In 2015 Miss 'X' contacted Emmott Snell Solicitors and told us that she wanted to pursue a personal injury claim against the social services department of the local authority, arising from sexual assaults, neglect and physical abuse suffered by her shortly after her birth until she was 11 years old.
Can we put an end to institutional abuse in boarding schools?
Written by Tracey Emmott on 21 Feb 2018
The concept of sending one’s child away to a school where they also live is thought to be something quintessentially British.
One of these steps involves a meeting with a suitably qualified doctor. This ‘medico-legal expert’ then prepares a report on the multifactorial effects that the abuse has had on you.
Redress for Anglican Vicar Abuse Victim
Written by Tracey Emmott on 06 Feb 2018
In view of the upcoming public hearings of Child Abuse in the Anglican Church before the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, the recently settled case of abuse victim, ‘ARJ’, a civil compensation claim in respect of abuse of a child by a vicar in a London Diocese is topical.
Allegations of sexual harassment and abuse have taken centre stage over the past couple of years.
The list of household names either prosecuted or under suspicion continues to grow. A recent wave of allegations includes James Franco and Bill Cosby. And only a few days ago the Glee actor, Mark Salling, was found dead (widely reported to be suicide) after pleading guilty in December to possessing child pornography. He was only a few weeks from being sentenced.
Claiming Compensation for Animal Attacks
Written by Toslima Islam on 19 Jan 2018
Although a dog is seen as a man's best friend, there can be occasions when this is not quite the case.
NHS data reveals that between 2016 – 2017 there were 7,461 people admitted to hospitals in the UK after being bitten or struck by a dog. Dog bites in domestic settings are widely known as the most common injury caused by animals in the UK however injuries caused by animals can occur in other settings such as:
The role of the Litigation Friend
Written by Jacqui Morton on 12 Jan 2018
Where a child or vulnerable adult has been harmed, it is necessary to consider who will represent them in any compensation claim brought on their behalf.
In law, children and those who are deemed to lack capacity (known as protected parties) must be represented in their claims by a suitable and competent adult.
These adults are known as “litigation friends”.
Royal Commission Child Sexual Abuse Report - Impact on the UK
Written by Tracey Emmott on 08 Jan 2018
In 2013, the Australian government set up a formal inquiry into how institutions had responded to child abuse. Terms of reference were established and 6 Commissioners were appointed chaired by the Honourable Justice Peter McClellan. Their brief was to enquire into institutional responses to allegations and incidents of child sexual abuse and related matters.
The Role of the Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (“ISVA”)
Written by Jacqui Morton on 28 Dec 2017
An ISVA can be described as a specialist advocate who works holistically with victim survivors of sexual assaults.
It's an extremely unique role since they offer all the advice and information (which is non-judgmental and impartial) a victim may need when they come forward, irrespective of whether they have reported this to the police.
Heath Mount School teacher sentenced after abusing students
Written by Toslima Islam on 22 Dec 2017
A former school teacher was found guilty at St Albans Crown Court of three counts of indecent assault and one count of sexual assault.
The first three offences took place between 1980 and 1986 while Mr. Michael Curtis was employed as a science teacher at Heath Mount School in Hertford while the fourth offence took place in Kent in 2010 and was also linked to his role as a teacher in a different school.
The victims were all male and under the age of 14 when the assaults occurred.