Historical Sexual Abuse
We understand that no amount of money can take away the trauma of suffering sexual or physical abuse. However, if you have been impacted, you may have a right to seek compensation to access the support you require. Our team handles all enquiries confidentially and compassionately. If you think you have a claim, or if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to one of our experienced team members.
Marsdens Law Group has been at the forefront of initiating and progressing claims on behalf of survivors of sexual abuse, as well as acting in the resolution of matters which involve state and religious institutions.
Are you eligible?
If you have suffered sexual or physical abuse, which has led to you sustaining physical or psychological injuries, you may be eligible to claim compensation.
If you were a child at the time of this abuse, there is no time limit for making a claim.
We have experience in assisting survivors who have experienced sexual or physical abuse in various circumstances, including:
- Schools and other places of education.
- Institutional abuse, including religious institutions and state institutions.
- Sporting and recreational clubs.
- Correctional facilities, including prisons and youth programs.
- Medical care facilities.
- Workplaces.
- Defence force institutions.
- Domestic situations.
- Public places.
What are you entitled to claim?
The compensation you may receive if you make a successful claim will vary based on your individual circumstances. Compensation may include:
- Pain and suffering.
- Loss of earnings.
- Paid and gratuitous care.
- Medical expenses.
What are the Legal costs?
At Marsdens we conduct these cases, on a no win/no pay basis. This means that you do not pay our professional legal fees for the time spent preparing your case until the conclusion of the matter and then only if your claim is successful.
In relation to expenses, which primarily relate to the cost of obtaining clinical notes and expert reports, Marsdens have a database of experienced medical and other experts who provide reports of high quality. We will discuss with you the likely cost of reports and if necessary make arrangements to assist you with payment if you are experiencing financial difficulty.
Is instructing a Marsdens solicitor really necessary?
It is our experience that the claim process is much less stressful and more accessible if you have a solicitor managing it for you. The early collection of evidence and information is essential to the success of your claim. Sometimes it can be difficult to know how to get the right documents, what law is applicable and whether your claim is worthwhile pursuing.
Instructing a Marsdens solicitor means that you have an experienced professional who will look out for your best interests, consider your circumstances and assist you in the most efficient and beneficial way possible. We aim to provide a personal service with a demonstrated commitment to our clients.
National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse
The National Redress Scheme is in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Currently, applications can be made any time before 30 June 2027.
The Scheme is responsible for:
- Acknowledging that many children were sexually abused in Australian institutions;
- Holding institutions accountable for this abuse; and,
- Helping people who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse gain access to counselling, a direct personal response and a Redress payment.
To find out more, please visit https://www.nationalredress.gov.au/about/about-scheme.
Can I also make a Victims Compensation Claim?
If you think that you may fit the abovementioned criteria, you may be eligible to make a Victims Compensation Claim.
Please follow the link below to see if you meet the relevant eligibility criteria.
Learn more about Victims Compensation Claims
Contact our Team
It is important to note that if you are eligible for Victims Compensation and/or the National Redress Scheme, you may also be able to pursue further compensation for the abuse you suffered.
Therefore, if you would like to have a confidential discussion about your situation, please contact a member of our friendly Team.