How Can Abuse Law Lawyer Help Me?
Our Abuse Law experts work sensitively and compassionately with all survivors of abuse.
The effects of abuse often last a lifetime. There is no monetary value that could possibly truly compensate for such experiences. In many instances, the desire to be heard, believed, and publicly vindicated through civil proceedings often outweighs financial motivations for survivors. However, you may be entitled to compensation for the costs of having to seek care, support, treatment, and for the impact it has had on your ability to work, live, and function as normal.
Compensation may also cover things like:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of past and future income
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Exemplary or punitive damages to punish the defendant institution for outrageous conduct and/or to deter the defendant and others from engaging in similar conduct
It would be a mistake to regard child abuse as historical; as something we no longer need to be concerned about. Unfortunately, the abuse of children continues to take place within our communities and institutions. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, you must seek help as soon as possible. Contact the police, your local support service, or one of our experienced abuse lawyers for immediate advice and assistance.
Littles can determine whether you have prospects to advance a claim against a responsible institution. Our expert abuse lawyers provide confidential and practical advice in simple language, and you will be supported and guided at all times through the process.
Religious Institutions
Child sexual abuse has occurred in a broad range of institutional contexts across Australia, and over many decades. However, there have been more allegations of child sexual abuse in relation to institutions managed by religious organisations than any other management type. Religious leaders and institutions across Australia have previously acknowledged that children suffered sexual abuse while in their care, and many have also accepted that their responses to this abuse were inadequate. The failures of religious institutions are troubling because these institutions have played, and continue to play, an integral and unique role in the lives of many children. They have also been key providers of education, health and social welfare services for many years. We assist survivors to pursue justice.
School Abuse Claims in Government & Non-Government Schools
Australian schools can be broadly categorised as government and non-government schools. Government schools are established and run by state and territory governments. Non-government schools are either independent or religious including schools that are affiliated or associated with a religious organisation. Abuse in Australian schools can take various forms, including abuse by teaching staff, non-teaching staff, and other students. Many factors can also increase the risk of abuse, including residential facilities, the physical environment such as private spaces on school grounds, and the institutional and hierarchical culture of a school.
Juvenile Detention Centres and other detention environments
Children can be detained in Australia in a range of lawful detention and detention-like environments. These include physically ‘closed’ and community based environments, and otherwise ‘open’ institutions in which children are subjected to restrictive practices. This includes youth detention, immigration detention, and secure psychiatric and disability services. All of these institutions are places where children are extremely vulnerable and the power imbalances between adult and children within them are great. Varying levels of oversight, and connectedness to relatives and outside contacts are all factors that contribute to the safety or lack of safety of children.
National Redress Scheme
The National Redress Scheme, or NRS, is in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. It is important you understand your common law rights, including your potential eligibility under the NRS. We can help survivors to determine which option is most suited to them.
Historic Abuse
Survivors of historic abuse may continue to experience emotional, psychological, and financial hardship long after the events occurred. Australian law recognises the lasting impact of abuse and provides pathways for seeking compensation, regardless of when it took place.
Foster Care
Children in foster care deserve a safe and supportive environment, but sadly, some experience neglect or abuse. The effects of abuse suffered whilst in foster care can be long-lasting, impacting mental health, emotional well-being, and financial stability
Sexual Abuse
Experiencing sexual abuse can have profound and lasting effects on your emotional well-being, mental health, and overall quality of life. Survivors may face psychological trauma, financial hardship, and difficulties in daily life as a result of their experiences.
