Sexual Abuse Lawyers Kitchener
Kitchener Survivors Deserve Justice — And Ontario Law Removes the Time Limit
Waterloo Region is home to world-class universities, major hospitals, and rapidly growing communities — and like every region in Ontario, it is not immune to sexual abuse within its institutions. Kotak Law is here to stand with survivors across Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge — confidentially, and at no cost unless we win.
Free consultation · Contingency fee — no upfront costs · Fully confidential
You are not out of time. Ontario law is on your side.
No limitation period for sexual assault claims in Ontario
Kitchener, Waterloo & Cambridge
Serving Survivors Across Waterloo Region — Including Those Harmed by Local Institutions
Waterloo Region has grown dramatically in recent decades, driven in large part by its universities, technology sector, and diverse immigrant communities. That growth brings with it a range of institutional settings — schools, post-secondary institutions, religious organizations, sports programs, and workplaces — where abuse can and does occur, and where survivors often face significant pressure not to come forward.
At Kotak Law, we understand that speaking out is one of the hardest decisions a survivor can make. Whether the abuse happened recently or many years ago — in a school, a place of worship, a university campus, a workplace, or a private setting — you have the legal right to pursue compensation and accountability through the civil courts, entirely separately from the criminal system.
We offer consultations at our Waterloo office on Northfield Drive West, or by secure video conference — whichever is most comfortable for you. There is no obligation to proceed, and everything you share with us is fully confidential.
Who Can Be Held Responsible
Institutions in Waterloo Region Can Be Held Liable
Sexual abuse in Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge is not always committed by individuals acting alone. Schools, universities, religious institutions, and employers all have a legal duty of care — and when they fail to protect people in their care, they can be held accountable in civil court alongside the individual abuser.
- Waterloo Region District School Board & Waterloo Catholic District School Board
- University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University & Conestoga College
- Grand River Hospital & other healthcare providers
- Religious institutions and churches
- Sports clubs, leagues, and coaching staff
- Youth programs, camps, and community organizations
- Foster care and group home operators
- Employers and workplace supervisors
What You May Recover
Compensation in Civil Sexual Abuse Claims
A civil claim is not about reliving the past — it is about securing the resources and recognition you need to move forward. Ontario courts can award damages across several categories.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for the emotional and physical distress caused by the abuse, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Therapy & Care Costs
Reimbursement for past and future counselling, psychological treatment, and medical care directly related to the abuse.
Loss of Income
If the trauma affected your education, career, or earning capacity — past or future — you can claim for that economic loss.
Punitive Damages
Where conduct was particularly egregious, courts may award additional damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter future harm.
Ontario Law
There Is No Deadline to Come Forward
The Ontario Limitations Act has been amended to remove limitation periods for civil sexual assault claims entirely. Whether the abuse happened last year or thirty years ago, you have the legal right to pursue a civil lawsuit.
This applies to childhood sexual abuse, abuse by a person in a position of trust or authority, institutional abuse, and historical cases — even where no criminal charges were ever laid, or where charges were laid but did not result in a conviction.
The civil standard of proof is lower than the criminal standard. You do not need a criminal conviction — or even a police report — to pursue a civil claim.
Civil court vs. criminal court: In criminal proceedings, you are a witness to the state's case. In a civil lawsuit, you control the process. You are the plaintiff. The goal is compensation and accountability — on your terms.
You can pursue a civil claim even if there is an active criminal investigation, or if the criminal case has already concluded.
Our Waterloo Office
Why Kitchener & Waterloo Region Survivors Choose Kotak Law
Nainesh Kotak has been practising personal injury and civil litigation law in Ontario since 1994. Kotak Law's Waterloo office — located on Northfield Drive West — serves survivors across Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and the broader Waterloo Region, with access to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Kitchener for matters that proceed to litigation.
We have particular experience with cases involving educational institutions and university campuses, where power imbalances between staff and students can make it especially difficult for survivors to come forward. We know how these institutions operate, how they respond to complaints, and how to hold them accountable when they fail.
