Abuse Survivors Blog

Donna Hughes


Recent Posts

Compensation for Chorister who was sexually abused by Diocese of Chichester vicar

Written by Donna Hughes on 16 Oct 2020

 

Editor's note: This post was originally written in 2019 and has since been updated for relevance.

A victim of sexual abuse by a vicar has successfully obtained an out-of-court settlement in a civil claim against The Diocese of Chichester for sexual assaults she suffered as a child.  

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Child sex tourism - Can there be justice in the UK?

Written by Donna Hughes on 12 Apr 2019

Child sex tourism is tourism for the purpose of engaging in the prostitution of children, which is commercially facilitated child sex abuse .

It is the sexual exploitation of children by people who travel from their home district, geographical region, or country in order to have sexual contact with children.

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Sexual abuse by a Scout Master and redress in the civil court

Written by Donna Hughes on 15 Feb 2019

A victim of sexual assault by a Scout Master has successfully obtained a substantial out-of-court settlement after bringing a compensation claim against The Scout Association for sexual assaults he suffered whilst a member of The Scouts.

Mr X joined a Scout Group in Northwood, London, when he was 11 years old, where he met the group’s Scout Master. Mr X was soon appointed as a Patrol Leader by the Scout Master.

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How a compensation claim for sexual abuse is valued

Written by Donna Hughes on 07 Jan 2019

While no amount of money can compensate the trauma of childhood sexual abuse, an award of compensation represents important recognition that offences have been committed and harm has been caused.  

A judge cannot force an apology and cannot turn back the clock, but the courts can make an organisation or person pay financially for sexual abuse.

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World mental health day 2018 - Wednesday 10th October

Written by Donna Hughes on 09 Nov 2018

World Mental Health Day occurs annually on 10th October and its purpose is to raise awareness of mental health issues and mobilise efforts in support of mental health.

Each year, the World Federation for Mental Health chooses a theme on which to promote ‘World Mental Health Day’.

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Bedford Legal Walk 2018

Written by Donna Hughes on 05 Oct 2018

On 24th September 2018, Emmott Snell once again took part in the annual Bedford Legal Walk, a 10km sponsored walk around Bedford town which raises money for local charities providing legal advice. 

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Protecting the victim's identity in child abuse compensation claims

Written by Donna Hughes on 31 Aug 2018

In the wake of Cliff Richard’s successful court appeal against the BBC, it is right to revisit how victims of sexual abuse can be protected in law from having their identities revealed. There has been much debate over the years on press freedom to report on cases which are thought to be of public interest and the rights of the parties involved in those legal cases.

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