What to do if You have Been Falsely Accused of Sexual Assault?

Being falsely accused of any crime can be extremely stressful and nerve wracking. In today’s political climate, being falsely accused of sexual assault can impact all areas of an individual’s life. Just one false accusation that is sexual in nature has the potential to affect not only an individual’s criminal status, but also their employment status, future employment opportunities, volunteer opportunities, education opportunities and even personal relationships including the ability to spend time with and parent one’s own children in some situations. Unfortunately, not all investigations are protected by a publication ban, so getting legal advice early is important.

Five Common Sexual Assault Allegations

Workplace Sexual Assault and Harassment Investigations
Sexual Misconduct Investigations on University or College Campus
Sexual Assault Investigation in High School
Sexual Assault within the Family
Criminal Sexual Assault Proceedings
Historical Sexual Assault Investigations

How far a false allegation of sexual assault or misconduct will bleed into an individual’s life will often depend on who is making the accusation(s) and the context of the allegation(s). Regardless of who is making the accusation(s) and in what context, the first thing an individual should do if they are falsely accused of sexual assault or sexual misconduct is to contact qualified legal counsel. Even if the accuser has not yet gone to the police, experienced counsel can assist in containing the situation to ensure the least amount of damage is done to the accused’s life.

Often, those falsely accused of sexual assault or misconduct will take the position that they need not defend themselves because they are innocent. This can be a huge mistake. Even false allegations of sexual assault or sexual misconduct can have a dire impact on an individual’s life and reputation.

In addition to contacting experienced legal counsel immediately, an individual falsely accused of sexual assault should also document everything. Take note of the dates, times and any other important pieces of information that relate to the accusations. This may help in defending the accusations should there be a need to in the future. Aside from these two important steps, the best way to handle a false sexual assault or misconduct accusation will depend largely on who is making the accusation and the context of the accusation.

Having a complete understanding of the Elements of the Criminal Offence, Your Rights and the Consequences associated with a Criminal Record is necessary before any legal decisions are made. Click here for more information on defending sexual assault allegations including common defences and the law of consent in Canada.

CP24: Civil Sexual Assault Lawsuit at St. Michael’s in Toronto.

Canadian Lawyer Magazine: Sexual Assault Law post-MeToo.

Global News Radio: Two Lawsuits against Harvey Weinstein are being settled.

Global News: Historical Sexual Assault Charges and Bill Cosby.

Global News Radio: Justin Bieber facing allegations of Sexual Assault.

CityNews: Jordan Donich comments to CityNews regarding challenges with Sexual Assault Trials in Toronto.

CityNews: Jordan Donich provides expert commentary to CityNews regarding Sexual Assault Prosecution.

Legal Information

Sexual Assault Resources

Assault
Assaulting a Peace Officer
Sexual Assault Law in Canada
Consequences of a Criminal Record
Domestic Abuse
First Offenders
Immigration Consequences
Keeping Charges Private
Travel & US Waivers
Vulnerable Sector Screening
Elements of a Crime
Your Rights

1. Sexual Misconduct at Work

Allegations of sexual assault in an employment setting have become more common in recent years and can have a devastating impact on those who are falsely accused. Often when accusations of sexual assault or sexual misconduct are made in an employment context, the accuser will go to the human resources department at their company to make the initial report. Many companies have sexual harassment policies in place to deal with such reports.

In many cases, an employee who has been accused of sexual assault or sexual misconduct at work will be called into the human resources department to discuss the allegation(s). Employees often feel obligated and participate in these meetings and may make comments that may be used against them in the future.

When sexual assault or misconduct allegations are made in an employment context in Ontario, employers have a legal obligation under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1990 to investigate. Employers must also have a sexual violence policy in place, which must be in writing and accessible to all employees in the workplace. When an employer receives a complaint regarding an employee, they are obligated not only to conduct a thorough investigation, but also to protect the employee who has made the complaint.

Employers are given significant flexibility in terms of whom they appoint to conduct their investigations. Many companies have an employee within the company that is responsible for such investigations, such as a senior manager or human resource manager. Other companies may choose to hire an external independent investigator to conduct workplace investigations. Whoever the employer selects to conduct the investigation must have sufficient knowledge of the company’s sexual violence policy.

In rare cases where the allegations are more serious and the Ministry of Labour is dissatisfied with the investigation as conducted by the employer, they may conduct their own investigation. Some law firms also specialize in workplace sexual harassment policies and may be hired by an employer to conduct an impartial investigation.

