A sexual abuse claim is a legal claim for compensation after rape, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, grooming, exploitation or another form of sexual abuse. You may be able to claim against the abuser, a responsible institution, or through CICA, even if the abuse happened many years ago. Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice offers free, confidential consultations to help you understand your options.
Making a sexual abuse claim can feel overwhelming. Many survivors worry about not being believed, having to repeat painful details, or being pressured into taking action before they are ready. Others are unsure whether what happened to them can still be claimed for, especially if the abuse happened years or even decades ago.
At Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice, we understand that speaking to a solicitor about abuse is not an ordinary legal enquiry. It is personal, sensitive and often extremely difficult. That is why our approach is confidential, trauma-informed and led by you. You can speak to us without pressure, without obligation and without needing to explain everything in your first call.
Our specialist solicitors help survivors understand whether they may be able to claim compensation through a civil claim, an institutional abuse claim, or an application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. We can advise on recent abuse, historic sexual abuse, child sexual abuse, rape, sexual assault, grooming, exploitation and abuse by people in positions of authority.
We offer free, confidential consultations so you can find out where you stand before deciding what to do next. If you do have a claim, our solicitors will explain the process clearly, discuss your funding options and help you understand how compensation may be pursued in a way that protects your dignity, privacy and wellbeing.
- You can complete our contact form and an advisor will call you back at a convenient time
- You can also call our free, confidential helpline on 0333 091 8597, day or night
- Alternatively, speak to us via live chat to discuss making a sexual abuse compensation claim in complete confidence
What Is Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse is a violation of a person’s bodily autonomy and a serious criminal offence under the law in England and Wales. It occurs when one person engages in sexual activity without the other person’s free and informed consent.
In many cases, the abuser exploits power, trust or authority to commit acts that are deeply harmful and unlawful.
The law recognises that sexual abuse causes profound emotional, psychological and sometimes physical damage. Survivors often feel shame or confusion, especially if the abuse was carried out by someone they knew or trusted. However, the responsibility always lies with the perpetrator, not the victim. Sexual abuse is never the victim’s fault.
What Are Sexual Abuse Claims?
Sexual abuse claims are legal claims for compensation made by people who have experienced sexual abuse, sexual assault, rape, exploitation, grooming or abuse of trust. A claim may be possible where the abuse caused physical injury, psychological injury, trauma, financial loss or long-term harm to a person’s life, relationships, education or career.
A sexual abuse claim is separate from a criminal prosecution. A criminal case is brought by the state and focuses on whether an offence has been committed. A compensation claim is usually brought by the survivor and focuses on the harm suffered and who may be legally responsible for that harm.
There are different routes for making a sexual abuse compensation claim. In some cases, a civil claim may be brought directly against the abuser. In others, a claim may be brought against an organisation that failed to protect someone from abuse. This could include a school, religious organisation, care provider, local authority, sports club, healthcare provider, employer or youth organisation.
Where there is no suitable defendant, or where a civil claim is not the best route, it may be possible to claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. CICA is a government scheme that can compensate victims of violent crime, including sexual abuse and sexual assault, provided the eligibility rules are met.
Sexual abuse claims can include recent abuse and historic abuse. Many survivors do not report abuse straight away. Some are children when it happens. Others may feel unable to speak because of fear, shame, manipulation, trauma, family pressure, dependency or the position of power held by the abuser. A delay in reporting does not automatically mean that a claim cannot be made.
At Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice, our solicitors can help you understand which legal route may apply to your situation and whether you may be able to claim compensation.
Can I Make A Sexual Abuse Claim?
Yes, you can claim compensation for sexual abuse if the legal criteria are met. Depending on the circumstances, your route to compensation may differ. Generally, there are two main options:
- A claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)
- A civil claim
Let’s look at each one.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) Criteria
Claims for sexual abuse compensation could be made through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). The CICA scheme is managed by the Ministry of Justice and offers compensation even if the abuser was not convicted. You can see the full eligibility criteria on gov.uk, but below we have summarised the key points.
