Abuse Survivors Blog

Grooming is often the precursor to sexual abuse. It is also one of the common features of the most serious and protracted sexual abuse.

The perpetrator goes to great lengths to gain the trust, confidence and emotional ‘buy in’ of a victim (and their family) such that they are able to manipulate them, blackmail and brainwash them into believing that either the abuse is tolerable, indeed acceptable, or that they have no power or authority to resist it.

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.

This week, 4-10 February 2019, is the third annual Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week.

This awareness week was established in 2016 to highlight awareness of sexual abuse and violence and generate discussion on this difficult topic. With this in mind it seems an appropriate time to reflect on the work of the Independent Sexual Violence (‘ISVA’) and in particular the training they undertake to equip them with the skills they may need in fulfilling this unquestionably challenging and diverse role.

If you have been sexually abused and are considering seeking justice by way of bringing a compensation claim, there may be options open to you as to who to pursue.

I have been a Paralegal Apprentice at Emmott Snell Solicitors since September 2018.

I decided that an apprenticeship was the best option for me as I didn’t want to go to university, but I still wanted to gain another qualification.

The scale of child sexual exploitation (CSE) cases up and down the country is now well documented and deeply shocking.  

We are all familiar with the grooming scandals of largely white vulnerable girls by gangs of mainly Asian men.

Speaking out for the first time takes great courage and it can be difficult to know where to start.  

Here are 5 things which might offer you assistance and encouragement if you are considering taking this step in 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.

On Friday 14 December 2018 Emmott Snell Solicitors hosted a mince pie and mulled wine morning by way of a thank you to our friends, neighbours and suppliers for all their support this year. As 14 December was Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day we took the opportunity to support this great cause and invited all our guests to wear their silliest (sorry, most festive) jumpers in support of Save the Children.

Two of Emmott Snell's clients (referred to in this article as Mr X and Mr Y to protect their identities) have successfully obtained substantial out of court settlements after bringing compensation claims against Hampshire County Council and Surrey County Council for sexual assaults they suffered whilst placed at children’s homes.