Instances of sexual abuse can be addressed legally in the civil
and criminal systems. Some matters may end up in both. The
processes, purposes of, and possible outcomes in each differ.
Criminal matter
A criminal case is pursued by the Crown with the benefit of
police investigation.
The goal of the criminal matter is to determine the guilt or
innocence of the accused abuser. The burden of proof rests with the
Crown to demonstrate that the accused is guilty beyond a reasonable
doubt. Until then, the accused is presumed innocent.
In criminal matters, the victim will appear in court as a
witness for the Crown, as opposed to a party, and will not
necessarily provide instructions as to how the matter is handled or
resolved. It does not cost the victim anything for this process to
unfold and to reach a conclusion.
