On 5 February 2025, the Ministry of Justice announced their intention to implement long awaited changes to the three-year time limit bar in child sexual abuse civil compensation claims. This will allow those who have suffered sexual abuse as children to pursue civil compensation claims when they are ready and wish to do so.
Jacqui Morton
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As the year draws to a close and we gather with friends and family to celebrate the festive season, Christmas offers a unique opportunity for reflection. It is a time when many look back on years gone by and set our intentions for the year to come. For many, this period of reflection can also bring to light past traumas and unresolved issues, such as the pain of child sexual abuse.
At this time of year many young people are returning to or starting further education having left school. Most have good memories of this time and have the benefit of responsible, skilled and knowledgeable teachers/tutors whose priority are their students and their wellbeing. Sadly, there are some who use their position to groom and abuse those in their care.
Sexual assaults in a medical setting are a grave violation of trust and professional ethics. Patients place immense trust in healthcare professionals, expecting them to provide care and treatment with the utmost respect and integrity. Unfortunately, there are instances where this trust is breached, leading to devastating consequences for the victims. It is also not uncommon for sexual assaults to be committed by other patients within a medical setting.
We act for two victims who were sexually assaulted whilst resident at St Francis School for Boys, Hooke, Dorset
Many victims of historical child sexual abuse are eligible to make an application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (a government funded organisation that compensates victims of violent crime)for an award of financial compensation.This is particularly importantfor those who are prevented (for whatever reason) from pursuing a civil compensation claim.
Christmas and New Year is often a time when we reflect on the past and make decisions for our future. For most of this, this is a happy time, and we resolve to make lifestyle changes and make plans for the future. For victims of sexual abuse, this time of the year can be poignant and bring back memories of times that they would rather forget.
The Jesus Fellowship Redress Scheme marked its first-year anniversary on 26 September 2023. It was set up to compensate former members of the Jesus Fellowship Church (also known as the Jesus Army) who suffered sexual, physical and/or emotional abuse whilst in the organisation. As previously noted, the scheme was launched on 26 September 2022 and will end on 31 December 2023.
Whilst by no means straightforward, it is possible for victims of sexual abuse to pursue their compensation claims against the person who assaulted them if it can be established that the perpetrator has sufficient assets (preferably property) to pay that compensation and legal costs.
The recent reporting in the Sun newspaper of a BBC presenter paying a young man (since he was 17) a substantial amount of money for indecent images has once again shone the spotlight on indecent image offences and alleged abuse by those in the media/entertainment industry.