- The incident must have taken place in Wales, Scotland, England or another relevant place
- You must have been injured in a crime of violence, such as sexual abuse
- You must have reported the incident to the police
- You must also co-operate with the police investigation, such as providing witness statements, text messages, emails, phone records or, in some cases, physical DNA evidence
- Your claim must be started within the relevant time limits, which we discuss below
You must also be able to provide certain evidence to the CICA when claiming through the scheme. This can include:
- Medical evidence of your injuries
- Proof that you meet the residency requirements
- A police reference number to prove that the incident was reported
Making A Civil Claim
In some cases, it may be possible to make a civil claim under personal injury law for the sexual abuse you have experienced. The criteria is different from a CICA claim, but the main points to consider are:
- Is the person or organisation responsible for the abuse still alive or functioning?
- If so, do they have the resources, insurance or legal responsibility to pay compensation?
If, for example, you were abused by a teacher at your school and there were no safeguarding measures in place, it may be possible to make a claim against the body responsible for the school, whether that is a local council, academy trust, private education organisation or another responsible body.
Our solicitors can help with all types of sexual abuse claims. If you would like to speak with us, please get in touch for free, confidential advice.
Civil Sexual Abuse Claims vs CICA Claims
| Question | Civil Claim | CICA Claim |
|---|---|---|
| Who pays compensation? | Abuser, insurer or responsible institution | Government scheme |
| Is a defendant needed? | Usually yes | No |
| Is a police report important? | Helpful and sometimes central | Usually required |
| Can you claim for financial losses? | Often broader | Limited by scheme rules |
| Time limits | Depends on claim type and limitation rules | Usually 2 years, with exceptions |
| Compensation basis | Civil damages, JCG guidance and settlement evidence | CICA tariff |
| Best for | Institutional liability or identifiable defendants | No viable defendant or uninsured abuser |
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Types Of Sexual Abuse Claims We Can Help With
Specialist compensation claim services
Sexual abuse compensation claims we can advise on
Historic sexual abuse claims
Historic sexual abuse claims involve abuse that happened in the past, often many years or decades ago. These claims may relate to abuse during childhood, abuse in care, abuse in schools, abuse by family members, or abuse by people in positions of authority.
Many survivors delay speaking out because of trauma, fear, grooming, shame, manipulation, or not understanding at the time that what happened was abuse. A historic claim may still be possible, but time limits and evidence need careful specialist assessment.
Learn more about historic sexual abuse claimsChild sexual abuse claims
Child sexual abuse claims involve abuse experienced by someone under the age of 18. This may include contact abuse, non-contact abuse, grooming, exploitation, abuse by relatives, abuse by teachers, abuse by carers, or abuse within an institution.
Children are never responsible for sexual abuse committed against them. If you were abused as a child, you may still be able to claim compensation as an adult, even if you did not report the abuse at the time.
Rape compensation claims
Rape compensation claims may be brought by survivors who have suffered physical, psychological or financial harm as a result of rape. Depending on the circumstances, the claim may be pursued through a civil claim, a claim against an institution, or an application to CICA.
A criminal conviction can help, but it is not always the only factor considered. If there was no conviction, or if the incident was not reported straight away, you may still benefit from specialist advice.
Learn more about rape compensation claimsSexual assault claims
Sexual assault claims can involve non-consensual sexual touching, assault by penetration, coerced sexual activity, abuse by a partner, abuse by a professional, or assault by someone in a position of power.
These claims often involve psychological trauma as well as physical harm. Compensation may take account of the effect on your mental health, relationships, work, education, confidence and day-to-day life.
Learn more about sexual assault claimsGrooming and exploitation claims
Grooming and exploitation claims may involve someone building trust, creating dependency, using gifts, threats, manipulation, emotional pressure or authority to sexually abuse or exploit a person. These cases can involve children, vulnerable adults or adults targeted by someone in a position of influence.
Grooming can happen in person or online. It can involve family members, professionals, partners, gangs, organised groups or people connected to schools, care settings, religious organisations or youth groups.
Learn more about grooming and exploitation claimsInstitutional sexual abuse claims
Institutional sexual abuse claims involve abuse connected to an organisation that owed a duty of care. This could include a school, church, children’s home, care home, sports club, hospital, local authority, employer, youth organisation or other body.
A claim may be possible if the institution failed to protect you, ignored concerns, failed to investigate complaints, allowed unsafe access to vulnerable people, or was legally responsible for the actions of the abuser.
CICA sexual abuse claims
CICA sexual abuse claims are made through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. This route may be available where someone has experienced sexual abuse or sexual assault as a crime of violence and meets the scheme’s eligibility rules.
