Representing Survivors of Institutional Abuse
Rochon Genova represents survivors in cases where abuse occurs within organizations that failed to prevent foreseeable harm. These claims often involve:
- Schools and school boards;
- Sports organizations and youth programs;
- Religious institutions;
- Healthcare settings;
- Group homes, children’s aid societies, and foster care programs;
- Camps and after-school programs; and
- Government institutions.
Institutional abuse cases often involve claims for vicarious liability, negligent supervision, negligent hiring/retention, or systemic failures. Our team represents survivors through all stages of these complex and resource-intensive proceedings.
Our team understands that pursuing a legal claim is an intensely personal and emotionally challenging process. We work with survivors in a trauma-informed, survivor-centred way, ensuring that each client’s needs, goals, and circumstances guide every step of the process.
This includes listening without judgment, respecting each survivor’s pace and level of comfort, minimizing unnecessary retelling of traumatic events, protecting privacy and safety throughout the process, and providing clear, transparent guidance at each stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an institution that may be liable for the harm I suffered?
Sometimes. Institutions may be legally responsible when abuse occurs within schools and universities, sports organizations, religious institutions, medical practices, workplaces, youth programs and community organizations, children’s aid societies, government-run entities, or other programs or situations where an institution may be responsible for an individual’s safety.
What is vicarious liability and how does it apply to sexual abuse cases?
Vicarious liability holds organizations responsible for the misconduct of individuals acting “in the course of” their roles, even when the institution did not know the abuse was occurring. It is a complex and important legal doctrine that clients should explore with their lawyer.
Contact Rochon Genova
Call Rochon Genova at 416-363-1867 or send us an email to set up a free consultation.
