Our sexual abuse compensation solicitors understand that compensation does not erase the past. If you have experienced historic sexual abuse or other forms of abuse, our specialist compensation solicitors can talk to you about how we can help.

A phone call does not commit you to anything. It is confidential and free. We will explore your options, leaving you to decide whether now is the right time for you to make a claim.

Free Initial Discussion

For no-obligation advice and information, call our specialist compensation solicitors today on 01642 247656 or use our contact form and we will call you back.

Historic Sexual Abuse Compensation Claims

Many victims are worried about picking up the phone from a solicitor or leaving a message online because they are not sure that what they experienced counts as either historic or sexual abuse.

Our specialist solicitors can reassure you that historic abuse can cover anything from sexual abuse that took place when you were a child to abuse that occurred a few years ago, when you were a young person or adult.

Some victims think they can’t get help because of the nature of the sexual abuse they experienced. That’s not right either. Our specialist solicitors have spent many years helping victims, whatever the nature of the abuse suffered or their circumstances.

Types of Sexual Abuse Compensation Claims

Every compensation claim is unique and our experienced compensation lawyers have helped survivors across the country in a range of circumstances, including:

• At school or college
• In local authority care, including foster care, adoptive families, children’s homes and secure units
• Churches and religious organisations
• Youth groups, including social clubs and choirs
• Sports clubs, ranging from football clubs to gymnastic activities
• Detention centres, such as young offender institutes
• The childhood home or family environment

Wherever the sexual abuse occurred, whether it was an isolated incident, took place over a long period of time, or was not reported to the police or social services, get in touch and we will talk you through your options.

Criminal Investigations and Sexual Abuse Civil Compensation Claims

A criminal investigation is separate from a civil court claim for compensation, but if the police investigation results in other victims coming forward or prosecution and conviction, this could increase the likelihood of you successfully obtaining compensation.

Whilst there are no set time limits to report a historical sexual abuse allegation to the police it is best to do so as soon as you can. Likewise, it is best to start a claim when you are aware of your rights so we have the best chance of conducting a thorough investigation and achieving financial compensation for you.

Who is the Sexual Abuse Civil Claim Against?

You may be concerned that you cannot pursue a civil compensation claim because the perpetrator has passed away or the abuser has no money to pay compensation.

That could also be because of their conviction and imprisonment or because of their financial situation. However, unlike criminal proceedings brought by the crown prosecution service against a perpetrator, your civil compensation claim could be brought against a number of organisations, such as:

• The education department is responsible for the recruitment and supervision of staff at the school or college where a member of staff carried out the abuse
• The social services department that placed you in foster care, with an adoptive family, in a children’s home or secure unit
• The Ministry of Justice responsible for the young offender unit or detention centre
• The governing body of the sports organisation or club
• The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)

Our specialist solicitors will assess the best route to compensation and, after detailed investigations, discuss with you the potential amount of compensation you might expect to receive if your claim is successful. Wherever possible, we will try to settle a case out of court so you don’t face the trauma of a court hearing.

Our expert team of sexual abuse compensation solicitors provide confidential advice and are specialists in helping achieve compensation for survivors of historic sexual abuse.

How Watson Woodhouse Can Help

We are here to help.

Call us for a FREE and confidential consultation with a specialist solicitor today on 01642 247656 or complete our online contact form and one of our solicitors will be in touch.

Watson Woodhouse Solicitors provides support to clients throughout England and Wales.