CICA claims are often relevant where the abuser has no assets, cannot be traced, has died, or where there is no suitable organisation to claim against. Police reporting and cooperation are usually important in CICA applications.
Abuse by a person in authority
Sexual abuse claims often involve an abuse of trust or power. The abuser may have been a teacher, doctor, therapist, religious leader, care worker, foster carer, sports coach, employer, manager, youth worker, police officer, military superior, family member or another person with influence over the survivor.
Where abuse was committed by someone in authority, it may be possible to consider whether an organisation also bears legal responsibility. This can be especially important where there were safeguarding failures, previous complaints, poor supervision or unsafe recruitment practices.
Sexual Abuse Claims Against Institutions
Sexual abuse claims are not always made only against the individual abuser. In many cases, an institution may also be legally responsible if it failed to protect someone from abuse or if the abuse was connected to the abuser’s role within that organisation.
Institutional sexual abuse claims can arise where an organisation allowed an abuser access to children, vulnerable adults, patients, pupils, employees, service users or members of the public. They may also arise where an institution failed to respond properly to complaints, warning signs, safeguarding concerns or previous allegations. This could arise in settings such as prisons involving offending inmates.
Examples of institutions that may be involved in sexual abuse claims include:
| Institution/Setting | Example Claims | Possible Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Schools | Abuse by teachers, staff, pupils or coaches | Failure to protect, vicarious liability |
| Churches/religious groups | Abuse by clergy, volunteers or leaders | Abuse of trust, organisational failure |
| Care homes/children’s homes | Abuse by staff, residents or visitors | Local authority or provider liability |
| Foster care | Abuse by foster carers or household members | Local authority responsibility |
| Sports clubs | Abuse by coaches or team officials | Safeguarding failures |
| Scouts/youth groups | Abuse by leaders or volunteers | Organisational negligence |
| Hospitals/healthcare | Abuse by doctors, nurses or therapists | Professional abuse, NHS or private provider liability |
| Workplaces | Abuse by managers, colleagues or customers | Employer liability |
| Military/armed forces | Abuse during service or medical examinations | MOD or institutional responsibility |
Historic Sexual Abuse Claims
Historic sexual abuse claims involve abuse that happened in the past. This may include abuse that occurred years or decades ago, often during childhood.
Many people only feel able to speak about abuse much later in life, sometimes after therapy, family changes, media reports, another survivor coming forward, or a moment that makes the memories impossible to ignore.
Delayed disclosure is common in sexual abuse cases. Survivors may not report abuse at the time because they were frightened, manipulated, threatened, dependent on the abuser, too young to understand what had happened, or worried they would not be believed.
Some survivors were abused by people in positions of authority, such as teachers, carers, religious leaders, doctors, coaches or family members, including stepparents, parents, brothers or sisters. Others may have been failed by institutions that should have protected them.
A historic sexual abuse claim may still be possible even if:
- The abuse happened many years ago
- You were a child when the abuse took place
- You did not report the abuse at the time
- There was no criminal prosecution
- The abuser has since died
- The institution has closed, merged or changed name
- You do not remember exact dates
- You only recently connected the abuse with psychological harm
Historic claims often require careful evidence gathering. This may include police records, medical records, therapy notes, social services documents, school records, care records, witness statements, institutional safeguarding records, or evidence that similar complaints were made by others.
Time limits in historic sexual abuse claims can be complex. The rules may depend on the type of claim, the age of the survivor at the time of the abuse, the claim route, the available evidence and whether the court considers that a fair trial remains possible. CICA claims also have their own time limit rules.
Even if you think too much time has passed, it is worth asking for advice before assuming you cannot claim. Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice offers free, confidential consultations and our solicitors can help you understand whether a historic abuse claim may still be possible.
Will I Have To Face My Abuser In Court?
Many survivors worry that making a sexual abuse claim means they will have to face the abuser in court. This fear is completely understandable. The thought of being questioned, challenged or placed in the same room as the person responsible can feel unbearable.
In reality, many sexual abuse compensation claims do not reach a full court trial. Some civil claims are settled through negotiation. Some claims are resolved after evidence has been gathered and liability has been considered. CICA applications are usually handled through the application process and do not involve the survivor facing the abuser in court.
