If you are a victim-survivor of childhood sexual abuse, you deserve justice. It doesn’t matter how much time has passed, when you’re ready to pursue justice, you need to do so with the right legal support to ensure you receive the outcome you deserve. 

Historical sexual abuse claims are complex, and the legal process can be gruelling. In addition to dealing with long-buried emotions, you must repeat sensitive situations and circumstances whilst dealing with the emotional challenges that come with it. You need the right family sexual abuse lawyers fighting your corner, a team that understands the legal landscape and can ease the emotional burden you’ve been carrying.

Types of Historical Abuse Claims

Child Sexual Abuse

Child sexual abuse is an umbrella term for any type of physical or sexual assault against a child. The Family Law Act 1975 defines it as sexual assault but includes using a child (or children) as a sexual object, directly or indirectly, in a situation where the offender has unequal power over the child. The act of sex is not the only form of child sexual abuse, it also includes luring children into sexual activity, whether it’s physical, emotional, or verbal. Offenders can be children or adults but are usually known to the victim. Often, these claims involve institutions, including foster homes, schools, religious organisations, juvenile detention centres, or kid’s clubs.

Institutional Abuse

Institutional abuse was the subject of the ‘Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse’ and the resulting sexual abuse compensation scheme was put in place to provide victim-survivors with compensation through the National Redress Scheme (NRS).

Qualities to Look for in a Lawyer Specialising in Historical Abuse Claims 

When you start the search for the right sexual abuse lawyers in Sydney, you need to ensure the team is experienced in handling abuse claims. Lawyers may cover a wide range of services, but you must find someone who has successfully handled historical child sexual abuse cases because it’s a sensitive subject and requires a profound understanding of the relevant laws.

Look for a law firm that has experience in sexual abuse law, personal injury law, compensation claims, or all three. These are the types of lawyers who have the relevant expertise to handle your case and ensure you receive fair compensation for what you experienced. 

You should ask questions about their record of success – how much success have they had handling cases like yours? With a solid history of successfully handling claims, you can move forward with some peace of mind that they can provide the right help. Experience is also an important part of the empathy puzzle. Lawyers who have experience handling child sexual abuse cases are more supportive and compassionate because they have been through the journey with other victim-survivors.

How to Search for the Right Lawyer for Historical Abuse Claims

Start by researching lawyers in your area who specialise in handling abuse claims. Most law firms detail their success rates on their websites and explain their specialties to help you get a better picture of what they excel at. You can also speak to people you know for recommendations, especially people in support groups or other victim-survivors who have been through the claims process. Alternatively, try an online legal directory to find the right team. 

Most firms provide free consultations so you can get a sense of how well they fit, so don’t be afraid to book several. 

What to Expect During the Initial Consultation

When you sit down for your free consultation, the lawyer will ask you for details about what happened to you. This is a standard part of the process because they will need to assess your case, break down the steps involved with pursuing a claim, and explain how they approach these cases and claims. Remember, these consultations are confidential, but if you don’t feel safe or respected you don’t have to share more than you feel comfortable with. 

There is more than one path to justice, but a lawyer can help guide you down the right path. A claim through the NRS is one of the least stressful options, but you could also pursue civil litigation or a criminal injury claim. A lawyer should advise you on which path is likely to succeed based on the evidence you have. 

Many firms operate on a no-win, no-fee arrangement, so you don’t need to pay unless your case is successful. Still, you need to know the costs associated with your case once it’s complete. 

Questions to Ask a Lawyer During Your Consultation 

  • Ask about their experience handling historical abuse claims and their track record.
  • Ask how they plan to support you emotionally throughout the duration of the case.
  • Discuss the fee structure and whether payment plans are available.
  • Ask what the process looks like, how long it takes, what challenges you could face, and expected outcomes.

The Importance of Legal Advice in Historical Abuse Claims

An experienced lawyer will help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights, and as important as that is, it’s just a fraction of what they will provide you with during your journey to justice. The right lawyer will help you complete your claim to ensure you get the most compensation possible and secure the apology you deserved years ago. A lawyer will put you back in control whilst lifting the stress of the legal action, leaving you feeling empowered.

Find the Right Legal Help for Your Historical Abuse Claim 

If you are a victim-survivor of child sexual abuse and believe it’s time for justice, reach out to AJB Stevens to arrange a free, confidential consultation. Finding the right lawyer to handle your case is the first concrete step toward justice and healing and the right legal expert will provide advice and guidance every step of the way.