Abuse Survivors Blog

Bernadette James

Bernadette James

Recent Posts

Fewer rape cases lead to prosecution or conviction

Written by Bernadette James on 29 Mar 2022

Figures released in early 2021 showed that in England and Wales in the 12 month period to September 2021, only around 820 (1.3%) of the record 63,136 reported rape offence logged by the police resulted in a suspect being charged. Victims of abuse can suffer lasting trauma, and too often their experience of the criminal justice system adds to their suffering.

Read More...

Claiming compensation from a person who has sexually abused you

Written by Bernadette James

When a victim of a sexual assault has the courage to report sexual abuse or sexual assault, the police should investigate, and this should hopefully lead to a successful prosecution/conviction, and appropriate punishment (usually prison), for the perpetrator.

Read More...

Child Sexual Abuse in the Church: The Ultimate Breach of Trust

Written by Bernadette James on 01 Jul 2021

This firm recently acted for a client (‘X’), who was sexually assaulted by a vicar (‘Rev Phillip Hayllar’) when he was a child. X successfully obtained a substantial out-of-court settlement after bringing a compensation claim against the Anglican Church for childhood sexual abuse he suffered at the hands of Phillip Hayllar.

Read More...

The value of food banks in the UK

Written by Bernadette James on 29 Mar 2021

Sadly, the Coronavirus pandemic has caused countless families onto the mercies of benefits such as Universal Credit and other benefits with the possibility of thousands more following before the crisis is over.

Read More...

Applying for compensation to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority

Written by Bernadette James

If you, a friend or a family member have suffered a physical or psychological injury (or both) as a result of a violent crime, you may be entitled to compensation under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. Compensation can range from £1,000 to £500,000.

Read More...

Compensation for indecent images taken by staff  member at London public school

Written by Bernadette James

For most of us, school was a place where we were safe and able to flourish and develop academically, emotionally and socially. Unfortunately, for some this is not always the case. Those entrusted with the care of children at school, including teachers and support workers hold a position of trust. Sadly some will abuse this position of trust to gain access, groom and abuse children, often targeting the vulnerable who are seen as easy targets.

Read More...

Justice for abuse victim of a church youth worker

Written by Bernadette James on 04 Aug 2020

A former member of a Church Sunday School has succeeded in a civil compensation claim arising from sexual abuse by a church youth worker and has successfully obtained an out-of-court settlement in a civil action. 

Read More...

Legal redress for victims of sexual abuse in schools

Written by Bernadette James on 15 May 2020

The Covid 19 health crisis and in particular lockdown means that children of all ages are unable to attend school and no doubt missing their friends and teachers.

Read More...

Online abuse and keeping children safe during lockdown

Written by Bernadette James on 09 Apr 2020

As the virtual world becomes increasingly part of everyday life, it is no surprise that there are people who are exploiting it to commit crimes, causing deep anguish and distress.  Even more so with the government lockdown due to the onset of the Covid 19 pandemic.  With children off of school, predatory paedophiles have access to them more than ever before. 

Read More...

Sexual abuse and misconduct in the entertainment industry

Written by Bernadette James on 25 Feb 2020

More allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse in the entertainment industry have been exposed, most recently in relation to a top choreographer for the Royal Ballet. 

Read More...