It is also important to understand that a compensation claim is separate from a criminal case. If there is or has been a criminal investigation, that process is managed separately by the police and prosecution authorities. A civil claim focuses on compensation and legal responsibility for the harm suffered.
If your main concern is being forced into a process you are not ready for, you can still speak to Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice. A confidential consultation does not commit you to starting a claim. It simply gives you the chance to understand your options, ask questions and decide what feels right for you.
Can I Claim If The Abuser Has Died?
You may still be able to claim compensation if the abuser has died, but the available route will depend on the circumstances. The death of the abuser can make a claim more complex, especially where evidence is disputed or where the abuser was the only direct defendant. However, it does not automatically mean that no claim is possible.
In some cases, a claim may be considered against the abuser’s estate. This will depend on whether the estate still exists, whether there are assets, whether the claim is within the relevant legal framework and whether there is sufficient evidence.
In other cases, the stronger route may be a claim against an institution. For example, if the abuse was connected to a school, church, care home, children’s home, sports club, hospital, foster care placement, employer or local authority, it may be possible to investigate whether that organisation failed to protect you or was legally responsible for the abuser’s actions.
A CICA claim may also be an option where the abuse amounted to a crime of violence and the scheme’s eligibility rules are met. This can be especially relevant where there is no living defendant, no insurer, no viable estate, or no institution against which a civil claim can realistically be brought.
Evidence will be especially important in claims where the abuser has died. Relevant evidence may include police reports, previous complaints, witness statements, medical records, therapy notes, institutional records, safeguarding documents, or evidence from other survivors.
If the abuser has died, you should not assume that you are unable to claim. Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice can review the facts sensitively and explain whether a civil claim, institutional claim or CICA application may still be possible.
Do I Need To Report Sexual Abuse To The Police Before Claiming?
This is a question many survivors understandably worry about. Every situation is different, and seeking advice does not mean you must take any immediate action.
In many cases involving the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), the incident does need to have been reported to the police. This is because the scheme is designed to compensate victims of violent crime and relies on a formal record of what happened. However, this does not always mean the abuse must have been reported immediately. Historic abuse can still be considered, particularly where there are clear reasons why reporting was delayed.
If the abuse took place many years ago, you may still be able to claim. The CICA and the courts often recognise that survivors can face significant barriers to reporting, including fear, trauma, manipulation or lack of support at the time. These factors can be taken into account when assessing a claim.
Evidence does not always rely solely on police reports. Other forms of supporting evidence may include medical records, counselling or therapy notes, witness statements, or documentation showing the long-term impact of what happened. Our solicitors can help gather this information sensitively and confidentially.
If you are unsure about reporting or whether you have grounds to claim, you can speak to our team in confidence. Any discussion is handled with discretion, and you remain in control of what happens next.
How Much Compensation Can You Get For A Sexual Abuse Claim?
In this section, we have included some example figures from the CICA’s tariff of injuries. Each award is a flat fee. Only a maximum of three injuries from this tariff can be awarded to a victim.
Only the injury with the highest value is awarded at full value. The second and third most valuable injuries can also be compensated, but only at respective rates of 30% and 15%.
| Harm | Description | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Sexual abuse and extra damages | Compensation for loss of earnings, special expenses and other injuries. | Up to £500,000 |
| Non-consensual penile penetration of one or more of vagina, anus or mouth | Where serious internal bodily injuries and a disabling mental illness of a permanent and severe nature is caused. | £44,000 |
| Where serious internal bodily injuries and a disabling mental illness of a permanent and moderate nature is caused. | £33,000 | |
| The result is a permanently disabling severe mental illness as confirmed by psychiatric prognosis. | £27,000 | |
| Where serious internal bodily injuries are caused. | £22,000 | |
| The result is a permanently disabling moderate mental illness as confirmed by psychiatric prognosis. | £22,000 | |
| Where two or more attackers are involved. | £13,500 | |
| One attacker is involved. | £11,000 | |
| Sexual Assault | A severe mental illness as confirmed by psychiatric prognosis. | £27,000 |
| Internal bodily injuries of a serious nature. | £22,000 |
There is a separate tariff for other injuries that occur as a direct result of an instance of sexual abuse. This includes:
- Pregnancy
- Losing a pregnancy
- Contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
You may receive an additional payment. Injuries from this tariff will not be subject to the multiple injury formula mentioned above.
