Psychological Injury following Sexual Abuse

The resulting psychological trauma from an experience of sexual abuse can be devastating for an individual. Often it can take many years before a victim is able to talk about their experience and feel confident in seeking help.  A claim for compensation will not erase the history of abuse but may assist an individual in coming to terms with their experience and help their recovery.

Claims for compensation following sexual abuse can be pursued against individual perpetrators, providing there is compelling evidence of their involvement.  They can also be made against organisations who have failed to act to prevent the abuse or acted negligently in a way that has facilitated abuse when the risk of abuse to an individual was reasonably foreseeable.

The passage of time since a sexual abuse experience occurred may mean that many victims are reluctant to seek legal assistance.  There is generally a three year limitation period to bring a claim at Court which runs from the date the abuse occurred, or from the victim’s 18^th birthday, whichever is later.  However, the Courts are often willing to allow exceptions to the limitation period depending on the circumstances of the abuse and the individual circumstances of the victim. We will be able to advise you in respect of the limitation period of any potential claims for compensation.