Sexual Abuse Claim Lawyers in Ontario
Survivors of sexual abuse and assault deserve to be heard, believed, and supported. Azimi Law and Naimark Law Firm represent survivors in confidential civil claims across Ontario — pursuing accountability and compensation at the survivor's own pace, with respect and care at every step.
A Survivor-Centred, Confidential Path to Accountability
Coming forward after sexual abuse takes immense courage, and there is no right or wrong time to do it. Many survivors carry what happened for years or even decades before they feel ready to speak about it. We want you to know that whenever you are ready, the law in Ontario is on your side, and you do not have to navigate this alone. Our role is to listen, to explain your options clearly, and to move only at a pace that feels safe for you.
A civil claim is one way survivors can seek accountability and compensation for the lasting harm abuse causes. It is entirely separate from any criminal proceeding. A criminal case is brought by the Crown and focuses on punishing the offender; a civil claim belongs to you, is decided on a different standard, and is about recognizing your harm and securing support for your recovery. You can pursue a civil claim whether or not there was ever a criminal charge or conviction.
Importantly, Ontario has removed the time limit for these claims. There is no limitation period for civil claims based on sexual assault — survivors can come forward at any time, including many years after the abuse occurred. That change reflects what we know about how survivors heal: that readiness comes on its own timeline, and that the right to seek justice should not expire.
We approach every survivor's case with discretion and a trauma-informed mindset. Ryan Naimark spent roughly two decades on the defence side of injury litigation before representing injured people, and that experience informs how thoughtfully and strategically we build a case. Alongside Ben Azimi's advocacy, we handle these matters confidentially and with the sensitivity they require, prepared to pursue accountability through to trial when that is what justice demands.
No Win. No Fee. Legal fees are a percentage of any recovery. The firm funds the disbursements needed to advance the case. If there is no recovery, you owe nothing for legal fees. Your first conversation with us is free and confidential.
Types of Sexual Abuse Claims We Handle
Survivors come to us from many different circumstances. A civil claim can be brought against an individual responsible for the abuse and, in many cases, against an institution whose failures allowed it to happen.
Claims Against Perpetrators
A survivor can bring a civil claim directly against the person responsible for the abuse, seeking accountability and compensation for the harm caused, independent of any criminal proceeding.
Claims Against Institutions
Where an organization employed or supervised the person responsible, it may also be liable — through vicarious liability or its own negligence — for abuse that its failures enabled.
Schools & Educational Settings
Schools and educational organizations have a duty to protect the students in their care. Where that duty was breached, survivors may have a claim against the institution involved.
Religious & Community Organizations
Survivors of abuse connected to a church or community organization may pursue claims where the institution is responsible for the conduct of those it placed in positions of trust.
Sports & Youth Programs
Coaches, leaders, and organizations entrusted with the care of young people are responsible for keeping them safe. We pursue claims where that responsibility was betrayed.
Workplaces & Care Settings
Abuse can occur where an employer or care provider failed to supervise, screen, or protect those in its environment. These institutional failures can support a civil claim.
Compensation Available in a Sexual Abuse Civil Claim
No amount of money can undo what was done. A civil claim instead seeks to acknowledge the harm and provide meaningful support for a survivor's healing and future.
Therapy & Treatment Costs
Compensation can fund counselling, psychological treatment, and ongoing therapeutic support — both the care already received and the care that recovery will require in the years ahead.
Damages for the Harm Suffered
Non-pecuniary damages recognize the profound and lasting impact of abuse on a survivor's life, well-being, and sense of safety.
Income & Earning Loss
Where the effects of abuse have interfered with education, work, or the ability to earn a living, a claim can seek compensation for past and future income loss.
Aggravated Damages
The law may recognize additional damages where the circumstances of the abuse, or how the survivor was treated, made the harm more severe.
Punitive Damages
In appropriate cases, the court may award punitive damages to denounce and deter conduct that was especially reprehensible.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Reimbursement for reasonable expenses connected to a survivor's care and recovery, such as treatment-related and related costs.