Additionally, you can also be awarded a figure known as special expenses. They can reimburse you for certain losses and expenditure caused by sexual abuse. These costs must be necessary, reasonable and incurred as a direct result of the abuse you experienced.
In order to claim special expenses, you must have lost out on earnings for at least 28 weeks following the incident. Many special expenses can be backdated. However, if you are claiming for a loss of earnings, this will only be paid from week 29 onwards and will be paid at the rate of Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
You also do not pay any tax on sexual abuse compensation settlements.
Sexual Abuse Compensation In Civil Claims
Sexual abuse compensation in civil claims involves claiming against a legally responsible party. Our solicitors will calculate your compensation by taking into account the pain and suffering you have experienced because of the abuse, including mental anguish. This is compensated under a head of loss called general damages.
Our solicitors may use the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) as a framework to help value your claim. The JCG is useful because it contains compensation brackets for different types and severities of injury and harm.
Civil claims can also compensate you for financial losses incurred as a direct result of the abuse. These are known as special damages. Special damages can include private medical expenses, travel costs, lost wages and other losses, provided there is evidence such as wage slips, invoices or receipts.
Time Limits For Sexual Abuse Claims
Time limits for sexual abuse compensation claims can be complex, particularly where the abuse happened in the past. However, it is important to know that many survivors are still able to pursue a claim, even years later.
CICA Time Limits
For claims made through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), there is usually a two-year time limit from the date the incident was reported to the police. However, exceptions can be made, particularly in cases of historic abuse or where trauma prevented a survivor from coming forward sooner.
The CICA may extend the time limit where there is a clear explanation for the delay and where sufficient supporting evidence is available. This means that even if the abuse happened many years ago, you could still be eligible to apply.
Civil Claims Time Limits
Civil compensation claims are often subject to a three-year time limit. This typically runs from the date of the abuse or from the point at which you first realised the harm it caused. However, in cases of sexual abuse, the courts have the discretion to extend this time limit, particularly where the abuse occurred in childhood or where trauma delayed disclosure.
Because of this flexibility, many historic abuse survivors are still able to pursue compensation. If you are unsure whether you are within the time limits, seeking confidential legal advice can help clarify your options without any obligation to proceed.
The Sexual Abuse Claims Process
We appreciate you have been through an awful lot. For that reason, our claims process is designed to be as simple, straightforward and low-pressure as possible. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect:
- Discuss Your Case With Us – we will review your case in detail during a free and confidential consultation. We will explain your rights, your options and whether we can represent you on a No Win No Fee basis
- We Investigate And Lodge The Claim – if you are happy to proceed, we will begin to gather evidence, build your case and initiate the claim with the other side or relevant compensation body
- Settlement Negotiations – we will respond to the other side’s queries and keep you informed at every stage. If offers are received, we will discuss them with you in full and advise honestly on whether they are fair
Will I Have To Go To Court?
Many people worry about having to go to court and potentially facing their perpetrator. We would like to assure you that this outcome is very unlikely.
If you make a CICA claim, you will never have to see your perpetrator because the case is handled with the government directly. This way, you maintain complete anonymity.
If you pursue a civil claim, there is a very slim chance that your case would reach court. Many parties choose to agree a pre-action settlement due to the high costs and uncertainty of litigation.
No Win No Fee Agreements Explained
You may be worried about the legal fees involved in making a sexual abuse claim. However, if you have an eligible claim, our solicitors may be able to act for you on a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) basis. This is often known as a No Win No Fee agreement.
Under this type of agreement, you do not have to pay any upfront solicitor fees for our work while your claim is ongoing. You also do not have to pay our solicitor fees if your claim does not succeed, provided you meet the terms of the agreement.
If you receive sexual abuse compensation, we will deduct a fixed percentage as a success fee. There is a legal cap on this percentage to help you retain the maximum possible proportion of your compensation. We will explain this clearly before you decide whether to proceed.
Why Choose Our Sexual Abuse Solicitors?
We are specialists in sexual abuse claims, and we understand the challenges faced by survivors. These claims are sensitive, deeply personal and often emotionally difficult, so our approach is built around confidentiality, compassion and clear legal advice.
Where possible, we can gender-match solicitors so that you feel more comfortable discussing sensitive aspects of your case.
