Abuse Survivors Blog

Many victims of sexual abuse live in silence and fear. It is heartening that more victims of sexual abuse are speaking out. The reporting of high-profile cases in the media has helped public awareness of childhood sexual abuse. A growing awareness and acceptance of mental health issues and the role of childhood abuse in causing mental health difficulties has also played a part in emboldening survivors to speak out. 

A recent successful case highlights the importance of the Criminal Injuries Application Scheme and in particular, the abolition of the ‘same roof’ rule, particularly in the context of non-recent sexual abuse cases.

What is it?

The Association of Child Abuse Lawyers (ACAL) was set up in 1999 by leading solicitors in the field of civil compensation claims, for the physical, sexual, or emotional abuse of children and adults.

The Association consists of solicitors, barristers, legal executives, trainee solicitors, barrister pupils, experts, and paralegals.

Tracey Emmott's note: Subsequent to publishing the blog below on 26^th September 2022, the Jesus Army Fellowship Trust launched its compensation scheme for survivors.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

By way of a postscript to a blog published in 14^th 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.

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.