We only ever act for survivors. We never represent institutions, insurers, or abusers — which means our commitment is always entirely with you.
For survivors seeking independent support in Waterloo Region, Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region (SASC) provides free, confidential crisis support and counselling independent of any legal process.
(519) 800-8919 · info@kotaklaw.com · kotaklaw.com
How It Works
Your Path Forward — Four Steps
We aim to make the legal process as low-stress as possible. Most cases resolve without you ever having to step inside a courtroom.
Private Consultation
You speak with us in confidence at our Waterloo office or by secure video conference. We listen without judgment, explain your legal options honestly, and tell you whether you have a viable claim. There is no obligation to proceed.
Case Assessment
We review the facts, identify all responsible parties, and outline a realistic path forward — including the types of compensation you may be entitled to and the likely timeline.
Building the Case
We gather evidence, engage expert witnesses — including psychologists, economists, and medical professionals — and construct the strongest possible claim on your behalf.
Resolution
We negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement. If necessary, we take the case to trial. We do not settle for less than you deserve, and we keep you informed at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kitchener & Waterloo Region Survivors Ask Us Most
Is there a time limit to file a sexual abuse lawsuit in Ontario?
No. Ontario removed the limitation period for civil sexual assault claims entirely. You can file a claim regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred — whether it was last year or several decades ago.
This applies to childhood sexual abuse, abuse by a person in a position of trust (such as a teacher, coach, or doctor), and institutional abuse cases. There is no deadline.
Can I file a civil claim for abuse that occurred on a university campus?
Yes. Universities have a duty of care toward their students and staff. If abuse occurred on campus, or was carried out by a faculty member, coach, or university employee, the institution may be liable alongside the individual abuser — particularly if complaints were made and ignored, or if the university failed to adequately investigate.
Campus sexual abuse cases require careful handling given the power dynamics involved. We have experience with these cases and know how to build them effectively.
Do I need to have reported the abuse to the police to file a civil lawsuit?
No. The civil and criminal systems are entirely separate. You can pursue a civil claim whether or not you ever reported the abuse to police, and regardless of whether charges were laid or what the outcome of any criminal proceeding was.
A civil claim can proceed even if the abuser was acquitted in criminal court. The standard of proof — balance of probabilities — is lower than the criminal standard of beyond a reasonable doubt.
What does it cost to hire Kotak Law for a sexual abuse case?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay legal fees only if we successfully recover compensation for you. The initial consultation is free and carries no obligation to proceed.
Can I sue the institution — not just the individual abuser?
Yes, and in many cases the institution bears significant legal responsibility. Organizations — including school boards, universities, churches, sports organizations, hospitals, and employers — have a duty to protect people in their care. If an institution knew or should have known about the risk of abuse and failed to act, it may be held liable alongside the individual abuser.
Will I have to go to court and testify?
Most civil sexual abuse cases resolve through negotiated settlement before trial. We work to reach a fair resolution without requiring you to testify in open court. If a settlement cannot be achieved, we will prepare you thoroughly and advocate on your behalf at every stage.
Your comfort and wellbeing guide how we approach every case.
Can I pursue a civil claim at the same time as a criminal case?
Yes. A civil lawsuit can proceed concurrently with a criminal investigation or prosecution. The two processes are independent. We will advise you on how to coordinate both effectively to protect your interests in each proceeding.
Is my consultation truly confidential?
Yes. Everything you share with us is protected by solicitor-client privilege from the moment you speak with our team. We will not contact you through channels that could compromise your privacy, and there is no obligation to proceed after the consultation.
If it is easier, we can arrange a callback at a time and number that is safe and private for you — just let us know.
Take the First Step — Confidentially
Your story deserves to be heard. Our Waterloo Region team is ready to listen. The consultation is free, private, and carries no obligation to proceed.
Call (519) 800-8919Or request a confidential callback — we will reach you at a time that is safe and convenient.
Follow us
