A victim of child sexual abuse may be eligible to seek compensation for the suffering they’ve endured.
But why should a victim seek compensation?
Victim compensation is a key component in the provision of justice in Australia. The aim of the payment is to restore a person to a financial position that they may have been in had it not been for the abuse. It also recognises the costs that survivors accumulate in the years after the abuse, such as medical costs and lost income.
Compensation is also a way of sealing an apology.
Without a financial component, an apology may just be words. But a compensation payment can make a material difference to a survivor’s life and ensures that an apology is genuine.
While no amount of money can erase the harm caused by child abuse, a compensation payment can ease the pressure and help to make life more comfortable in the here and now.
Many child abuse survivors are hesitant to engage in legal proceedings. It is often seen as a costly process tied up in red tape. We understand that. It’s for this reason that we follow a process that is as straightforward, fair and stress-free as possible.
How do I make a claim?
The first step in making a claim is to complete Kelso Lawyers’ Claimant Information Form on our website. This will provide us with some initial details to begin an assessment of your claim. Or, if you would prefer, you can just pick up the phone and speak directly to the Kelso Lawyers team on (02) 4907 4200.
Once Kelso Lawyers have this information, our legal team can assess whether or not you may be eligible for compensation.
Read more about our approach to clergy and institutional abuse compensation claims and how we can help move survivors to move forward in their lives.
