Abuse and exploitation claims
Acting on behalf of those who have suffered abuse
If you suffered abuse as a child or adult, it may feel like you’re cut off from the world. But you are not alone. At Leigh Day, we fight for you.
We understand what abuse does to you or anyone you know who experiences it, and that speaking up can bring on a wave of emotions. That’s why we handle each case with confidentiality and sensitivity. Whether you need advice or someone to fight your corner, we’re here to listen and support you in any way we can.
Our specialist legal team is rated as one of the best in the UK, with a track record of success over three decades. We’ve supported clients who have suffered sexual, physical and emotional abuse, resulting in psychiatric damage and physical injury. This includes survivors of child abuse and vulnerable adults, such as older people or those living with disabilities.
We also support anyone coming forward years after abuse took place, and those claiming on behalf of someone else – such as a parent for their child. Get in touch with our specialist UK team of abuse lawyers and see how we can help you get justice.
We are sorry but if your enquiry is about domestic violence or abuse by a partner in a domestic setting we will not be able to advise you. Other organisations who may be able to help include:
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Catch up with some of the videos the abuse team have produced
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See how we helped others
Al-Fayed estate put on notice of abuse legal claims
Survivors of abuse by Mohamed Al-Fayed have written to the law firm representing the late billionaire’s estate to put them on notice of legal claims.
First legal settlement for alleged body shaming at Royal Ballet School
A former dancer has settled a legal claim against the Royal Ballet School for body shaming during her time there.
Woman secures damages from children’s home company for abuse endured as teenager
A woman has settled her case against Keys Care Limited for sexual, physical and emotional abuse she suffered from her support worker Andrew Geeson at a children’s home in south Lincolnshire.
In the abuse claims section
Types of abuse claims
Experiencing physical, emotional or sexual abuse can be incredibly traumatic. No matter your age or situation, you shouldn’t have to suffer in silence.
Abuse can take on many forms and happen in various settings, including professional and care environments. Every type of abuse is damaging in its own way, but sadly some types of abuse can happen more often in similar circumstances than others.
Some areas where abuse may take place and involve breaches of trust can include:
- Hospitals and healthcare, where a medical professional may be an abuser.
- Sports, including children’s clubs and international events.
- Schools, including boarding schools, where survivors past and present can bring claims, including for safeguarding and restraint failures.
- Care homes, where children or vulnerable adults may have suffered abuse by staff.
- Children’s homes and foster care, where social services may be involved.
- Churches or religious settings, from leaders or people in a position of authority.
No matter what type of abuse you faced, we are here for you. Even if your situation isn’t listed above, our abuse claims solicitors can help you seek justice and secure compensation for any trauma, injuries and other impacts on your livelihood because of their actions.
Who can make an abuse claim?
Anyone who has suffered from physical, sexual or emotional abuse – whether it happened decades ago, recently, in the UK or abroad – may be able to bring a claim.
We also work with parents claiming on behalf of their child or those acting on behalf of someone who is no longer here or unable to represent themselves. This could be if they have learning difficulties or cannot face making a claim themselves due to the emotional trauma the abuse caused.
Contact our specialist team and they can assess your case, advising on whether you may be able to bring an abuse claim to try and secure compensation and closure for yourself or a loved one.
Take a first step with an abuse compensation claim
Taking that first step towards seeking justice is often the hardest thing to do. But it can also be the most rewarding.
Civil law may find you deserving of compensation for the trauma you’ve faced. How much you are entitled to will depend on your individual case, but it can help you rebuild your life – enabling access to education, training and therapy.
The act of deciding to bring a claim for the abuse you suffered may also help you in taking back power. By making an abuse claim, you can hold your abuser and those who facilitated the abuse to account and hopefully get answers or an apology for the pain you’ve suffered.
Going to court can be a daunting prospect. That’s why we do everything in our power to seek a settlement without going to court. Your claim might also be done with confidentiality and anonymity to protect your name and livelihood.
We handle each case with compassion and care, regardless of how long ago it happened or the nature of your abuse. Time limits do sometimes apply to abuse claims, but you may be able to claim compensation even if the abuse happened decades ago.
Why Leigh Day?
At Leigh Day, we understand that abuse in any form can have a lifechanging effect on the survivor. That’s why we take the time to get to know you and your story, and never make assumptions about your experiences.
We have helped our clients achieve closure and secure compensation across all sectors in many different situations. Whenever you’re ready to make that first step, we’ll be by your side, acting with compassion and confidentiality.
What the directories say
They work with some extremely vulnerable clients and are always able to build very trusting relationships with the clients and ensure that the litigation process is made as manageable and intelligible as possible for those clients’
Legal 500 2022
Group cases
We’ve successfully brought cases on behalf of survivors who were abused in the same setting or in similar circumstances, such as in Islington children’s homes or our claims arising from Operation Hay. We also represent survivors in applications to Redress Schemes such as the Lambeth Children’s Homes Redress Scheme and the Northern Ireland Historical Abuse Redress Board.
Child Abuse Inquiry Work
Our abuse lawyers have given evidence to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) , and we have represented Core Participants to the Inquiry, such as former child migrants and survivors of abuse in local authority care. We took legal action to help ensure that the UK government followed IICSA’s recommendation to establish a redress scheme for former child migrants.
Across four decades
Our specialist abuse lawyers are rated as one of the best in the UK, with a track record of success over four decades.
Abuse claims – FAQs
Yes, you should generally bring legal action within three years of the abuse occurring, or three years from a child’s 18th birthday. This time limit doesn’t apply if you are a vulnerable adult who lacks capacity.
For abuse that involves a breach of your human rights, you should take legal action within one year.
For this reason, it’s a good idea to seek legal advice as soon as you feel comfortable. However, don’t panic if you’re not ready to yet. As abuse is such a sensitive matter, there are often exceptions to the time limits – as seen with all the successful non-recent abuse claims.
Yes, in most cases it’s possible to claim compensation for abuse that happened several years or decades ago. This is usually when you suffered abuse as a child but have only recently come to terms with your experiences and are ready to talk.
The exact rule depends on your individual case, so it’s a good idea to seek advice from specialist abuse claims solicitors first.
It’s normal to feel anxious or frightened about speaking about your abuse in court. That’s why we always try to secure a settlement outside of court.
In some instances, a court proceeding may be necessary. But you can ask to stay anonymous and you or your abuser may not need to be present for the hearing.
News about other abuse claims
Nurse sexually assaulted by colleague receives substantial settlement after Trust refused to refer case to regulator
A nurse who was sexually harassed and assaulted at work by a former colleague has received a five-figure settlement after South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust refused to refer the case to the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Lawyers investigate potential claims against Congregation of the Sisters of Nazareth
Lawyers are investigating potential claims into the sexual abuse of residents at a children's home in South Africa, believed to have been owned and operated by the Congregation of the Sisters of Nazareth (SoN).
Ella Janneh wins her civil claim for sexual assault against sex therapist Mike Lousada
A High Court judge has ruled that there was “no doubt” that Ella Janneh’s account of rape and sexual assault by sex therapist Mike Lousada was true.