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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you have been abused by a family member or friend, the only options open to you may be to pursue a claim directly against your abuser, as opposed to an organisation or establishment.

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.