Abuse Survivors Blog

As the year draws to a close and we gather with friends and family to celebrate the festive season, Christmas offers a unique opportunity for reflection. It is a time when many look back on years gone by and set our intentions for the year to come. For many, this period of reflection can also bring to light past traumas and unresolved issues, such as the pain of child sexual abuse.

While survivors of sexual abuse are rarely motivated by how much compensation they will be entitled to, it is only fair to try and advise our clients at an early stage as to what is achievable. It is acknowledged that no amount of money can ever truly represent the extent of harm (and associated consequences) caused by childhood sexual abuse.

The recent media coverage in relation to allegations against Mohamed El-Fayed are shocking on multiple counts: the extent of his alleged sexual predation, the apparent culture of fear protecting him, and the failed attempts by heroic survivors to bring him to justice through the criminal process. Following his death last year, an avenue open to survivors may be to pursue his substantial estate for compensation.

Last week we supported the Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week by wearing the colour teal. T.E.A.L is an acronym for Togetherness, Empowerment, Advocacy and Learning which are values close to our heart.

Jeremy Indika contacted Emmott Snell seeking justice for the sexual abuse he had suffered at the hands of his childminder whilst he was a child. We advised him on an application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

The Jesus Fellowship Redress Scheme marked its first-year anniversary on 26 September 2023. It was set up to compensate former members of the Jesus Fellowship Church (also known as the Jesus Army) who suffered sexual, physical and/or emotional abuse whilst in the organisation. As previously noted, the scheme was launched on 26 September 2022 and will end on 31 December 2023.

Whilst by no means straightforward, it is possible for victims of sexual abuse to pursue their compensation claims against the person who assaulted them if it can be established that the perpetrator has sufficient assets (preferably property) to pay that compensation and legal costs.

One of Emmott Snell’s clients (referred to in this article as Mr G to protect his identity) has successfully obtained an out-of-court settlement after bringing a compensation claim against Coventry City Council for sexual abuse he suffered whilst attending a council youth outreach project.

A report by the Independent Office for Police Conduct in 2021 found that abuse of powers for a sexual purpose was the largest form of corruption in police forces in England and Wales, and that these referrals had doubled since 2016. 

'Let me be clear, misogyny and violence and intimidation against women and girls, in all its forms, is wrong - and it is for us all to stand up and stand together to stamp it out in our society.'  So said Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Noland, following the recent conviction and sentencing of Big Brother celebrity Stephen Bear at Chelmsford Crown Court (3rd March 2023) after posting private CCTV sex footage of him and his ex-girlfriend, Love Island star Georgia Harrison on the adult-only website OnlyFans, for which he received £2,000.