ARE YOU A SURVIVOR OF ABUSE?
Institutional abuse is one of the most shocking betrayals of trust experienced by people. Victims of institutional sexual abuse are often children, who go on to experience the effects of the abuse for a lifetime, with emotional and financial impacts on the individual and their loved ones. The psychological scars can be extremely difficult to face and may never fully heal. The experienced and caring institutional abuse lawyers at Wyatts can help victims who are seeking justice and compensation for their suffering.
We hear you, we believe you and we’re here for you.
WHO CAN CLAIM COMPENSATION FOR INSTITUTIONAL ABUSE?
Certain evidence is required to make a successful institutional abuse compensation claim. Wyatts institutional abuse lawyers help obtain and prepare the required evidence on your behalf to successfully prove your case.
Institutions where historical sexual abuse
claims might be made include:
Religious institutions, such as a church
Public and private schools, including boarding schools
Foster care services
Government-run institutions, including State and Federal Departments
Sporting organisations
Youth organisations, such as youth and scout groups
WHAT YOU CAN CLAIM
Every historical sexual abuse case is different, but compensation can generally be claimed for:
- Pain and suffering
- Past and future loss of income
- Past and future costs for medical treatment or ongoing care
- Legal costs incurred
THE NATIONAL REDRESS SCHEME
You may have heard of this scheme. It resulted from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and runs for 10 years from its start date of July 1, 2018. While the Government has stated it wants as many people as possible to have access to the Scheme, you should know that it is only one option open to you as a victim of historical sexual abuse.
The Scheme is capped at $150,000.00, and maximum payouts are reserved for the most serious cases. Also, not all institutions are part of the Scheme. Civil cases on the other hand, that can be undertaken on your behalf by the expert team at Wyatts, do not have the same restrictions. Typically, the amounts of compensation in civil cases are much higher.
If you’re not sure about your claim, one of our caring institutional abuse lawyers can provide obligation-free advice.
If you have received an offer for Redress, speak to one of our lawyers before signing anything. Once you accept a payment, you cannot change your mind and make another claim.
HOW TO GET STARTED
We understand that making a compensation claim can be overwhelming when you are at your most vulnerable. Our specialist team of sexual abuse compensation lawyers have the knowledge and experience to help you with your claim. Most importantly, they take the time to listen to you, and always treat you with care, respect and compassion.
The caring team at Wyatts understands how challenging it can be for victims of institutional abuse to take that difficult first step towards seeking legal support and making a claim for financial compensation for the abuse and injustices inflicted upon them. We have many years of experience helping victims make successful compensation claims for historical sexual abuse, in some cases securing record judgements and record payouts.
We’ve helped thousands of people just like you, providing each person with care, support and expert legal advice.
01
CONTACT WYATTS
Tell us about your situation. We’ll listen to you and take the time to get to know you so we can fully understand your situation, physical condition and needs.
02
YOUR ELIGIBILITY
We will explain in simple terms what you are entitled to claim based on what you have told us. Then we’ll offer to get started working on your behalf.
03
WE GET STARTED
You decide if you would like one of our institutional abuse lawyers to start your case. Then we get to work for you.
WYATTS MAKES IT EASY
Free initial consultation
No win no fee policy
Five convenient office locations
In-home consultation If you are unable to travel
We can talk to you in your preferred language
NO TIME LIMIT
If you have been a victim of sexual assault, physical or mental abuse and were under the age 18 when the offence occurred, there is no time limit on when legal proceeding can be commenced.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
An institution is any public or private agency, association, club or organisation that provides, or has provided, activities, facilities, programs or services of any kind that allows adults to have contact with children. Child sexual abuse in an institutional setting can happen either on the premises of an institution, or where the activities of an institution take place.
Our sexual abuse lawyers will listen to your situation with compassion and care. We will advise you on the best course of action, and will represent you so that you get the compensation you deserve. Please contact us today to speak with one of our legal team.
Institutional child sexual or physical abuse can occur in:
- Faith-based and religious settings, including Catholic and other Christian churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, and their associated activities
- Early childhood education and care settings
- Public and private schools
- Health-care and medical settings and situations, including during routine check-ups, emergency visits, hospitalisations, and long-term care
- Out-of-home care settings, including residential, foster and kinship care services
- Sports settings
- Commonwealth and State Government departments such as child protection services, justice, health and social services
If you or a loved-one were abused in an institutional setting, please speak to one of our lawyers. We will listen to your situation with compassion and care, and will provide you with the support you need to claim the compensation you deserve.
Although every case is different, compensation generally covers:
- Pain and suffering
- Past and future loss of income
- Past and future costs for any medical treatment or ongoing care
- Legal costs
Our dedicated and highly-experienced compensation lawyers will provide you with a personalised and attentive service, so that you can get the compensation you deserve.
As part of the NSW Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, time limits for civil claims have been removed. This change to the law was brought into effect under the Limitation Amendment (Child Abuse) Act 2016.
This means that you can pursue a compensation claim no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.
Our team of lawyers understands that talking about child sexual and physical abuse can be difficult, and it takes great courage to speak-up. We will listen to you with compassion and sensitivity, and will support you in your journey. Please contact us today to take the first step towards claiming compensation.
Compensation claims can be made by any person who has experienced sexual or physical abuse when they were under 18 years of age, and while in an institutional setting – regardless of when the abuse occurred.
If you or a loved-one has experienced child sexual abuse, or physical abuse, Wyatts Compensation Lawyers are here to help. We understand that taking the first steps towards compensation can be challenging, so we offer our legal services with compassion and sensitivity. Please contact us today to speak with one of our lawyers.