Once a thorough investigation has been completed, the employer is legally obligated to provide the complainant and the accused with the results of the investigation, in writing. The employer is also legally obligated to enforce its sexual violence policy and take action against an employee who has been found to have committed sexual misconduct in the workplace.

Where an employee has been wrongfully accused, in some cases the investigation will uncover the truth and exonerate the impugned employee. This is not always the case, however. In some circumstances the original accusation is enough to seriously damage an individual’s reputation and can negatively impact their career path. This is especially true where the accused participates in the investigation process.

In situations where an individual is accused of sexual assault and criminally charged, they have the right to remain silent. This right ensures that the accused does not say anything to incriminate themselves. An accused may feel as though they have nothing to hide and want to explain the incident from their point of view. Though understandable, this course of action can have serious implications and negatively impact the accused.

Most importantly, any admissions made during an employment investigation into sexual misconduct may be used by police later in a criminal investigation and prosecution. An employer or the complainant may choose to report the incident to police which may lead to a police investigation and a possible arrest.

If you have been wrongfully accused of sexual assault or misconduct at your place of employment, it is important to contact qualified legal counsel as soon as possible. Even a false accusation of sexual misconduct in the workplace can result in negative consequences including being terminated from one’s place of employment and being charged with a criminal offence. Our Firm can help you navigate through the process of clearing your name and ensure the allegation does not bleed into other aspects of your life.

In 2020, the Firm represented an individual charged with sexual assault after allegedly assaulting one of his staff in R. v. M.Z. [2020]. The accused owned several restaurants around Toronto and was arrested after an employee alleged that he had assaulted her inside his office. The Firm took the case to trial and ultimately secured an acquittal.

In 2018, the Firm represented an individual charged with sexual assault and forcible confinement in R. v. S.L. [2018]. The accused was charged after allegedly assaulting his co-worker inside the restaurant bathroom where they both worked. The Firm uncovered evidence of a secret affair between the parties and launched a section 276 application to introduce evidence of the relationship at trial. The Firm used this and other evidence to show that the complainant had fabricated the allegations and deleted relevant text messages from their chat history to mislead the court. The charges against the accused were ultimately stayed.

2. University and College Prosecution

Allegations of sexual misconduct at a college or university can have very serious implications on various aspects of an individual’s life including their ability to continue their education. Additionally, an accusation of sexual misconduct or sexual assault in an educational context, even if false, may result in criminal charges being laid against the accused.

In 2016, the government of Ontario introduced legislation on sexual violence on college and university campuses across the province. Ontario Regulation 131/16: Sexual Violence at Colleges and Universities stipulates that colleges and universities across Ontario must create and implement appropriate policies to address sexual violence and harassment on campus.

The policies must include information regarding support services available to victims, the various accommodations available to victims on campus and how they can be utilized. The policies must inform students that they are not required to make a formal report regarding the incident but may if they wish to. Students must be made aware that they may still access the various support services both on and off campus regardless of whether they file a formal complaint. The policy must inform students of the processes and procedures for filing a formal complaint should the student choose to do so. Finally, the policy must inform students of the processes and procedures associated with the investigative process as well as possible disciplinary actions available.

All of these regulations require colleges and universities to take any and all reports of sexual violence and/or harassment on campus very seriously. This can mean that even false reports are vigorously investigated and prosecuted. Depending on the severity of the alleged incident, a student accused of sexual assault or harassment on campus may be suspended from classes for the duration of the investigation.

In situations where the student has been wrongfully accused, interim consequences such as a suspension can have serious implications on their educational career including loss of tuition funds and a delay in the student graduation date. Even if the student is ultimately cleared of the allegations, any interim consequences can have a lasting effect on the student.

In addition to consequences relating to an accused individual’s education, being wrongfully accused of sexual assault or harassment can result in criminal charges being laid against the accused. Students are often pressured or feel compelled to make a statement to university or college investigators. While someone who has been wrongfully accused may wish to cooperate with the investigation because they feel they have nothing to hide, this is not always the best course of action.

Anything said to a college or university investigator may be used against the accused in a prosecution led by the educational institutional. Additionally, the police may use the statements to file charges against the accused and prosecute them in criminal court.

If you have been accused of sexual misconduct or harassment on campus it is important to contact qualitied and experienced legal counsel immediately. Our Firm can assist you in navigating through the process and ensuring that the allegations do not spread into other aspects of your life. We can assist in drafting a reply to the allegation(s) to ensure your name is cleared.

