to share your story. Our lawyers offer a compassionate, confidential approach to help you feel safe and supported. From the first consultation to the resolution of your case, we will listen to your concerns, explain your legal options, and advocate on your behalf. Our priority is to ensure your voice is heard and your legal rights are protected. You are not alone—our team is here to guide you in every step. Your statements will be kept strictly confidential, protected under solicitor-client privilege, and only used as required by law to file your case.

Understanding the Standard of Proof in Civil Sexual Abuse Cases

In civil cases addressing sexual abuse, the standard of proof differs from that in criminal proceedings. The burden of proof in compensation claims is lower than the burden of proof in criminal cases. While criminal cases require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, civil cases operate on the “balance of probabilities.” This means that the survivor must demonstrate that it is more likely than not that the abuse occurred. This lower threshold can make it more feasible for survivors to obtain justice and compensation through civil litigation, even if a criminal conviction isn’t secured.

Schedule A Free Case Evaluation With Our Sexual Abuse Lawyers

There is no time limit to file sexual abuse claims in Nova Scotia and other provinces and territories in Canada. This means it doesn’t matter if the abuse happened days, weeks, months, or decades ago; you can take legal action against your assailant or the organization that employed them.

It is vital to act as quickly as possible. The sooner you take legal action, the faster we can collect the evidence we need to support your claim and help you win compensation.

At McKiggan Hebert Lawyers, our Personal Injury Attorneys in Halifax have years of experience representing the survivors of sexual abuse. Not only will we fight for justice, but we will also ensure that you are fully compensated for the harm you have suffered.

Let us help you. To schedule a consultation, call our law firm at (902) 706-2298 or fill out the form on this website.

John McKiggan has written Breaking the Silence, the only public legal education guide for sexual abuse survivors in Canada. Click here to download a copy.