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We Can Help You With:
National Redress Scheme
Child Abuse
Know where you stand when it comes to child sexual abuse
Civil litigation and Child Abuse
We can advise you on legal action where the National Redress Scheme does not apply, or is not the best option for you
Can AJB Stevens Help Me?
Are you a victim of institutional child sexual abuse or assault?
Are you considering applying for the National Redress Scheme?
Do you need guidance on maximising your claim from the 'National Redress Scheme'?
Do you need advice on choosing between civil claim for child sexual abuse, rather than applying to the National Redress Scheme?
If you have answered yes to any of these points, then AJB Stevens can help. Our directors are both Accredited Specialists in Personal Injury Law. We have successfully prosecuted claims against Schools, Government Departments, Religious Orders and Sports Camps. Our dedicated team of Lawyers and Admin professionals are here to help you with these difficult and sensitive claims. Contact us today and see how we can help you.
Request a Consultation
Child Sexual Abuse
At AJB Stevens, our understanding and compassionate legal team can give you advice if you have been a victim of child sexual abuse or assault. You could be entitled to compensation if you have been the victim of child sexual abuse from one of the following parties:
- A religious order or organisation
- A professional person in a position of trust
- The NSW Department of Community Services
- A teacher at a school – public or private
Childhood trauma often has long-lasting consequences into adult life. We understand that most victims do not come forward until their early adult life and we treat these claims with discretion, confidence and sensitivity.
These claims can be complex, so you need an Accredited Specialist on your side. Our experienced team has the know-how to successfully pursue these claims and to ensure that fair compensation is awarded.
The National Redress Scheme
The National Redress Scheme (NRS) was created in 2018 in response to a recommendation of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. It is for adult victims of child sexual abuse or assault. The goal of the NRS is to:
- Acknowledge that child sexual abuse has occurred
- Support abuse survivors with psychological counselling and/or financial compensation
- Hold those responsible, accountable for that abuse
It provides for counselling and psychological services, a direct response from the institution and/or a Redress Payment. The Redress Payment is a form of compensation for child sexual abuse.
This Scheme only provides redress for abuse that occurred at institutions that have signed up to the scheme.
At AJB Stevens, we offer a free claims-assessment, so if you are considering making a claim for a Redress Payment, or if you have received an Offer of Redress, let us assess your claim and advise you on your options first. If you are not sure about your options, or whether your institution has joined the scheme – to find out more information please visit: https://www.nationalredress.gov.au/
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can Claim For Child Sexual Abuse?
Anyone who has been the subject of child sexual abuse can consider bringing a civil case to court.
Anyone who has been subjected to child sexual abuse by an institution, religious order, government department, public, private or religious school or various other institutions may consider applying to the National Redress Scheme for a Redress Payment.
Note that Redress Payments are only available where the institution in question is a member of the National Redress Scheme, and exclusions do apply to some individuals (such as those convicted of an offence and imprisoned for more than five years or those who have already received compensation).
What Are The Signs That An Adult Has Experienced Child Sexual Abuse?
What About Criminal Charges?
Do I Need A Specialist Lawyer To Claim Compensation?
Child Sexual Abuse claims are very specialised, and having an expert on your side ensures that you get the maximum compensation you are entitled to. Therefore, we recommend that you consult a lawyer before considering a civil claim or applying for, or accepting, a Redress Payment.
The institutions have the advantage of having expert lawyers defending them. Having an Accredited Specialist on your side will ensure that your rights are protected.
What Is The National Redress Scheme?
This is a scheme that was set up after the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The scheme was commenced in 2018 and will run until at least 2028. It provides for counselling, direct response from the institutions themselves and ‘Redress Payments’, calculated in accordance with set criteria.
The scheme is only effective if the Institutions, schools and religious orders agree to sign up to the scheme. To see if a particular institution has signed up to the scheme, visit this link:
https://www.nationalredress.gov.au/institutions
What Is The Purpose Of The National Redress Scheme?
The purpose of the scheme is to hold abusive institutions accountable, acknowledge the harm caused and to provide support for child sexual abuse survivors.
It can provide for counselling service, a direct personal response from the institution and a Redress Payment.
What Is A Common Law Or Civil Claim?
A common law civil claim is one which alleges that the institution responsible for your care, breached its duty of care and is initiated through a standard court process.
A common law claim is not just a statutory payment such as a Redress Payment. It is a claim which compensates you for your pain and suffering, treatment expenses, loss of income and care needs.
It is not subject to the monetary limits of a Redress Payment ($150,000).
What Happens If I Accept An Offer Of Redress?
Can I Claim Compensation And Accept The Offer Of Redress?
What If I Am A Survivor Of Non-Sexual Abuse?
Why Choose us?
2 Convenient Locations & Video Conferencing Available
No Win, No Fee Compensation Representation (where applicable)
A Lawyer is always available to speak to you
Ability to use Resolution Plus+ our case management system
We speak your language, our lawyers are fluent in 5 different languages
Adrian Barakat
How can we help?
J.B – Child Abuse Survivor
“Adrian was really good at listening to me. From the beginning he was understanding, kind and caring. He walked me through the process step by step, giving me support at all times. I found Adrian and his staff very helpful, nothing was a hassle. I can highly recommend Adrian and his team.”
W.P – Survivor
“Adrian and his team at AJB Stevens have a very caring and professional manner and it was easy for me to put my trust in them. I appreciate the lengths that Adrian went to in order to achieve an impressive result for which I am truly grateful.”
A. H – Survivor