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PERSONAL

Sexual Abuse

KSW Lawyers offers legal services to survivors of sexual abuse, including online abuse.  

We assist survivors to hold their abusers to account and obtain financial compensation for the harm they have endured. Coming forward can also prevent harm to others, assist survivors in accessing supporting resources and bring about systemic and institutional change. 

Sexual abuse is underreported and often result in long-term harm. Sometimes the hardest step can be coming forward. If you have concerns about coming forward, sharing your story and questioning who you can trust, you are not alone.  

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Our trauma-informed process is confidential, supportive and respectful. We proceed at a survivor’s pace and survivors do not have to share any part of their story thatthey are not comfortable with.  We represent survivors of sexual abuse with a client-focused approach grounded in compassion, understanding, and non-judgment. We are here to listen, to support, and to help survivors move forward in a way that aligns with their needs and goals.
Supporting Survivors, Pursuing Accountability
Sexual abuse may include unwanted sexual contact or threat or coercion of unwanted sexual contact. It can also include online harms like publishing private photographs or videos in public forums. It occurs in all kinds of relationships and settings. For example, it may occur at the workplace, in schools, organized sports and activities, in religious settings, in families or with friends

Nearly one third of people worldwide experience sexual abuse in their lifetime. Despite how common it is, most survivors do not come forward. Many fear not being believed, feel ashamed, are concerned about how reporting will impact their personal relationships or lack the support needed to come forward.

Our legal team understands these realities and provides a safe, supportive environment where your voice is heard and taken seriously.
Justice Beyond Compensation
While we help survivors pursue financial compensation for the harm they have endured, our work goes beyond that. A civil claim can be a powerful tool to:
  • Hold perpetrators accountable
  • Expose systemic abuse and institutional failures
  • Prevent further harm to others
  • Find healing
A Path That Respects Your Goals
Every survivor’s path to justice is different. Some seek a public trial; others prefer a private resolution through settlement. We work closely with you to understand your priorities and help you choose the path that feels right.

Our commitment is simple: to support you with care, advocate for you with strength, and help you pursue the outcome that brings you a sense of justice and closure.

