Skilled litigators of Mississauga law firm handle cases of sexual assault and harassment on policewomen

Since #MeToo was first established in 2006, its effects have rippled through society, not limiting itself to high-profile cases in the entertainment industry. In Canada, the movement has inspired courageous women from all walks of life, such as students, businesswomen, and even policewomen, to report sexual assault and harassment and hold those who have hurt them accountable for their crimes. As one of many examples, Ottawa’s Rape Crisis Centre has reported a 100% spike in demand for its violence support services in the past year.

Our labour law community in Mississauga, alongside Human Resources professionals, have also generally noted marked increases in workplace harassment complaints. A safe, non-hostile workplace environment is your right. It is written into the Canadian labour laws, which characterize sexual harassment as conduct, language, suggestive gesturing, and physical contact that is sexual in nature and likely causes “offense or humiliation” to employees.

A handful of female RCMP officers took a stand against sexual harassment, bullying, and gender discrimination in the RCMP. Their bravery and efforts resulted in a massive victory and landmark settlement in 2016 whereby approximately 3,0000 female RCMP officers were compensated in a class-action lawsuit. In the wake of this settlement, female officers employed in police units from communities throughout Canada have been coming forward. They are inspired by the policewomen who took a stand before them. They are finding power in shared experiences and in shared voices.

We at GAB Law Firm are honored to help these women have their voices be heard. We consider it to be an honor to represent the rights of policewomen subjected to sexual assault and harassment in Ontario, and we do not take the responsibility lightly. Gary A. Bennett intimately understands the complexities and special challenges associated with these types of cases. After all, Gary brings over 20 years of experience and a proven track record of favorable results to your case. Gary does not just see you as another case. He sees each person and their individual struggles with sexual harassment, bullying, sexual violence, and systemic discrimination. Gary has navigated the courts and tribunals at all levels. He is also familiar with the people behind the robes and titles, and they are familiar with Gary due to his demonstrated knowledge and experience in labour law, employment law, and civil litigation arenas.

Women, such as the police officers that have been mobilizing in great numbers, are recognizing that the Human Rights Tribunals and Courts provide an effective venue for their voices to be heard where their employers and police associations do not control the process or limit their abilities to advance their allegations. Ultimately, this allows their perpetrators and the organizations that empowered them can be brought to justice. Real changes can be made. The hope is that their daughters and granddaughters will not have to experience what they went through.

We are comfortable and confident working within confines that otherwise might be intimidating or fraught with personal and professional landmines for lawyers with lesser experience and inferior expertise in workplace and civil matters. It is not unusual for clients to come to us concerned about gender discrimination in hiring practices, the promotion process, or the career suicide that often follows making a complaint about this unfair and illegal treatment, especially in policing. We have assisted women who are scarred by inappropriate conduct at the hands of co-workers and bosses, who have given them indecent proposals in exchange for promotions or keeping their jobs. A great friend of justice is excellent record-keeping. We encourage women who have not started to formulate their complaints to begin recording and documenting every instance of harassment, “in writing” starting from now. Records should note the date, time, place, and nature of the incident whenever possible and feasible.

While we are proud of being named one of the Three Best Rated employment lawyers in Mississauga for 2019 and 2021, GAB Law Firm feels that our real rewards come from seeing our clients who have been rehabilitated and are now able to live without fear of retribution and to excel professionally and personally in their careers and communities. We welcome your call and encourage you to schedule a confidential consultation with Gary Bennett.