Systemic abuse also referred to as institutional abuse or abuse by institution occurs when rules, regulations, laws, policies, programs and/or practices developed by an institution harm and/or discriminate against an identifiable group or a member of an identifiable group.
Institutions are organizations or corporations established for a particular purpose such as education, social/cultural programs, or governance and include schools, churches, and the health care system.
In some cases, an organization’s rules, regulations, laws, policies, programs and/or practices cause harm to groups and/or individuals. The type of harm can be psychological, physical, sexual, as well as financial. For institutional abuse to occur there is usually a power imbalance between the organization and the targeted group or person. It is often due to the organizational structure of the institution that it and the offenders within it are shielded from accountability. Historically this practise has led to the systemic abuse that we continue to confront today.
For fear of disbelief and/or repercussions victims of systemic abuse may be reluctant to disclose the abuse to the institution where they were harmed, or report it to the authorities. Slater Vecchio’s goal is to assist and find justice for those who cannot go up against the establishment on their own.
There are many resources available for individuals who have experienced systemic abuse. Sometimes by assisting survivors to recognize past experiences as abuse, addressing the trauma of the abuse, and guiding survivors toward a future of dignity and well-being.
However, communicating an experience of abuse to others can be triggering and re-traumatizing. When accessing any abuse-related resources all survivors need to be encouraged to proceed at their own pace. Because trauma is complex and individual, the goal of information and support is to minimize any additional negative impact.
If you are in need of services, the following list includes some examples of the types of organizations and resources that might be applicable to your situation.
The Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime (CRCVC) provides support, research, and education to survivors of serious crimes in Canada. They offer assistance and advocacy to all, regardless of the status of a legal case. The CRCVC believes in victim empowerment, to help them regain control of their lives.
The Lukas' House Society is a not-for-profit organization that was created in the memory of Lukas Goguen. The organization was created with the goal of raising awareness about opioids and educating individuals about harm reduction. Their goal is to help eliminate the stigma around mental health and substance abuse.
The WAVAW Rape Crisis Centre provides support services to survivors of sexual assault and other sexualized violence. They advocate for change, both societally and systemically. through activism, education, and outreach. They work to build a better future for survivors by offering support systems and advocating for a greater understanding of the causes of violence.
The British Columbia Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse (BCSMSSA) is a non-profit society established to provide services for males who have been sexually abused. They provided treatment and support services, develop educational material, assist with government agencies, and ensure clear communication and consultation with the community.
Understandably, some survivors are apprehensive about participating in a lawsuit due to the possibility of public exposure. This is a valid concern and unfortunately may be a barrier to accessing the justice system. If this is the case for you, please know that there are options to safeguard your identity. We want to be the ally for those who need to right a wrong.
Legal services can help survivors of systemic abuse hold the offending institution accountable and claim financial compensation for the harm suffered. Often, filing a lawsuit will lead to more survivors coming forward to corroborate abusive systemic practices. Legal services should also provide guidance and information about the legal process. If you are looking to pursue legal recourse, then a knowledgeable and dedicated legal team is vital.
We acknowledge it can be difficult to recount experiences of any type of abuse. All your feelings are valid, and we as a legal team are capable of having conversations about sensitive issues in a non-judgmental and compassionate manner.
Or if you’d rather to talk to someone, give us a call:
604-648-3579
[1] Statistics Canada – Gender-based violence and unwanted sexual behaviour in Canada, 2018: Initial findings from the Survey of Safety in Public and Private Spaces
[2] Canadian Women’s Foundation – Sexual Assault and Harassment in Canada | The Facts
[3] Amelia Rising – Learn About Sexual Violence & GBV