In the case of R. v. Y.F. [2021], Donich Law represented an individual charged with one count of sexual assault and two counts of assault – choking after allegedly choking a sexual partner without consent. The parties attended university together and the complainant originally reported the incident to the school, resulting in an investigation under the school’s sexual violence policy. Months after the school investigation began, the complainant reported the incident to police, and the accused was arrested and criminally charged. The Firm delayed the school investigation pending the outcome of the criminal case, allowing the accused to complete his degree at the school. Donich Law secured an acquittal on one count of assault and the sexual assault charge at trial, proving that the complainant had fabricated the allegation.

In 2021, the Firm defended a student at Ryerson university accused of sexually assaulting two female classmates on multiple occasions in Case No. xxx34. An investigation was launched after a female student at the school made a complainant to school administration alleging that she had been sexually assaulted be a male classmate. After months of litigation, a friend of the complainant made a similar complaint to school administration, causing a second investigation to be launched. Donich Law ultimately secured the student’s ability to stay at the school and complete his degree after successfully launching an appeal arguing that Ryerson had violated the accused’s procedural rights during their investigation.

3. High School Sexual Assault Investigations

Unlike Colleges and Universities, high schools in Ontario are not required to have policies targeting sexual violence and gender violence among their student body. While many high school’s do have policies in place, there are no rules on what those policies must contain.

When a student under the age of 18 reports a sexual assault to a member of staff at their school, that staff member is required to report the incident to the principal of the school. The principal of the school is then required by law to report the incident to the police. This is the called a duty to report. This rule is generally aimed at sexual abuse occurring inside a child’s home but will also apply where the young person reports that they were sexually abused by another student at the school.

Once a report of this nature is made, the school will generally suspend the accused and launch an investigation of their own. This investigation is separate from any investigation the police may conduct. The school’s investigation will include interviewing the complainant as well as any other individuals who may have relevant information regarding the incident.

Once the school has completed their investigation, they will come to a determination about the complainant’s allegation. If they deem the allegation to be truthful, they will determine how to penalize the accused. A school may suspend or expel a student who is found to have sexually assaulted another student. A record of the suspension of expulsion would likely appear on the student’s transcript.

The police will conduct their own independent investigation. This will include interviewing the complainant and any other witnesses with relevant information. The police may request an interview from the accused, though the accused is under no obligation to provide any information to police.

If the police investigation determines that the accused may have committed a criminal offence, they will arrest the individual and charge them. It is not necessary for the complainant to provide any real evidence that the incident occurred. The complainant’s statement to police is enough to warrant an arrest and prosecution. If the accused is under the age of 18, they will be charged as a youth offender and will be prosecuted through the youth court system.

4. Sexual Assault within the Family

Allegations of sexual misconduct or sexual assault within a family can have devastating implications on the accused and other members of the family. This is especially true where the allegations are false. An individual who has been accused of sexual assault in a family context could be charged with sexual assault, incest, invitation to sexual touching or sexual interference.

In some cases, false allegations of abuse or sexual abuse may be leveled during a contentious parental separation. The allegations may be intentionally fabricated or, in other cases, may result from misunderstandings and lack of trust between parents. An accuser may believe the allegations they have leveled but may have misunderstood what occurred. This is more common in cases involving young children.

Sexual assault cases, especially those involving children, can be particularly complicated. As a result, a significant portion of allegations are never proven in criminal court. In criminal cases of this nature, the onus is on the accuser to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. This can be difficult where there is little to no physical evidence, which is often the case with sexual assault charges. Additionally, young children may not be able to provide the details of the abuse necessary to convict the accused. While children are often able to clearly recollect their abuse, they may also be susceptible to manipulation by trusted adults. This manipulation may lead to distortions in the child’s memory of what occurred.

Where children are involved, the Children’s Aid Society will almost always become involved. They will launch an investigation of their own into the matter to determine whether the child(ren) is safe in the house. If they determine that abuse has occurred or that the child is at risk of being harmed, they may initiate court proceedings to have the child removed from the home.

If you have been wrongfully accused of sexual misconduct or sexual assault by a family member, it is important to protect your rights. The most effective way to accomplish this is to hire experience legal counsel to guide you through the process. Donich Law has experience defending individuals wrongfully accused of sexual assault by a family member.

Sexual assault allegations within the family may also stem from historical incidents. It is common for victims of sexual abuse to take years or even decades to come forward with their allegations, especially when the accused is a member of the family. Click here to know more about defending sexual interference.

