Redress Schemes for Victims of Abuse

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If you have suffered child abuse at a public or private institution or by a particular person, there may be a Redress Scheme established to provide support and compensation. Our Child Abuse Solicitors have extensive experience in helping survivors of abuse access Redress Schemes. We know the courage it takes to come forward and claim compensation. at Simpson Millar, we have a committed abuse team who are sensitive, compassionate, and dedicated to getting abuse survivors the compensation they need to move forward with their lives.

When you're ready to talk, we're here to listen.

In recent years, various Redress Schemes have been introduced in order to compensate, or provide redress to people who have suffered abuse in certain institutions or at the hands of specific people.

We know getting monetary compensation is not the reason many abuse survivors choose to bring a claim. Some want to take control of what happened and have the abuse acknowledged. Redress Schemes can provide a sense of closure and justice and are designed to make it easier for abuse survivors to access support and compensation.

Our Abuse Team have been helping survivors for more than 30 years and can support you in taking the first steps towards making a Redress Scheme claim. We'll do everything we can to make the whole process as easy as possible for you.

Contact us for a free case assessment, and we'll talk to you about how we can help.

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How Does A Redress Scheme Help?

Redress schemes are a way of providing compensation, counselling, support or an apology or other remedy, and are set up to make the process easier compared with bringing a civil compensation claim.

If a Redress Scheme has been established, you may still be able to bring a civil claim. But there are several advantages to applying for compensation through a Redress Scheme, including:

  • A gentler process – Redress Schemes have been established specifically to find a resolution and help abuse survivors. Unlike the civil claims route, Redress Schemes promote caring and non-confrontational processes. There are no winners and losers, instead everyone is focused on getting survivors the compensation and support they need.
  • Access to support – many Redress Schemes have support such as access to therapy built into them.
  • Consistency – all abuse survivors are treated equally under the Scheme.
  • Easy to qualify – you'll not have to provide the high levels of proof required by the Court in a civil claim. If you’ve suffered abuse at the hands of someone who works or volunteers at the institution, you’ll normally qualify for compensation.
  • Fast – Redress Schemes are designed to provide a swift resolution for survivors. Civil claims can take between  2-3 years to decide and sometimes even longer.
  • Compassion and understanding – the abuse and its impact on survivors would have been thoroughly investigated by the people who set up the redress scheme. They will know what you’ve been through and see you as a person rather than merely a claim number.

What are some previous redress schemes?

The team at Simpson Millar has extensive experience of successfully bringing claims under numerous Redress Schemes over many years including:

The Lambeth Redress Scheme

The London Borough of Lambeth Council established the Lambeth Redress Scheme to enable appropriate redress to be given to children who suffered non-recent sexual, physical, and/or psychological abuse or were in fear of being abused whilst they were resident at one of the Council's Children's Homes or Shirley Oaks Primary School.

Redress under the scheme included an apology, counselling, other therapeutic support, specialist welfare advice, support and assistance, and compensation.

Medomsley Redress Scheme

Medomsley was a youth detention centre in County Durham which operated from the late 1960s until 1990. Two members of staff Neville Husband and Leslie Johnson were convicted in 2003 and 2005 for serious sexual assault. Five former staff members were also convicted in March 2019 for offences of misconduct in a public office and physical assault.

To date, there have been over 1800 reports of abuse at Medomsley. The Ministry of Justice set up a compensation scheme in February 2020. Individuals are able to claim compensation even if the staff member involved has not been convicted, named or identified.

Manchester City Football Club Redress Scheme

Manchester City Football Club launched a 'Survivor's Scheme' in 2019 to compensate victims of historic abuse. The scheme is for survivors of abuse by Barry Bennell, the former youth coach and John Broome a former talent spotter and coach connected with Manchester City.

The scheme incorporates awarding compensation and a formal apology.

Church Of England Redress Scheme

The Church of England is establishing a Redress Scheme for survivors of abuse however the details of when it will be set up and how it will work are not fully known.

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How Do You Make A Claim Under A Redress Scheme?

It can feel like a huge step to start a compensation claim, but you can trust that we'll be by your side every step of the way. In most cases, Redress Scheme applications run as follows:

  • Initial consultation – we provide a safe, compassionate environment in which you can explain what happened to you. Once we understand your experience, we'll look into whether there is a Redress Scheme available and establish if you qualify under its terms.
  • Application – we'll collect all the documentation required to support your case. This includes any evidence to support your claim under the scheme. We'll fill in the application form, and, having reviewed it, if you are happy with the contents, we will submit your claim on your behalf.
  • Outcome – the Redress Scheme panel will review your application and, in a non-confrontational way, decide on whether to award compensation. We'll answer any questions they have and take care of all the technicalities of making a claim.
  • Compensation – if the panel accept your claim, you’ll be paid compensation. You may also be able to access any support services available under the scheme.
  • Review – if your application is turned down, we'll look into other options available, which may include appealing the decision and/or bringing a civil compensation claim.

