We represented six victims of sexual abuse by monk Father Thaddeus in civil compensation claims which finally resolved in 2017.
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.
At this time of year many young people are returning to or starting further education having left school. Most have good memories of this time and have the benefit of responsible, skilled and knowledgeable teachers/tutors whose priority are their students and their wellbeing. Sadly, there are some who use their position to groom and abuse those in their care.
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.
Two former staff of St Paul’s Cathedral School have been convicted of sexual offences against former choristers in the 1980’s – Anthony Reece in 2002 and 2008, and Stephen Douglas Hogg in 2009. In 2004 a senior adult choir member of St Paul’s Cathedral Mark Peterson, was also convicted of abusing St Paul’s choristers.
In recent years, several compensation redress schemes have been established to compensate individuals who have suffered sexual abuse in specific institutions. Notable examples include St James and St Vedast Redress Scheme, The Manchester City Football Club Redress Scheme, Scotland’s
Redress Scheme, The Historic Abuse Redress Scheme (States of Jersey) and the Jesus Fellowship Redress Scheme.
Sexual assaults in a medical setting are a grave violation of trust and professional ethics. Patients place immense trust in healthcare professionals, expecting them to provide care and treatment with the utmost respect and integrity. Unfortunately, there are instances where this trust is breached, leading to devastating consequences for the victims. It is also not uncommon for sexual assaults to be committed by other patients within a medical setting.
In light of the recent conviction of ex-teacher Rebecca Joynes for sex offences against two school boys, it seems an apt time to re-publish our blog discussing the prevalence of female predators (originally published in January 2022).
Our paralegal, Megan Hickey, has competed in national competitions as a cheerleader and is familiar with trust placed in coaches. Cheerleading is a contact sport that requires an immense amount of physical touch in order to carry parts of the routines, especially the stunting sequences. Responsible coaches are essential in this dangerous sport, not just due to its physical nature but also due to the trust involved.
