Since abuse and bullying are against the law, I filed a complaint against the lawyer with the Law Society of Upper Canada.
I wrote, in detail, about my experiences and provided the names of two witnesses.
The arbitrator who handled my case didn’t give me much hope. It was my word against that of the lawyer’s and the witnesses I provided would likely be of no use. When questioned, they would side with the boss as their job might be on the line.
Last week, after months of waiting, the arbitrator called me and … he didn’t have good news. The lawyer denied everything I had mentioned in my complaint.
It made me wonder about the law. What’s the point of having laws about abuse and bullying if all the accused has to do is say “that’s not true” and the complaint holds no merit.
Physical abuse is easy to prove through injuries or bruises, but how does one prove emotional abuse?
If this case had gone to court, the accused would have to testify under oath, but during arbitration that is not the case. Whatever is being said is taken at face value.
The lesson … if you ever suffer from verbal abuse, make sure you have a recording.