If you, a friend or a family member have suffered a physical or psychological injury (or both) as a result of a violent crime, you may be entitled to compensation under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. Compensation can range from £1,000 to £500,000.
Following the exposure of Jimmy Saville’s abuse in 2012 and the huge media attention that followed the public could be forgiven for concluding that in recent times sexual abuse is perhaps not quite as prevalent.
Recent televisions programmes have shone a light on the prevalence of female paedophiles: the current storyline in EastEnders which sees Mick Carter reliving the sexual abuse he suffered as a child by his social worker Katie, is a case in point.
A significant number of people suffer injuries in public places such as shops, restaurants, schools and parks. Many of these accidents are as a result of negligence or a breach of duty of care on the part of those who own and or control the premises and could easily be avoided.
For the majority of us we consider our GP or other medical professionals to be people who we can feel safe with when having a consultation.
It would usually be around this time in a ‘normal’ year that Emmott Snell Solicitors would have taken part in the annual Bedford Legal, which is a 10K sponsored walk around Bedford organised by the Eastern Legal Support Trust.
Four of Emmott Snell Solicitor’s clients (referred to in this article as ABE, AJC, ASI and ADJ to protect their identities) have successfully obtained out of court settlements after bringing compensation claims against Heath Mount School for sexual assaults they suffered whilst pupils at the school. Each was groomed and suffered sexual abuse at the hands of Michael Curtis, a science teacher. They were all young children aged 7 to 8 at the time.
Editors note: This blog incorporates information previously published in November 2018 but provides a short update on developments since then.
For most of us, school was a place where we were safe and able to flourish and develop academically, emotionally and socially. Unfortunately, for some this is not always the case. Those entrusted with the care of children at school, including teachers and support workers hold a position of trust. Sadly some will abuse this position of trust to gain access, groom and abuse children, often targeting the vulnerable who are seen as easy targets.
Editor's note: This post was originally written in 2019 and has since been updated for relevance.
A victim of sexual abuse by a vicar has successfully obtained an out-of-court settlement in a civil claim against The Diocese of Chichester for sexual assaults she suffered as a child.
