School abuse claims: Seeking compensation for being abused while at school.
The BBC has reported that a teacher who taught at an all-boys school in London has been convicted of multiple counts of indecent assault involving two teenage pupils during the 1980s. Sally-Anne Bowen was alleged to have had numerous instances of sexual intercourse with a student who visited her home, whilst another student was encouraged into inappropriate conduct by the teacher.
Abuse by people in positions of trust
The case highlights the devastating impact that abuse by a person in a position of trust can have on young people, even many years after the events took place. Children and young people are entitled to feel safe in educational settings and should never be subjected to sexual abuse, exploitation, grooming, or inappropriate behaviour by those responsible for their care and education.
Abuse by a teacher, lecturer, or other educational providers can take many forms, including:
- Sexual touching or assault;
- Grooming and emotional manipulation;
- Inappropriate sexual conversations or messages;
- Exploitation of a position of authority or trust;
- Encouraging secrecy regarding inappropriate relationships;
- Sexual activity involving a child or young person.
Many survivors may struggle to recognise the abuse for what it was until years later. Others may feel shame, confusion, guilt, or concern that they will not be believed. These feelings can make it difficult to come forward and seek support.
Can you claim compensation for historical school abuse?
It might still be possible to pursue a compensation claim even where the abuse happened many years ago. Depending on the circumstances, there are three potential routes to compensation:
- A civil claim against the individual responsible;
- A claim against a school, educational establishment, or local authority;
- An application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
One legal hurdle to making a compensation claim is the limitation date. However, courts can permit claims to proceed outside the regular limitation periods in appropriate circumstances, namely where the impact of the abuse has delayed disclosure.
How Slee Blackwell Solicitors can help
At Slee Blackwell Solicitors, we have a team of experts with extensive experience representing survivors of childhood sexual abuse and abuse committed by individuals in positions of trust.
We understand that discussing these experiences can be extremely difficult. Our specialist abuse lawyers take a trauma-informed approach, ensuring that every client is treated with sensitivity, compassion, and respect throughout the enquiry and claim process.
All enquiries are handled on a confidential basis, and we offer a free assessment of your claim. We also offer No Win No Fee agreements on appropriate claims.
One of our experts, Elizabeth Duncan, has previously settled a historic abuse claim from the late 1970s and 1980s against a teacher, following a legal claim against the council which had employed the teacher.
Another of our specialist solicitors, James McNally, settled a claim against a teacher who abused young girls in his class for a number of years, enabling our client to undergo therapy following the claim’s conclusion.
If you have experienced sexual abuse by a teacher, school employee, or any other person in a position of trust, contact our specialist abuse claims team today.
Our five-star rated solicitors are here to provide you with a free and confidential consultation together with details of our No Win No Fee funding scheme.
