Childhood sexual abuse in a religious setting, perpetrated by a representative of the religion, is a profound breach of trust.
No amount of money can ever compensate for the lifelong damaging effects of childhood sexual abuse. Abuse in the context of religion is arguably more damaging as it often has the additional layer of spiritual abuse.
Editor's note: Since we reported successful compensation claims against the Cistercian Order in 2017 in respect of six survivors of abuse by Father Kotik Thaddeus, a monk on Caldey Island, more survivors have come forward.
It is reported that over 20 survivors have now disclosed abuse suffered at the hands of monks. Claims of non recent abuse involving priests and religious figures are being re-investigated by police. A public inquiry is being called for, 5000 signatures having been obtained on a petition.
It is hoped that a public inquiry will shine a much needed spotlight on the child exploitation that occurred on Caldey Island, to learn lessons from the past and prevent future failings. As important it is vital that survivors are heard and can find justice and much needed resolution.
We have previously looked at the mechanics of the Criminal Injuries Scheme. Recently we at Emmott Snell Solicitors have been reminded of its importance to victims who have no other form of redress open to them. It is hoped that the case study below will encourage those who are considering making applications to the CICA to go forward with this.
Hampshire Constabulary are currently conducting an investigation called "Operation Seaside" into allegations of sexual abuse at Bembridge School on the Isle of Wight. Bembridge School was a public school which taught children aged 9 to 17, which closed on 23rd September 1997. It was also a boarding school.
Safety during a patient’s time in hospital should be a given. On the rare occasion sadly it is not, and circumstances where hospitals have failed in ensuring the safety of their patients, can be quite shocking.
When a victim of a sexual assault has the courage to report sexual abuse or sexual assault, the police should investigate, and this should hopefully lead to a successful prosecution/conviction, and appropriate punishment (usually prison), for the perpetrator.
For decades a significant number of children have joined the scouting movement hoping for adventure and the opportunity to experience new outdoor activities, learn new skills and make friends.
A victim coming forward to speak about sexual abuse or sexual assault often takes an extreme amount of courage. To be treated with suspicion or lack of respect (however subtle that may be) is unacceptable in any case. This was highlighted in the recent Netflix drama ‘Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey’ which aptly demonstrated the differences in police attitudes and treatment of the main character, and her responses.
While over 30 million people tuned in to watch England vs Italy in the Euro 2020 final earlier this month, only the 60,000 in Wembley stadium witnessed the ‘streaker’ that the rest of us were spared thanks to the discretion of the cameras.
This firm recently acted for a client (‘X’), who was sexually assaulted by a vicar (‘Rev Phillip Hayllar’) when he was a child. X successfully obtained a substantial out-of-court settlement after bringing a compensation claim against the Anglican Church for childhood sexual abuse he suffered at the hands of Phillip Hayllar.
