Sexual Abuse in Scouts Canada

Canadian child sexual abuse statistics are alarming. According to advocacy group Little Warriors, one in three girls and one in six boys will experience some type of sexual act, and 95% will know the person who abuses them. With a respected history of teaching children to be self-sufficient and law abiding citizens, parents trusted Scouts Canada to provide a high level of care and security to their children.

Unfortunately, the trust parents had in Scouts Canada may have been betrayed. There have been numerous allegations of sexual abuse against Scouts Canada, as we outline below.

Sexual Abuse in Scouts Canada

A CBC investigation uncovered almost 80 cases of sexual abuse in Scouts Canada, dating from the 1950s to the present day. Each of these cases concerned active or former scout leaders that had committed some type of crime involving a youth in the organization. These crimes ranged from possession of child pornography to severe sexual assault.

Other evidence suggests that more than 300 children were abused on some level by scout leaders over the same time period. Unfortunately some victims don’t realize they can pursue a claim even if the abuse occurred many years in the past, so they are never compensated for their emotional pain and suffering.

The Case of Richard Turley

A prime example of sexual abuse in scouting is the case of a man named Richard Turley. He was a young scout leader in both the Boy Scouts of America and in Scouts Canada. Today, he freely admits to molesting many young boys, and claims that if either of these organizations had intervened effectively, he wouldn’t have been able to keep doing it for so long.

He says that he was able to easily move between the groups and commit his crimes. He was asked to leave troops several times, which he did, but only after he’d been caught. Because parents and troop leaders declined to pursue legal charges against Turley, he was able to join other troops, where he continued to seduce boys with candy, alcohol, and porn.

Both scouting organizations were clearly aware of his actions, according to documents and witness statements. Some troops even had confidential files on Turley, but they failed to share information with other troops, the organization’s leadership, or the police.

The record shows Scout troops and officials on both sides of the border tried to cover up for Turley’s abuse, in some cases dissuading parents from filing charges, and even transferring scoutmasters who complained about Turley’s behavior.

Their actions in several incidents seems to indicate that they were much more concerned with protecting the reputation of the organization and shielding it from legal action than they were about the safety of the boys under their care. Turley’s abuses continued for many years because of their negligence.

Scouts Canada Tries to Cover up Abuse

Turley wasn’t the only perpetrator, yet how many others were involved in abuse isn’t known. Since 1995, at least two dozen victims have filed lawsuits against Scouts Canada, which they settled out of court, and they took steps to keep their legal settlements secret, burying important information that potentially could have prevented ongoing abuse. Another CBC News investigation sheds some light on this.

13 of these agreements included a confidentiality clause to prevent any of the victims from discussing the details of the case publicly. Information on how much they were paid and why, or even that such an agreement existed, was sealed.

One specific agreement the CBC uncovered was a requirement from a former Scout to never admit publicly that the abuse occurred at all.

In 2012 Scouts Canada belatedly referred more than 100 cases of possible sexual abuse to the police for investigation.

Justice for Victims of Child Sexual Abuse in Canada

If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual abuse, it’s important that you understand your legal options. For example, you can pursue criminal charges against the person that abused you, or file a lawsuit through the civil justice system seeking compensation for the harm caused by the abuse.

Criminal Charges for the Boy Scouts

Criminal proceedings are intended to punish a perpetrator for their offenses. Once charges have been filed with the police, there will be an investigation, and the evidence will be handed over to a crown prosecutor, who will decide if charges will be filed.

If the case is prosecuted, and the accused is found guilty, the court will decide the appropriate punishment. As a victim, you have very little influence over the proceedings or outcome.

Criminal charges focus on holding the abuser accountable and may result in penalties such as imprisonment, probation, or fines. However, it is important to understand that criminal proceedings do not provide monetary compensation to the victim. The primary goal is to seek justice by ensuring that the perpetrator faces legal consequences for their actions.

Victims who choose to file criminal charges should be prepared for a potentially lengthy and emotionally challenging process. Support from family, friends, and professional counselors can be invaluable during this time. Additionally, victims have the right to be informed about the progress of the case and to participate in court proceedings, such as giving victim impact statements.

Civil Compensation Claim

A civil case is intended to compensate a victim for harms and losses caused by the abuse. It’s possible to bring forth evidence in a civil case that wouldn’t be allowed in a criminal proceeding and in general, the victim has more control over the process.

It’s also possible to pursue both criminal charges and a civil claim. Deciding the best course of action depends on the circumstances and requires the counsel of an experienced sexual abuse lawyer.

Civil lawsuits against Scouts Canada or individual abusers can seek financial compensation for various damages. These may include compensation for emotional and psychological toll, medical treatment costs, lost income, and other expenses related to the abuse. The amount awarded depends on many factors, including the severity of the abuse and its long-term impact on the survivor.

Filing a civil claim can also provide survivors with a sense of empowerment and closure, as it allows them to actively participate in seeking justice and holding the responsible parties accountable. The civil justice system offers a trauma-informed approach that respects the unique circumstances of abuse survivors and acknowledges the profound effects of institutional abuse.

Scouts Canada Lawsuit

John McKiggan Q.C. has received national recognition for his work on behalf of survivors of childhood abuse. He has worked tirelessly to help victims of Scouts Canada obtain settlements for the abuse they’ve suffered. He and his team have decades of experience successfully litigating sexual abuse cases.

It’s important for victims to understand that sexual abuse claims can be filed for abuse even if it happened years in the past. If you or anyone you know has suffered abuse as a result of membership in Scouts Canada, we’d like to hear your story.

Here is some helpful information about How to Find the Best Trial Lawyer for Your Case.

Understanding the Scouts Canada Lawsuit Process

Survivors of sexual abuse within Scouts Canada have the right to pursue legal action to seek justice and compensation. Lawsuits against Scouts Canada typically involve allegations of sexual misconduct by scout leaders or adult volunteers who abused their position of trust to harm vulnerable children. These cases often require specialized legal representation due to their sensitive nature and the complexities involved in proving historical abuse.

No Time Limit for Filing Claims

One crucial aspect of Scouts Canada lawsuits is that there is generally no time limit or statute of limitations restricting when survivors can file claims related to sexual abuse. This means individuals who experienced abuse decades ago still have the opportunity to come forward and seek legal redress. This legal provision acknowledges the unique challenges abuse victims face in coming forward, including trauma and fear.

Types of Legal Claims

Victims may pursue civil lawsuits to obtain financial compensation for the emotional and psychological toll, medical expenses, lost income, and other damages resulting from the abuse. Additionally, survivors can choose to file criminal charges against their abusers, which focus on holding perpetrators accountable through the criminal justice system. Both routes are available and can sometimes be pursued concurrently.

Support and Legal Representation

Navigating a Scouts Canada lawsuit can be daunting. Survivors are encouraged to seek experienced legal counsel who understand the trauma-informed approach necessary for these cases. Skilled lawyers can guide victims through the process, help gather evidence, and advocate for their rights to ensure they receive fair compensation and justice.

The Importance of Speaking Out

Coming forward to report abuse is a vital step in the healing journey for many survivors. It not only helps individuals reclaim control over their lives but also aids in preventing future abuse by holding organizations accountable. Scouts Canada has faced scrutiny for past failures to adequately protect children and report abuse allegations, making survivor voices essential in driving change.

If you or a loved one has been affected by sexual abuse within Scouts Canada, remember that you are not alone, and there are legal options available to support you in seeking justice and healing.

Click the Picture to get a copy of Breaking the Silence: The Survivor’s Guide to Sexual Abuse Claims

Here is some helpful information about How to Find the Best Trial Lawyer for Your Case.