The Process — At Your Pace, in Confidence
You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out. The process begins with a confidential conversation, and you remain in control of every step that follows.
A Confidential Conversation
We begin with a private, no-pressure discussion to understand what you are comfortable sharing and to explain your options. Nothing moves forward without your decision.
Understanding Your Options
We explain how a civil claim works, who may be responsible, and what to expect — including how it differs from and can proceed independently of any criminal matter.
Building the Case With Care
We gather the relevant information and supporting evidence respectfully and discreetly, identifying both individuals and any institutions that may bear responsibility.
Pursuing Accountability
We commence the claim and advance it on your behalf, shielding you from the other side as much as possible and keeping you informed throughout.
Resolution — by Settlement or Trial
We pursue a fair resolution and, where appropriate, protect your privacy through confidentiality. We are prepared to take a case to trial when that is what accountability requires.
No limitation period. In Ontario, there is no time limit on civil claims based on sexual assault. You can come forward whenever you are ready — including years or decades after the abuse. There is no deadline standing between you and justice, and your first conversation with us is always free and confidential.
Why Survivors Choose Azimi Law & Naimark Law Firm
A Trauma-Informed Approach
We listen with care, protect your privacy, and move at the pace you set. Your comfort and confidentiality guide every step of the process.
We Are Trial Lawyers
We prepare each case thoroughly and are ready to go to court. That readiness is what brings perpetrators and institutions to genuine accountability.
Two Firms, Combined Depth
Azimi Law and Naimark Law Firm join forces so your case has the resources and experience of two established Ontario practices — including a lawyer who spent 20 years on the defence side.
No Win, No Fee
You pay nothing up front and nothing for legal fees unless we recover for you. The firm funds the cost of advancing your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it too late to come forward if the abuse happened long ago?+
No. Ontario has removed the limitation period for civil claims based on sexual assault, which means there is no deadline. Survivors can come forward at any time, including many years or even decades after the abuse occurred. Whenever you feel ready, the law allows you to pursue a claim.
How is a civil claim different from a criminal case?+
A criminal case is brought by the Crown and is focused on punishing the offender; you are a witness rather than a party. A civil claim belongs to you, is decided on a different standard of proof, and is about accountability and compensation for the harm you experienced. The two are separate, and you can bring a civil claim whether or not there was ever a criminal charge or conviction.
Can I bring a claim against an institution, not just an individual?+
In many cases, yes. Where a school, religious organization, sports body, employer, or other institution employed or supervised the person responsible, it may also be liable — either through vicarious liability or through its own negligence in supervision or hiring. Part of our work is identifying every party that may bear responsibility.
Will my case be kept confidential?+
Protecting your privacy is a priority at every stage. We handle these matters discreetly, and in appropriate cases there are ways to protect a survivor's identity and to resolve a claim confidentially. We will explain the available protections so you can make informed decisions about your privacy.
Do I have to relive the details of what happened?+
We take a trauma-informed approach and never ask for more than is necessary. You share what you are comfortable sharing, and we move at a pace that feels safe for you. Our goal is to advance your claim while shielding you from unnecessary distress wherever we can.
What kind of compensation can a civil claim provide?+
A civil claim can seek compensation for the cost of therapy and treatment, for income or earning loss connected to the harm, and damages that recognize the profound impact of abuse on your life. In appropriate cases, aggravated or punitive damages may also be available. The focus is on supporting your recovery and acknowledging the harm done.
What does it cost to speak with you?+
Your first conversation is free and confidential. We work on a contingency fee basis, so our legal fee is a percentage of any recovery, and the firm funds the disbursements needed to advance the case. If there is no recovery, you owe no legal fees. We explain everything in plain language, with no pressure to proceed.
When You Are Ready, We Are Here. Talk to Us in Confidence.
Free, confidential consultation. No obligation. No win, no fee. Available 24 / 7 / 365.