If you are considering your options, we are here to listen.
Can My Identity Remain Confidential?
Survivors may feel hesitant about bringing forward a lawsuit out of fear of public exposure. We understand this concern and can provide you options to safeguard your identity while seeking justice.
Is there a time limit on filing a legal claim?
If you or a loved one is a survivor of sexual abuse, you may not be constrained by time limits in bringing forth a claim. Many of our cases involving historic abuses. It is not too late to discuss your options whenever you feel ready.
Resources for Survivors
Get In Touch For a Consultation
For more information or to schedule a consultation, call us at 604-591-7321 or click the button below to contact us online.
Get In Touch
Indian Residential School Survivor Society
The Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) is a non-profit organization and registered Canadian charity committed to supporting Survivors and their families on their healing journeys. Since 1994, we have provided culturally sensitive services - including counselling, advocacy, and community outreach - to help individuals and communities reclaim strength and resilience.
Ending Violence Association of British Columbia
The Ending Violence Association of British Columbia (EVA BC) coordinates and supports the work of other anti-violence programs in British Columbia.
Crisis Centre of BC
The Crisis Centre of BC supports those dealing with issues related to crisis support, suicide prevention, and postvention.
Children of the Street
The Children of the Street is a British Columbia based organization dedicated to preventing the sexual exploitation and human trafficking of children and youth in British Columbia. They achieve this goal through education strategies, public awareness initiatives, and family support.
BC Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse
The British Columbia Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse (BCSMSSA) is a non-profit society that provides therapeutic services for male-identifying persons who have experienced sexual or domestic abuse.
Métis Nation British Columbia
The goal of Métis Nation BC is to develop and enhance opportunity for Métis individuals and communities by providing relevant social and economic programs.
Phoenix Society
Phoenix Society, based in Surrey and Chilliwack, offers support to address, recover from, or reduce harms from substance use, as well as housing, health care, education and employment, and community inclusion support for people who may or may not be living with substance-use challenges.
Surrey Women’s Centre
The Surrey Women's Centre protects survivors. We are often the first place they call for help—24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year—be it emergency assistance or ongoing support. Comprehensive care and resources are available from the moment of assault and beyond, with medical, legal, and emotional assistance at every  stage of recovery and healing.
Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society
The Friendship Centre provides programs in health, welfare, social services, human rights, culture, education, recreation and equality for all genders of aboriginal people of all age groups.
Metis Community Service Society of BC
MCSBC is a non-profit Society that is recognized and empowered by Métis citizens in BC to provide holistic services that ensure the health and well-being of the Métis community.
Vancouver Rape Relief & Women’s Shelter
Provides support to women who have experienced male violence including wife battering, incest, rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment and prostitution.
Archway Community Services
Offers free counselling and services for youth and children who have been affected by sexual abuse.
BC Women's Hospital & Health Centre
Provides free and confidential medical care, emotional support, and one-to-one counselling to anyone aged 13 and above who has been sexually assaulted. On-call examiners are available 24/7, 365 days a year.
Family Services North Shore
A sexual assault response program available to residents of North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Lions Bay, and Bowen Island. Provides free support hotline and other services.
8-1-1 Phone Line
8-1-1 is a free-of-charge provincial health information and advice phone line available in British Columbia. You can access the service of registered nurses, dietitians, exercise professionals, pharmacists, and more. This service is available in more than 130 languages.
VictimLink BC
VictimLinkBC is a toll-free, confidential, multilingual service available across B.C. and the Yukon 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be accessed by calling or texting 1-800-563-0808 or sending an email to 211-VictimLinkBC@uwbc.ca.
Forensic Nursing Service
Fraser Health’s Forensic Nursing Service provides 24/7 trauma-informed medical care and optional evidence collection for people aged 2+ who’ve experienced recent sexual assault, abuse, or violence. Services are available through Emergency at select hospitals and include follow-up support and referrals.
UBC AMS Sexual Assault Support Centre
The AMS Sexual Assault Support Centre (SASC) has been committed to the education, support, and empowerment of people of all genders who are survivors of sexualized violence, as well as their friends and family. The organization serves UBC students, staff, faculty, and people with a connection to the UBC campus through various resources and services.
University of BC Resources
University of Northern BC Resources
Okanagan College Resources
Kids Help Phone
Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7, national support service. They offer professional counselling, information, and text-based support to young people across Canada.
Battered Women’s Support Services
A feminist voice against violence and oppression, BWSS is a strong, dynamic organization that provides support and advocacy for women who have experienced abuse, as well as community education and training about violence against women. Part of a global feminist anti-violence movement, their long-term goal is the elimination of all violence against women and girls. In addition, they provide community education and training about violence against women.
The Ending Violence Association of Canada
The Ending Violence Association of Canada (EVA CAN) is a non-profit organization who works collaboratively across the country to build a unified, collective national movement to end sexual violence.
Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime
The Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime (CRCVC) provides support, research, and education to survivors of serious crimes in Canada. They offer assistance and advocacy to all, regardless of the status of a legal case. The CRCVC believes in victim empowerment, to help them regain control of their lives.
CyberTip.ca
Canada's national tipline for reporting the online sexual exploitation of children. Operated by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P).
Men’s Therapy Centre
The Men’s Therapy Centre provides support and counselling services to masculine-identified persons and their family members.
Native Women’s Association of Canada
The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) is a National Indigenous Organization that defends the rights, delivers programming to, and amplifies the perspectives of Indigenous women and girls in Canada – in all of their diversity.  This is inclusive of First Nations – on and off reserve, status and non-status, disenfranchised – Métis, and Inuit.
Tsow-Tun Le Lum Society
Tsow-Tun Le Lum, meaning “Helping House”, is a society that provides services for Indigenous survivors, families and communities. They provide community outreach programs and services as well as supplying services to help survivors of trauma and residential schools.
Victim Justice Network
The goal of the Victim Justice Network is to promote access to justice information, innovation and resources through an online network for victims of crime.
Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre
Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre offers free, intersectional feminist support to survivors of sexualized violence, including crisis line, counselling, Indigenous and gender-diverse services, and community-based workshops. They emphasize anti-oppressive, decolonizing care, along with advocacy, education, and volunteer opportunities to shift societal norms and support healing.
Get In Touch For a Consultation
For more information or to schedule a consultation, call us at 604-591-7321 or click the button below to contact us online.
Get In Touch
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Our Sexual Abuse Lawyer(s)
Over 100+ 5 Star Google Reviews
50 Years In Business
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Offices Across The Lower Mainland
When you spouse abruptly lost his job, it affected the entire household. When he sought legal counsel and connected with Courtney, everything changed. Courtney quickly demonstrated the skills, understanding and experience we were seeking. We were confident she had our backs. Through unexpected circumstances, we were blessed to have found Courtney. I can’t say enough good things about Courtney and KSW Lawyers. Highly recommend.
Marilyn O.
I have had the good fortune of working with many talented individuals over a lengthy career, but Courtney stands out for all the right reasons. Most important, you feel "heard" when speaking with Courtney. She's very professional, disciplined and patient. Her case law research and how she presents it is top-notch and o the point. Courtney guides you through the legal process, keeping you informed along the way. I was very satisfied and would not hesitate to recommending Courtney and KSW Lawyers. Thank you!
Glen S.
Courtney was professional, responsive, and very knowledgeable throughout my case. She took the time to explain many aspects I didn’t understand, which made all the difference for me. What could have been a complex process felt clear and manageable. I truly appreciated her support and guidance and highly recommend her. Thank you!
Fabiano M.
A couple of years ago, I had talked to several lawyers about a Will Variation case and I didn't get a great feeling about them. However, when I met with Andrew Zacharias of KSW Lawyers in Abbotsford, it was an entirely different experience. He spent a lot of time talking to me about the details of the case and about my life experience relevant to it. Legal issues are not usually peoples' favorite thing as they often take a long time and there's often stress involved. Andrew's clear communication, empathy, and efficiency made the whole experience much, much more positive. At the end of the process--which, I'll add, was extremely successful--my sister and I really felt that we had a friend in our corner rather than just a lawyer representing our interests. Andrew's professionalism was outstanding and his specialty in Will Variation was evident throughout the process. Five stars are not enough.
Allan L.
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