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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Helpful videos and guidance
These videos have been created to offer clear, compassionate guidance for anyone affected by abuse. Our goal is to provide reliable information in a way that feels reassuring, respectful and free from judgement.
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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
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.
Types of abuse
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When you entrust your child to a nursery, you expect them to be safe, cared for, and nurtured. The discovery of abuse in such a setting is a profound betrayal, leaving families with shock, anger, and heartbreak. At Leigh Day, our specialist abuse claims team provides expert legal support for survivors and families impacted by abuse in early years settings. We understand the complexities of these sensitive cases and are committed to holding institutions accountable for their safeguarding failures, working to ensure stronger protections are in place for all children.
Our solicitors are currently representing a growing number of families in two significant and deeply concerning cases. We are acting for those affected by the abuse perpetrated by Vincent Chan at the Bright Horizons Nursery in Finchley Road, London, and for families impacted by the actions of Nathan Bennett at the Partou King Street nursery in Bristol. These legal claims, led by solicitors Alison Miller, Andrew Lord and Catriona Rubens, are not only seeking compensation but are also pushing for answers about how these catastrophic failures were allowed to happen. For more details, please see our dedicated pages for the Bright Horizons Nursery claim and the Partou King Street Nursery claim.
Reflecting on the wider implications of these cases, partner Andrew Lord stated, "One case of this nature is appalling, but to have multiple cases across the country is a nightmare come true. All children deserve to be kept safe in nursery, and we are here to advise on civil remedies for those families whose children have sadly been subjected to abuse, neglect, or mistreatment in early years care."
Our work is guided by the wishes of our clients, many of whom want to see stronger safeguards and greater accountability across the childcare sector. We support families in ensuring their voices are heard and in holding companies to account for any safeguarding failures. If your family has been affected, we are here to provide confidential advice and support.
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Top FAQs about an abuse claim
Yes, you can claim compensation for sexual abuse, whether it was recent or in the past. The nature of a claim for sexual abuse will depend on where it took place, when and the abuser’s relationship to the victim.
Compensation may be secured to provide some level of justice. While it can never take back the abuse, it can provide compensation for any physical and emotional injuries, rehab and therapy costs, financial losses and more related to the abuse.
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.
You can get specialist support from the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) when you’re ready. They can help and advise you. Then when you’re ready you can start a child abuse claim with Leigh Day.
The process is similar to claiming compensation for any type of abuse. One of our specialist child abuse team will listen to your case with compassion and confidentiality, advise on whether you have a claim and next steps to take. Depending on this, there are three main ways you could secure compensation:
- Bringing a legal claim against your abuser in the Civil Court – suing your abuser or those responsible.
- Claiming via the Criminal Court if your abuser is convicted.
- Using the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.
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.
Seeking legal advice about the abuse you suffered can be an essential step towards helping you right the wrong that happened to you. Abuse claims are a specialist area of law, and you should approach lawyers who are experts in bringing cases on behalf of survivors.
When you speak to a lawyer, you may be asked to provide details of:
- The kind of abuse you were subjected to – such as sexual, physical or emotional abuse.
- When and where the abuse you suffered happened.
- Whether you have spoken to anyone about the abuse in the past.
The lawyer might want to see any paperwork, documents or photographs that you have that are relevant to the abuse.
It’s common not to speak about the abuse you suffered, including for many years. Abuse involves a breach of trust, and you may find it difficult to trust someone enough to tell them what happened to you.
A specialist abuse lawyer will be experienced in helping clients who have difficulties talking about the abuse they suffered. Your lawyer will confidently and compassionately explain the information they need to provide you with legal advice. They’ll listen to your story in a patient and sensitive manner.
You may find it helpful to write down what you want to say before speaking to a lawyer or someone else about the abuse.
If you feel able to, it can be a good idea to report the abuse you suffered to the police. The police may already be aware of your abuser and/or other victims, and only the police can conduct a criminal investigation into what happened to you.
To report the abuse you suffered to the police, you can:
- Go into a police station
- Calling 101
- Report it on your local police force’s website.
If you prefer to speak to a male or female officer, explain this when you first contact the police. Depending on the police force, you might talk to an officer from a dedicated sexual offences investigation team, a criminal investigation department (CID), or a child protection team.
The police will ask you for some basic information and take a ‘first account’ from you. You can do this:
- Over the telephone
- In your home
- At your local police station.
After this, you may be asked to give a more detailed account to the police. This could be by providing a written statement or a video interview. You can ask the police for a copy of the statement you made.
The police should listen to you and take your report seriously. Not every report of abuse to the police will result in a criminal trial. If a case doesn’t proceed to a criminal court, the police should explain the reasons for this to you.
You may still be able to take a civil claim for the abuse you suffered, even if you have never reported it to the police.
It is possible to seek redress for non-recent abuse that happened many years ago. Time limits do apply to abuse claims, but your lawyer may be able to argue that your case should be able to proceed in any event. At Leigh Day, we have successfully settled many claims for clients who were abused decades ago.
If you’re thinking about making a claim for abuse that happened to you as a child, then you should seek specialist legal advice as soon as you feel able to do so.
