Abuse in youth clubs

Many youth clubs are a great way for children and young adults to learn new skills and develop important social relationships. Sadly, however, occasionally adult volunteers or youth club staff can subject children to abuse.

Often there will be a significant degree of trust involved in sending children to youth clubs, and the clubs have a duty of care to safeguard and protect children from abuse. Unfortunately, we know that abuse can occur in situations where adults exploit their position of trust over children.

Collectively the abuse claims team at Leigh Day has many years of experience in representing survivors of abuse in compensation claims. They have successfully brought claims linked to different types of youth clubs, such as The Scouts, Marine Cadets, Sea Cadets and various sports clubs. Cases which the abuse claims team have brought include for survivors who were subjected to sexual, physical and emotional abuse.

Reporting abuse can be very difficult. Telling somebody about your experience, if and when you feel ready to, can be a significant step, and it could help to prevent further abuse by the perpetrator. You can speak to the police or you can find a list of some support organisations here.

If you or your child have been subjected to abuse in a youth club, even if it occurred many years ago, it may also be possible to bring a claim for compensation. While no amount of money can change the fact that abuse occurred, you can hold the organisation or individual to account for their part in the abuse which you were subjected to.

At Leigh Day we are specialist lawyers in bringing compensation claims on behalf of survivors of abuse and we can explore the options together with you in a sensitive manner. Part of our initial advice will include options to fund your case, as we can work under ‘no win, no fee’ agreements and can offer legal aid to those who are financially eligible.

If you would like to contact the abuse claims team to explore your options for seeking compensation.