Abuse Survivors Blog

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. 

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.

While over 30 million people tuned in to watch England vs Italy in the Euro 2020 final a few years ago, 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.

The BBC soap EastEnders has been praised for raising awareness in their most recent plotline around the emotive issue of female genital mutilation (FGM). Famous for never shying away from communicating difficult and important issues, the soap focuses this delicate subject around the storyline of the character Mila Marwa. As a child, Mila underwent the horrifying procedure of FGM herself, and becomes fearful of the same thing happening to her younger sister, confronting her mother on her true reasons for sending her sister away to Africa.

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.

We have recently been instructed by a person who alleges they were a victim of sexual abuse at the hands of a deceased priest Reverend Canon William James ‘Jim’ Hawthorne, a former vicar of the Church of England.

We have been instructed by a victim who was sexually abused as a child whilst a resident at St Vincent’s Orphanage in Newcastle.