An exclusive public school on the Isle of Wight may not be immediately associated with dark tales of abuse. However, in 2021, Bembridge School became the focus of ‘Operation Seaside’, an investigation by Hampshire Police, following a surge of allegations by former pupils.
Emmott Snell Solicitors Walking for Justice in 2022
Written by Jacqui Morton on 24 Aug 2022
Recent update: Due to the sad news of Her Majesty's death, and the scheduled date of the Bedford Legal Walk coinciding with her state funeral, a decision was taken to cancel the Bedford Legal Walk. Emmott Snell Solicitors would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who kindly made a sponsorship donation. We are currently looking into ways of doing the fundraising by some other means and will update all our supporters shortly.
Compensation for abuse in foster care
Written by Tracey Emmott on 22 Jul 2022
It has been 4 years since the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Armes V Nottinghamshire County Council, enabling victims of abuse by foster carers to seek financial redress from the local authority which placed them in foster care.
Sexual abuse in a sport setting
Written by Jacqui Morton on 15 Jun 2022
Sexual abuse can happen anywhere and in many settings, including sports. Most of us at some point in our lives have enjoyed sport at some level. This may include attending physical education classes at school or local clubs/organisations.
Sexual Abuse in Choir Schools
Written by Tracey Emmott on 24 May 2022
By way of a postscript to a blog published in 14th October 2014 (republished below) this firm finally represented 5 of David Lowe’s victims in civil compensation claims, which were ultimately successful against the Westminster Cathedral Choir School, a London Catholic preparatory school for gifted choristers.
Compensation Redress Schemes – an Effective Route to Justice?
Written by Hannah Hodgson on 26 Apr 2022
Survivors of abuse often seek justice in a variety of ways. Justice can take the form of financial compensation. While no route to obtaining compensation is perfect, in some cases, applying to a bespoke compensation scheme can have its advantages.
Fewer rape cases lead to prosecution or conviction
Written by Bernadette James on 29 Mar 2022
Figures released in early 2021 showed that in England and Wales in the 12 month period to September 2021, only around 820 (1.3%) of the record 63,136 reported rape offence logged by the police resulted in a suspect being charged. Victims of abuse can suffer lasting trauma, and too often their experience of the criminal justice system adds to their suffering.
Out of court settlements for victims of abuse in the Boys’ Brigade
Written by Jacqui Morton on 09 Mar 2022
For decades a significant number of boys have joined the Boys’ Brigade hoping for the opportunity to experience camping holidays and residential activities and learn new skills and make friends. For most of them their experience and memories are happy ones. Sadly, there are some for whom their memories of the Boys Brigade are marred by experiences they would rather forget.
Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Week in 2022
Written by Tracey Emmott on 09 Feb 2022
Sexual abuse and sexual violence is a deeply damaging reality. Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week is a national event aimed at building awareness and campaigning against sexual violence and abuse.
Sexual Abuse and Assaults in Schools
Written by Hannah Hodgson on 03 Feb 2022
Channel 5’s new drama ‘The Teacher’ shines a light on sexual abuse in the teacher/pupil context and makes for deeply uncomfortable viewing.
For many, the reminiscence of school is one full of fond, laughter-full and happy memories. For others sadly it is the opposite; a place where they should have been able to safely develop academically, emotionally and socially, and regrettably did not.