Our solicitors understand the claims process, how to navigate it carefully and how to pursue the best possible result for you. We will explain your options, handle the legal work and support you throughout the process.
To see if you could make a No Win No Fee claim, get in touch with us today. Our team is ready to listen with care, explain your options and help you decide what to do next.
All initial advice is free of charge. You can:
- Call us on the number at the top of the page
- Contact us through our website
- Use the live chat window in the corner
What Support Is Available For Anyone Who Suffers Sexual Abuse?
As well as wondering whether victims of abuse can get compensation, you may also be looking for emotional support and guidance. If you are, there are a number of different charities and organisations that could help.
For example, you can:
- Find a Rape Crisis centre in England and Wales
- Speak with Survivors UK
- Find support from The Survivors Trust
Further Resources About How To Claim For Sexual Abuse
- This guide on Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will let you know whether you are eligible and how much you could receive
- NHS guidance on seeking help following sexual abuse or rape
You can also check out some more of our other guides below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below, you can find answers to some frequently asked questions on sexual abuse compensation claims.
What’s The Difference Between A Civil Claim And A CICA Claim For Sexual Abuse?
A civil claim seeks compensation from the abuser or responsible institution through the civil claims process. A CICA claim is made through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority and is designed to compensate victims of violent crime through a state-backed scheme. You will usually need advice on which route is best because you generally cannot recover twice for the same injury.
Can I Still Claim For Sexual Abuse That Happened Years Ago (Historic Abuse)?
Yes, in many cases you can still make a claim for historic abuse. For child abuse claims in England and Wales, the courts can exercise discretion to allow cases to proceed outside the normal three-year limit, meaning many historic claims can still be pursued.
What Kind Of Compensation Amounts Are Typical For Sexual Abuse Claims?
Amounts vary widely based on the severity, duration, harm suffered and psychological impact. Through CICA, tariffs may range from several thousand to tens of thousands of pounds. Civil awards can be significantly higher depending on the circumstances, evidence and losses involved.
Who Can Be Held Liable In A Sexual Abuse Claim?
Liability may rest with the individual abuser, and/or institutional bodies such as schools, churches, employers or care homes responsible for safeguarding. The defendant should have had a duty to protect you.
How Do You Prove A Sexual Abuse Claim Years After The Incident?
You may rely on medical and psychological expert reports, contemporaneous journals or disclosures, witness statements, child services records, school records, hospital records, police records and institutional documentation. Witness evidence from people who experienced similar conduct may also be useful.
Can I Claim Psychological Injuries (PTSD, Depression) After Sexual Abuse?
Yes. If a qualified mental health professional diagnoses conditions such as PTSD, depression or anxiety that are causally linked to the abuse, these can be included in your claim.
How Do Legal Fees Work In Sexual Abuse Claims?
Many claims are handled on a No Win No Fee basis. This means you will not pay legal fees if the case fails, provided you meet the terms of the agreement. If the claim succeeds, we deduct a capped success fee from your compensation to cover our legal fees.
Can I Get Interim Payments Before My Case Settles?
Potentially. In some cases, courts or institutions may allow interim payments to cover ongoing therapy, counselling or urgent costs while the full claim is pending.
What Changes Have Been Made To Time Limits For Child Sexual Abuse Claims?
On 5 February 2025, the UK Government announced that the three-year limitation period for civil claims for child sexual abuse in England and Wales will be removed.
That means survivors will no longer be barred simply because the standard time limit has passed, although defendants may still argue that a fair trial is impossible due to the delay. The reform is expected to apply to both new and previously time-barred claims, excluding those already settled or dismissed.
What Happens If The Survivor Was A Child Or Lacked Mental Capacity At The Time?
Claims can be brought by a litigation friend or guardian on behalf of that person. The limitation period may be paused until the survivor gains capacity or turns 18.
Can I Claim For Abuse That Happened Abroad?
Possibly, depending on jurisdiction, where the defendant resides and where the abuse occurred. You may need specialist cross-jurisdictional legal advice.
Where Can Survivors Get Support While Their Claim Is Pending?
You can access counselling services, victim support charities, mental health professionals, and sometimes statutory redress or safeguarding schemes. Support can help your wellbeing while also providing evidence of the impact of the abuse.
Thank you for reading our guide on sexual abuse compensation claims.
