Our Legal Services
Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings
When institutions entrusted with the care and safety of children and vulnerable individuals fail to protect them, the consequences can be devastating. Sexual abuse in institutional settings, including schools, sports teams, religious organizations, and camps, is a heartbreaking reality that often involves complex systems of cover-up and silence.
At Weir Bowen LLP, we help survivors pursue justice and accountability. Our trauma-informed team provides experienced legal guidance with compassion, confidentiality, and unwavering advocacy.
What Is Institutional Sexual Abuse?
Institutional sexual abuse refers to sexual misconduct committed by someone in a position of authority or trust within an organization. This can include:
- Teachers, school staff, or administrators
- Coaches and team personnel
- Clergy or religious leaders
- Camp counselors or program supervisors
- Healthcare providers in youth or residential facilities
In many cases, the abuse is compounded by the failure of the institution to respond appropriately whether through inaction, negligence, or attempts to protect the abuser.
Legal Options for Survivors
Survivors may be able to pursue a civil lawsuit against both the individual perpetrator and the institution that enabled or failed to prevent the abuse. Civil claims can seek compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of income or future earning capacity
- Therapy and treatment expenses
- Loss of ability to form interdependent relationships
- Punitive damages in some cases
In Alberta, recent changes to limitation laws have removed time limits for filing many civil claims involving sexual abuse. We can help you understand how this may apply to your situation.
Why Choose Weir Bowen?
We know how difficult it can be to speak out. That’s why we take the time to listen, provide clear legal advice, and support survivors at every step of the legal process. We tailor our approach to your needs whether you’re seeking a private resolution or want to hold an institution publicly accountable.
Our lawyers have extensive experience in civil litigation and have represented survivors of abuse across a range of institutional settings. We are also proud founding members of the Sexual Abuse Lawyers Alliance (SALA), a national network of lawyers committed to supporting survivors through trauma-informed legal advocacy.
If you or someone you love has experienced sexual abuse in an institutional setting, we encourage you to reach out. You are not alone, and your voice matters. Call 780-424-2030 or contact us online to arrange a confidential consultation.
Our Team
Weir Bowen lawyers have the experience to proceed effectively through all the steps in civil actions.
Whichever lawyer represents you, your case will be supported by the collective knowledge of our entire firm.
Learn MoreINDIGENOUS LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The lands on which Edmonton sits and the North Saskatchewan River that runs through it have been the sites of natural abundance, ceremony and culture, travel and rest, relationship building, making, and trading for Indigenous peoples since time immemorial. Edmonton is located within Treaty 6 Territory and within the Metis homelands and Metis Nation of Alberta Region 4. We acknowledge this land as the traditional territories of many First Nations such as the Nehiyaw (Cree), Denesuline (Dene), Nakota Sioux (Stoney), Anishinaabe (Saulteaux) and Niitsitapi (Blackfoot).
Weir Bowen acknowledges the many First Nations, Métis and Inuit who have lived in and cared for these lands for generations. We are grateful for the traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are still with us today and those who have gone before us. We make this acknowledgement as an act of reconciliation and gratitude to those whose territory we reside on or are visiting.