Our Child Abuse Solicitors will be by your side throughout the entire process. It matters to us that you get the compensation and support you need to move forward with your life.

Why Choose Simpson Millar?

Our Child Abuse Solicitors have a national reputation for being compassionate, caring, and driven to get survivors the compensation they need to move forward with their lives. Members of our child abuse team have advised on national inquiries and act as Trustees of abuse support services.

By choosing us, you can trust that we'll:

  • Listen carefully and compassionately
  • Protect your privacy.
  • Provide you with details of support groups who can help you heal.
  • Speak in plain English with no legal jargon.
  • Explain every step of your case and what any decisions mean for you in the long term.
  • Take away the stress and worry of bringing an Redress Scheme claim.
  • Always return your phone calls and emails.

Because the terms of various redress schemes vary so widely, it is important that you seek legal advice so that you fully understand how the scheme you are applying under works. In many cases, the cost of you obtaining legal advice will be covered by the scheme.

We can help answer the following questions:

  • Are you eligible to make an application to a scheme?
  • Do you need to obtain any evidence to prove that you are eligible to make an application?
  • How can you submit the strongest application to the scheme?
  • How do you obtain the best evidence to support your application?
  • What are your obligations under the scheme?
  • Is any offer made a reasonable one under the terms of the scheme?
  • Should you apply to review or appeal a decision, and if so, what steps need to be taken?
  • If you accept an offer, do you need to sign a waiver or agreement and if so, what does this mean?

Our Solicitors have experience of many Redress Schemes and if we don’t know the answer to your question straight away, we’ll find out for you.

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FAQs

How is a claim funded?

A claim under a redress scheme is funded and the costs are paid according to the rules and structure of the specific redress scheme in question. Before proceeding with your claim, we will ensure you receive clear and detailed information about how these processes will work. This approach ensures transparency and allows you to make an informed decision about moving forward with your claim

What Evidence Is Needed For A Redress Scheme Claim?

The Redress Scheme's terms and conditions will set out the evidence required, and it will generally be lower than that required in a civil claim. For instance, the Manchester City Football Club Redress Scheme required applicants to provide a Statement of Truth about what happened to them, the dates they played at the club, and any other supporting evidence.

Can You Claim If The Abuse Happened A Long Time Ago?

Yes, Redress Schemes are designed to address historic abuse claims.

Can I Change Solicitors During The Claims Process?

Yes, if you're not happy with your current Solicitor, you can contact us to see if we can help. You may need to pay a portion of your former Solicitor's legal costs if you choose to change legal advisors part-way through your claim.

What Happens If My Claim Is Unsuccessful?

As always, we will need to look at the Redress Scheme's terms and conditions. Some provide for a review and/or appeals process. And there's always the option of bringing a civil claim. We know how disappointing an unsuccessful outcome is, especially after everything you've been through. We'll look at all your options and advise on the best route to take.

How Long Does The Claims Process Take?

It depends on the number of claimants and the size and resources of the Scheme. In most cases, the process is quicker than bringing a civil claim.

Will My Information Remain Confidential?

We'll keep your personal details confidential and protect your privacy. The Redress Scheme will also have clear privacy policies in place to protect applicants' information.

What Support Services Are Available For Abuse Survivors?

There are several support organisations dedicated to helping child abuse survivors, including:

We know and trust these organisations and are happy to put you in touch.

Can I Claim If The Abuser Is Deceased?

Yes, the fact that the abuser has died will make no difference to being able to claim under a Redress Scheme.

How Much Compensation Can I Expect To Receive?

It depends on the terms and conditions of the Scheme. Some have a fixed amount for all applicants, and others will have a payment scale depending on the severity of abuse suffered. .

Will Making A Claim Affect Any Ongoing Investigations?

No, as these are entirely separate processes. And you can still bring a Redress Scheme or civil claim even if your abuser is found not guilty in a criminal trial.

Can I Bring A Claim On Behalf Of Someone Else?

You can make an abuse claim on behalf of someone else if:

  • They lack capacity to bring a claim themselves or;.
  • They are a child

If you are claiming on behalf of someone else, we'll provide all the support and legal advice you need.

Get in touch, today!

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