If you were sexually or physically abused by someone who was not part of a church, school, or other institution, you may be able to claim compensation as a victim of crime.
You may also be entitled to claim compensation if you witnessed a violent sexual or physical assault.
Learn more about how we can help victims of sexual assault obtain the compensation they deserve.
TALK TO AN EXPERT
You might feel overwhelmed and vulnerable about the idea of making a claim for abuse you have suffered as a child. You don’t have to face this alone. Our expert team understands what you are going through and has years of experience helping people in similar situations to you. Let us manage your claim and all the paperwork while you focus on your health and recovering.
If you or anyone you know needs support, these services can help:
Blue Knot Foundation
Reach Out Sexual Assault Support
Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse Support Services
CONTACT US
MEET OUR EXPERT TEAM
Julie Wyatt
Solicitor Director
Neville Wyatt
Solicitor Director
Mitchell Broom
Special Counsel
Silvia Thompson
Senior Associate, Motor Accident Practice Leader
Khristopher Narsimullu
Senior Associate, Work Injury Practice Leader
Kirstin Hansch
Chief of Staff
Georgia Barlow
Business Development Manager
Olivia Power
Senior Associate, Institutional Abuse Practice Leader
What Our Clients Say
L.
Motor Vehicle Accident
We tried to deal with the insurance company ourselves for some time before we realised we needed professional help. We met the Wyatts team and knew the experience would be positive from the start. They were honest with us, communicated every step of the way and were very knowledgeable and organised. They produced a result 20 times more than what we were initially offered by the insurance company. We can’t recommend Wyatts highly enough.
D.M.
Personal Injury
Wyatts was there to advise and help me at every stage of my claim. I knew I had a great team behind me. It was a relief when my matter settled, and I was happy with the result.
D.P.
Personal Injury
What a nice group of people that do care about you and your claim, they treat you with respect and kindness and are always a pleasure to talk to and work through whatever your matters are. If you ever find yourself needing to contact lawyers about making a claim for any personal injuries or anything else, I highly recommend these wonderful people.
C.S.
Institutional Abuse
The team at Wyatts have been nothing but golden, they have been so supportive and have really helped give me a life back. I’ve never met people that are so helpful, so kind and so genuine. The team worked hard with me to help build a strong legal case and have offered nothing but support in getting me the best possible outcome. They have really helped restore my happiness and my faith in humanity.
G.G.
Institutional Abuse
Wyatts lawyers was a great choice for my complex historical sexual abuse compensation claim. Not only did I get a result I never thought was possible, but they were professional, gentle and patient with my sensitive mental health. Although the case wasn’t the easiest of cases, with many bumps along the way, the Wyatts team had a heap of resources and people who could help in all areas.
T.S.
Medical Negligence
Wyatts took over my medical negligence claim from another firm that I wasn’t happy with. Wyatts prepared my claim for a hearing in the Supreme Court and negotiated a great settlement for me and my family. They treated me and my family with respect and sensitivity through this emotional time.
J.S.
Motor Vehicle Accident
I want to thank Wyatts for all the help they have given me throughout my claim. I did not know anything about the process or whether I could get anything at all from the CTP insurer, but you knew what to do. You have really made it worthwhile.
S.B.
Workers Compensation
My life has been one big blur the last month or so and I never expected the result we got. I just wanted to extend my great appreciation towards you. You have defiantly gone above and beyond, and I am blessed to have found such a great solicitor like yourself. You have no idea how much this money will change my life and I can’t thank you enough.
Anonymous
Institutional Abuse
My biggest fear was going to court again. Due to Camille and her team’s hard work, we managed to settle out of court, which was a dream come true. The settlement doesn’t take away the pain that the abuse caused me and what I have had to live with, but it certainly helps. An amazing outcome for myself and my family which would not have been possible without the dedication of Wyatts Compensation Lawyers.
R.A.
Medical Negligence
I chose Wyatts because they were a highly reputable firm, and I would know who was handling my claim the whole time. The directors were available to speak to me if I had any concerns. After some medical appointments and some negotiation, they got a great result for me, and I couldn’t have asked for anything more. Thank you, Neville and Julie.
WIN WITH WYATTS
Free case assessment
Talk to us today about your situation and receive expert legal advice and your obligation-free assessment at no cost to you. Our specialists know the law inside out and they will tell you honestly about your chances of making a successful claim and what the next steps are if you decide to go ahead.
No win, no fee*
When we take on your claim, you will never be out of pocket. If your case is unsuccessful, you won’t have to pay our legal fees. You can have complete peace of mind when you work with Wyatts that your case is in good hands, and we are committed to getting the best result for you.
We care about you
If you’re suffering from physical and psychological injuries, and facing financial losses due to someone else’s actions, we understand the stress of your situation. Our team don’t just provide legal advice, but also the compassion, support and care you need to get your life back on track.
A winning team
We’re proud to have helped thousands of people during their hardest moments, providing them with hope for a better future – and compensation to pay for it. With our expert legal advice and support, you will have the best possible chance of making a successful compensation claim.
START YOUR CLAIM OR MAKE AN ENQUIRY
WHERE YOU CAN FIND US
Level 2/299
Elizabeth St,
Sydney NSW 2000
Parramatta
7/91 Phillip St
Parramatta
NSW 2150
Liverpool
215/219 George St
Liverpool
NSW 2170
Melbourne
Level 19,
180 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Brisbane
Level 19,
10 Eagle St
Brisbane QLD 4000