In some circumstances, you can claim directly against the person who subjected you to abuse. This may depend on whether the abuser has enough financial assets to pay you compensation.
Your lawyer may advise you that it’s better to take your case against an institution connected to the person who abused you. This could be an organisation that failed to protect you.
Your case will be kept entirely confidential, and we won’t inform anyone about your claim without asking you first.
We are able to keep the legal proceedings anonymous to protect your identity if your case is issued at court. This means that you would be known in the court case as a set of letters, such as ‘XY’.
Your lawyer will discuss the options available to fund your abuse claim. It might be possible for you to obtain Legal Aid, or your lawyer may recommend a ‘no win no fee’ agreement. You may also be advised to take out a special insurance policy to protect you during your legal claim.
Discover more about paying for legal action.
We understand that you may be nervous about appearing in court, particularly if the person who abused you is still alive. In most cases we bring at Leigh Day, we can reach settlements with the opponent, so our clients don’t have to go to court.
If your case does proceed to a trial or a hearing, your lawyer will ensure that you are fully prepared and supported to appear in court.
Similar to other abuse claims, the amount of compensation you could obtain will depend on the specifics of your case. Factors that may affect how much you may secure include the:
- Extent of your injuries
- Effect of emotional trauma
- Amount of time the abuse lasted
- Place where the abuse occurred
- Ongoing impact of the abuse
For these reasons we can’t provide an estimate of any child abuse compensation until reviewing your case.
The process to bring a claim for any kind of abuse can take anywhere from around three to 18 months or longer. It depends on the details of the case, including how recent the abuse took place, who the defendant is and the nature of the abuse.
For example, historical abuse cases may take longer if the individual or institution being sued is no longer around.
Yes
There are numerous reasons why victims and survivors may want to change their legal representation and these include:
- Poor rapport with your lawyer
- Not having a dedicated or lead lawyer that you can answer your queries
- A lawyer who is continually unavailable
- Concerns about the advice you are being provided with
- Lack of frequent and proactive updates from your lawyer
- Your lawyer does not explain things in a clear and concise manner
- Loss of faith in your lawyer’s abilities
- Case is progressing slowly and without explanation
- Feeling pressured to settle your case for less than what you feel you are entitled to.
It is important if you have suffered sexual abuse as a child or as an adult that you choose a lawyer that specialises in abuse cases and only acts for victims and survivors of abuse.
A common concern by victims and survivors who want to move to a new lawyer is about the legal fees they have incurred with their old lawyer. The old lawyer can demand payment of these fees as per their no win no fee agreement.
Most law firms are reasonable and will agree to releasing their file subject to a “lien” over their costs because the alternate is retaining a client who is unhappy and has raised complaints. A “lien” means that the new lawyers promise that if/when the case is successful then they will look to the defendant to also pay the legal costs of the old lawyer.
The first step to take if you are looking to move to a new lawyer is to do your research and to speak to the potential new lawyer. They will be able to provide you with some initial advice as to whether they can take on your case and this will be on a no obligation basis.
If it is not possible to sort out the issues with your current lawyer then the next step would be for you to sign a form of authority requesting your file to be released to your new lawyer. This form would be drafted by your new lawyer and they would also look to sort out the funding position with your old lawyer as noted above and work on getting your file released to them.
You may find it difficult and emotional to speak about the abuse that you suffered. Your lawyer will always take the time to listen to you, but they are not a healthcare professional.
If you are struggling with your mental health it is important that you speak to your GP or other healthcare professional. However, for several reasons, appropriate mental health services may not be readily accessible to many people. If this is the case you can also contact any of the relevant organisations below, who may be able to provide you with the information or support which you require.
There are various charities and services you can speak to for additional support regarding abuse, such as:
- Male Survivors Partnership - 0808 800 5005
- Mind
- Rape Crisis - (female only) - 0808 802 9999
- SupportLine
- The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) - 0808 801 0331
- Women’s Aid
- Care Leavers’ Association - 0161 637 5040
- Childline - 0800 1111
- Islington Survivors Network
- MeTooSchool
- Migdal Emunah-020 3773 9998
- News Pathway - 01685 379 310
- One in Four
- Stop it Now! - 0808 1000 900
- Survivors Trust - 0808 801 0818
- Survivors UK (male only) - 0203 598 3898
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Statement from families impacted by Nathan Bennett abuse at Bristol nursery
A group of families impacted by abuse at Partou King Street nursery in Bristol have issued a statement through their lawyers, after Nathan Bennett was found guilty of sexually abusing toddlers.
Bright Horizons nursery families put company on notice of legal action
A group of families affected by serious allegations of abuse by Vincent Chan at Bright Horizons Nursery, Finchley Road, Camden, have put the nursery provider company on notice of a civil legal claim.
Bright Horizons nursery worker admits abuse of young children
A former staff member at a Bright Horizons nursery has admitted the sexual abuse of children over a period of 19 months.
Survivors of abuse at London private boys’ school secure justice after decades of silence
Two men have settled claims against the Whitgift Foundation for childhood sexual abuse they suffered from teacher Paul Dodd at Whitgift School.
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.