In 2019, the Firm secured a withdrawal of invitation to touching and sexual interference charges in R. v. A.E. [2019]. The accused was arrested and charged after a family member came forth with allegations of sexual abuse dating back to 1985. The Firm deployed various investigative techniques to procure evidence ultimately proving that the complainant had fabricated the allegations in an attempt to gain control over family money.

In 2021, the Firm successfully defended an individual charged with two counts of sexual interference and two counts of sexual assault in R. v. V.G. [2021]. The accused was arrested and charged after a close family friend made allegations of sexual abuse dating back decades to when she was a young child. The Firm litigated the case for more than two years, ultimately avoiding jail time for the accused.

In 2022, the Firm successfully represented an accused in custody serving a lengthy sentence on another set of charges in R. v. A.B. [2022]. The accused was arrested and charged with assault with a weapon, assault, assault (choking), cruelty to animals and sexual assault after his ex-partner alleged physical abuse in the family that occurred years prior. The assigned Crown sought a significant penitentiary sentence on initial screening of the file due to the seriousness of the allegations. After significant Crown delay, the Firm put forth an 11(b) argument, stating that the court had violated the accused’s right to be tried within a reasonable time. After reviewing the delay, the Crown significantly reduced their position and withdrew the sexual assault, assault (choking), assault with a weapon and cruelty to animals charges.

5. Criminal Prosecution

Being wrongfully accused of sexual assault or sexual interference can have very serious implications on an individual’s life. In today’s political climate, even those wrongfully accused of sexually based offences often experience an array of negative consequences including employment, education, personal and travel consequences.

In many criminal cases involving sexual allegations, the only evidence offered is often the statement of the alleged victim. This leads to he-said-she-said scenarios where it is the accused’s word against the word of the alleged victim. In these situations, where the allegations being made are false, the accused will often have to fight the allegations at trial. To do this successfully, the defence must convince the Court that the complainant’s version of events is not believable. This is often done by impeaching the complainant as a witness during trial, by pointing out inconsistencies in their testimony.

As with any criminal matter, the best defence will depend largely on the facts of the particular case. The best way to impeach the credibility of a wrongful accuser will vary from case to case. Our Firm has experience defending individuals who have been wrongfully accused of sexual assault and can help you develop the correct strategy to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.

In 2021, the Firm successfully represented an individual charged with sexual assault in R. v. D.P. [2021]. The accused was arrested and charged after committing a sexual assault on a friend. The Firm negotiated with Crown counsel for more than two years before ultimately securing a withdrawal of the charge.

In 2021, the Firm successfully represented an individual accused of sexually assaulting his ex-wife in R. v. C.B. [2021]. After conducting an investigation of its own, the Firm uncovered previous false reports made to police by the complainant. The Firm ultimately secured a withdrawal of the sexual assault charge.

In 2018, the Firm represented an accused charged with 11 counts of sexual assault and sexual interference in R. v. Z.C. [2018]. The accused was charged after allegations were made by multiple child complainants, alleging sexual abuse from the accused.

6. Historical Sexual Assault

In Canada, there is no statute of limitations on sexual offences including sexual offences involving children. This means that an individual accused of sexual assault or another form of sexual abuse may be arrested and charged years and even decades after the alleged incident(s) occurred. When historical sexual assault allegations are levied, law enforcement will investigate. Gathering evidence in these cases can be difficult due to the significant amount of time that has passed. If any physical evidence did exist it is likely to have been destroyed. Additionally, the memories of the victim or possible witnesses could have deteriorated so as not to be reliable.

As a result of this lack of evidence, historical sexual assault cases can be both difficult to prosecute and to defend. Many cases become he-said-she-said situations, with the only evidence being the statements of the complainant, the accused, and any witnesses. In these situations, for an accused to be convicted, the Crown must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the accused committed the crimes as charged.

When defending an individual who has been wrongfully accused of a historical sexual assault, it is important to impeach the credibility of the complainant and any witnesses bolstering the complainant’s version of events. This is done by showing that the complainant and/or witness is not being truthful or does not have a reliable memory of what occurred.

Due to the complicated nature of historical sexual assault cases, it is important to contact experienced legal counsel if you have been wrongfully accused. If you are charged with a historical sexual assault, you can expect specific prohibition orders restricting your contact with children.

In 2017, the Firm successfully represented an accused charged with sexual interference and sexual assault in R. v. M.M. [2017]. The accused was charged after the complainant alleged that the accused had sexually abused them as a child, more than four decades prior. After three years of litigation, the Firm secured a withdrawal of the charges.

What to Do if You’ve been Falsely Accused of Sexual Assault?