Toronto Institutional Abuse Class Actions

Institutional Abuse Class Actions

Institutional abuse occurs when individuals in positions of authority mistreat those under their care. The mistreatment can involve neglect or physical, mental or sexual abuse. These cases often involve an imbalance of power between the abuser and abused.

Victims may be young, elderly, individuals with physical or developmental disabilities, individuals living with mental illness, incarcerated individuals, or members of historically marginalized communities. In many instances, victims face barriers to reporting abuse, being believed, or accessing meaningful remedies. Class actions aim to hold the abusers accountable and restore a sense of dignity and justice to the victims.

We will pursue class action or group action cases against institutions such as:

Psychiatric hospitals, where patients may face significant barriers to communication and credibility;
Nursing homes, where elder neglect and abuse remain serious and growing concerns;
Residential schools, where Indigenous children were separated from their families and exposed to widespread and systemic abuse; and
Correctional facilities, where overcrowding, under-resourcing, and inadequate training can create environments in which physical and sexual abuse occur.

Our institutional abuse lawyers work with medical, psychological, and policy experts to assess the impact of the misconduct and determine whether compensation and systemic reform can be achieved through litigation. Our work seeks not only to obtain compensation for survivors, but also to drive institutional change that helps prevent future harm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is institutional abuse?

Institutional abuse occurs when individuals in positions of authority mistreat those under their care. The mistreatment can involve neglect or physical, mental or sexual abuse.

What types of institutions may be involved in institutional abuse class actions?

Rochon Genova pursues class action or group action cases against institutions such as psychiatric hospitals, nursing homes, residential schools, and correctional facilities.