Abuse Survivors Blog

Claiming Compensation for Sexual Abuse: 10 Frequently Asked Questions

Written by Megan Hickey on 17 Apr 2025

We understand that survivors of abuse often face significant emotional and legal challenges when seeking justice and compensation. For the last 15 years, we have strived to provide a compassionate, client-focused approach while guiding our clients through the process. Below, we've answered 10 questions we are commonly asked by survivors who are thinking about bringing a claim for compensation.

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Teacher sentenced to 26 years for abusing boys

Written by Tracey Emmott on 27 Mar 2025

We attended the sentencing hearing yesterday (Wednesday 26th March 2025) of Northamptonshire school teacher Robert Gould, who was found to have committed 29 sexual offences against boys in the 1970s and 1980s, some of whom we represent in civil compensation claims. Gould received a lengthy sentence of 26 years.

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Caldey Island Abuse Review: Decades of Failures and a Path to Change

Written by Tracey Emmott on 06 Jan 2025

We represented six victims of sexual abuse by monk Father Thaddeus in civil compensation claims which finally resolved in 2017.

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Making the decision to speak out about child sexual abuse in 2025

Written by Jacqui Morton on 28 Dec 2024

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.

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Valuing compensation in sexual abuse claims

Written by Megan Hickey on 13 Dec 2024

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.

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Sexual Abuse in Further Education Establishments: A Breach of Trust

Written by Jacqui Morton on 17 Oct 2024

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. 

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Can I get compensation after the abuser has died?

Written by Tracey Emmott on 01 Oct 2024

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.

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St Paul’s Cathedral School – 1980’s abuse update

Written by Tracey Emmott on 23 Sep 2024

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.

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Redress Schemes for sexual abuse: the value of legal representation

Written by Megan Hickey on 29 Aug 2024

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.

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Sexual assaults in a medical setting and case study

Written by Jacqui Morton on 23 Aug 2024

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.

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