I was sexually abused as a child and want legal advice about making a claim. What should I expect at my first appointment?

Discussing the circumstances surrounding a potential claim for sexual abuse can be difficult given the sensitive and personal nature of the information to be provided. The first appointment with a lawyer may be the first time the circumstances and effect of the abuse is reported.  It is also often the case that the abuse occurred many years ago and so discussing the circumstances surrounding the abuse can be difficult.  We are very sensitive to that fact and will make the process of telling your story as easy as possible for you. 

We are able to accommodate a request for a meeting with a senior female or senior male lawyer experienced in bringing compensation claims for victims of abuse against individuals, the government, churches and other organisations.  The lawyer you meet with will then manage your claim to its final resolution.  You are welcome to bring a support person to your initial meeting and any subsequent meetings, should you wish.

If you have reported the abuse to the police and you have a copy of your statement, that document can be helpful in providing a background of the circumstances of the abuse.  If you do not have a copy of your police statement, we can assist in obtaining a copy.  It is not necessary for the abuse to have been reported to the police and for there to have been a criminal conviction of the perpetrator in order to bring a claim for compensation.  Some people choose not to report the abuse to police for various reasons.  Alternatively, the police may not be able or willing to prosecute the perpetrator for various reasons.  Again, the fact that the police have not proceeded with a criminal prosecution of the perpetrator does not mean you will not be entitled to bring a claim for compensation.

There are time limits that apply to bringing compensation claims as a result of sexual abuse.  It is important that you contact us to discuss how those time limits might affect your claim for compensation and what steps need to be taken in order to protect your claim.

Contact Katie Sajatovic or Matt DeGregorio at Duncan Basheer Hannon Lawyers on 08 8231 3668 to make an appointment to discuss your entitlements to a compensation claim.

Click here to visit the Duncan Basheer Hannon Sexual Abuse page for further information.

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