The prevalence of sexual abuse in music settings is not insignificant. Whether it be in one to one instrument or singing lessons, or in the context of choirs, churches, theatre schools, or music colleges.
The intensity of the musical endeavour involving regular physical contact in the form of regular practices, working in close proximity to others, and a common goal provides ample opportunity for grooming.
The Covid-19 health crisis and the lockdown that has proceeded are providing many with the time and opportunity to reflect on their present and past life.
There can be no doubt that being bitten by a dog is a traumatic and frightening experience that can cause debilitating psychological and physical injuries. If you have been bitten/attacked by a dog and suffered injury then you may be able to make a claim for compensation. This compensation could cover any lost earnings if you’ve had time off work, the cost of any treatment as well as for the injury itself.
We have recently been contacted by a victim of a former Boys’ Brigade leader William Bissett who was sexually assaulted by him whilst he was a member of the Boys’ Brigade.
Many victims of sexual abuse live in silence and fear. It is heartening that more victims of sexual abuse are speaking out. This is thought to be as a result of the public inquiries and reporting of high-profile cases in the media. In 2014 the Government set up the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (“IICSA”) to look at how institutions have handled their duty of care to protect children. The inquiry set up the Truth Project which has heard from thousands of victims of sexual abuse.
This year has seen many reports of an increase of sexual violence/assaults at UK universities by fellow students/mentors and lecturers. It is deeply shocking and disappointing that respected universities have found themselves in the midst of these revelations. This article looks at the scale of the problem, and the justice routes available to those who have suffered, including compensation.
Editor's note: This post was originally written in 2017 and has since been brought up to date in honour of World Mental Health Day 2019.
Secondary mental health problems including compassion fatigue and secondary trauma are especially prevalent among those working in industries that require them to work closely with victims of trauma, or that expose them to trauma on a secondary level. However it's not often given the attention it deserves and as a result, those at risk are not prioritising their own mental health.
A victim of crime can make an application for compensation to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) online, by telephone or post.
Information and assistance with this is often provided by agencies such as Victim Support or the police. It is not necessary to use a legal representative, although for more complex claims such as “out of time” child abuse applications applicants often prefer to use a solicitor.
Many of us associate personal injury claims with injuries such as broken bones, burns, lacerations, bruising or other similar injuries.
However, many people who have been involved in accidents suffer injury to their teeth and jaw in addition to other physical injuries or as a stand-alone injury.
Whilst child abuse can be sexual, physical, emotional and neglect, for the purpose of this article we focus on sexual child abuse and exploitation.
