SEXUAL ABUSE CLAIMS
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Award-Winning Family Law Firm
We have won several client service excellence and leading family law firm awards every year up to and including 2025.
Proven Family Law Record
40+ Years of combined experience resolving complex family law matters means a successful outcome is on the table.
5 Star Reviews Everywhere
We’re in it to win it and we fight hard for our clients. That’s why anywhere you look you will find 5 star reviews.
Book a Family Law Consultation
If your case is important to you it’s important to us. Call Jameson Law and join the winning side today.
Institutional and School Sexual Abuse and Physical Abuse
In a nutshell...
Civil claims can be lengthy, emotional and costly, but may provide the best avenue to pursue a compensation claim for victims of sexual abuse, particularly those who feel let down by the criminal law. It is critical to obtain sound legal services to ensure a civil claim is right for you, and to obtain ongoing legal advice and representation throughout your matter.
Our legal team specialises in personal injury including sexual abuse claims and if we believe you have a strong claim, can offer a no win no fee structure so that you can rest assured knowing we are in your corner.
Sexual Assault
Victims Support Schemes In Australia, each State will have available a victims support scheme which aims to provide counselling, limited financial assistance and recognition payments for victims of violent crime. Note that generally, any applications for financial assistance will need to be made within 2 years of the sexual abuse taking place, due to time limits in each State. It is therefore important to act quickly, as these time limits will impact your ability to access the help that is available. For a free and confidential consultation on whether you may be entitled to access assistance under the victims support scheme available in your State, please do not hesitate to reach out to our personal injury lawyers, who can advise you on the claims process and refer you to the most appropriate support services. In NSW, survivors of sexual abuse can contact the Victims Services division of the Department of Communities and Justice to seek assistance from the victim support scheme. In NSW, sex abuse survivors are entitled to the following (subject to time limits for any financial assistance): 1. 22 hours of free counselling, with the option for more where required;- Financial assistance to meet immediate needs of victims of sexual abuse, up to $5,000 to assist with any urgent expenses;
- Ongoing financial assistance to help with any economic losses or out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of the sexual assault (including lost earnings, medical expenses, justice-related expenses and compensation for lost or damaged items such as clothing).
- Recognition payments – these are designed to recognise the trauma of the survivor of sexual abuse, and range from $1,500 to $15,000.
National Redress Scheme
The Royal Commission uncovered systemic historical child sex abuse being perpetrated in a range of institutional contexts across Australia, including sporting clubs, schools, and the Catholic church. The Royal Commission recommended the National Redress Scheme as a way of acknowledging the extent of sex abuse committed in these institutions, to recognise the suffering faced by those survivors of child sex abuse, and to hold those institutions accountable for those entrusted with caring for often vulnerable young Australians. The National Redress Scheme is available to victims of child sex abuse, and has two main support services available:- Processing applications for compensation claims from claimants who have suffered as a victim of child sex abuse; and
- Providing Redress Support Services – aimed at providing “free, confidential emotional support and legal and financial counselling for people thinking about or applying for the Scheme.”
Civil Litigation
Survivors of sexual abuse can also choose to make a civil claim against the perpetrator of sexual abuse, and pursue a compensation claim through the Courts. This is a more complex, time-consuming and costly legal process, however does allow abuse survivors to make a legal claim either against an individual or against the institution employing an individual who commits sex abuse. For victims of sexual abuse who want compensation for the sexual abuse they have suffered, making a civil claim is often the best way of obtaining the most fruitful outcome. In order to pursue a civil claim, it is critical that you obtain sound legal advice and representation to ensure the best outcome for you. Given the emotional stress involved in civil litigation and the often complex legal processes required to determine civil claims, representation is vital to ensure that you are well-equipped to receive the compensation you deserve. In addition, limitation periods applicable in each Australian jurisdiction mean that time limits apply to making of civil claims for personal injury, including physical abuse and sexual abuse. While civil litigation can be a costly method of seeking compensation, many civil claims are resolved through settlement negotiation, prior to the matter being heard in Court. Our expert legal team is available to guide you through this process, to represent you in any correspondence and negotiations, and to fight for your right to any compensation to which you are entitled. Our personal injury lawyers are experienced in managing the civil claims process, including representing you in any settlement negotiations and in civil litigation, where settlement negotiations fail.Speak to a lawyer today
If you are the victim of sexual abuse and wish to make a compensation claim for the damage you have suffered, It is essential that you have help from expert personal injury lawyers who can manage your matter in a sensitive, professional and emotion-free manner. Take the stress out of navigating complicated legal processes by contacting our legal team for a free consultation today.
Disclaimer
The above is general legal information and should not be considered legal advice. You should speak with one of our sexual abuse lawyers for legal advice tailored to your specific legal matter. The courts and tribunals deal with matters on a case by case basis.
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions.
As opposed to criminal proceedings, there are a few advantages to civil claims. First, the standard of proof required to prove that sexual abuse occurred is lower. All that is required is that you show it is more likely than not that the sexual abuse took place. Secondly, civil litigation allows survivors of sexual abuse to seek compensation in the form of damages. These damages are not limited in the way victims support services or national redress schemes are. Thirdly, civil claims can be made against an employer or institution if it can be proven that the organisation was negligent in allowing the sexual abuse to take place. This often increases the compensation available to sex abuse victims.
No. A civil claim is entirely separate to criminal proceedings, and you may prove a civil claim even in the absence of any charges being laid upon the perpetrator of sexual abuse. Such charges or convictions do however assist in establishing a civil claim.
For advice on whether a civil claim might be right for you and for more information on our legal services, please contact our experienced personal injury legal team for a free consultation. We can guide you through how the legal processes might apply to your matter, and whether you may be entitled to make a compensation claim for any physical abuse (including sexual abuse) that you may have suffered.
If a civil claim is successful in establishing liability, a victim of sexual assault is entitled to make a compensation claim for damages for a range of loss and/or damage, provided that loss or damage is also proven. These include pain and suffering, loss of earnings, mental harm, any medical or treatment costs, among others. For a confidential discussion of what compensation you may be entitled to, contact our experienced personal injury lawyers today.
Unfortunately, claimants in respect of historical child sexual abuse under the National Redress Scheme cannot also pursue a civil claim for damages.
This will depend on the time limits applicable in your jurisdiction, the nature of the claim, and the legal processes available to you. If your matter relates to child sex abuse (generally, including physical abuse), no time limits apply to the bringing of a civil compensation claim.
For personal injury claims for sexual assault, limitation periods will generally be three years from the date of the offence. This can however be complicated by a number of factors such as whether the abuse is isolated or ongoing and where the abuse took place, and we recommend seeking legal advice on whether you remain entitled to make a compensation claim.
The National Redress Scheme provides acknowledgment and support to people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse. Redress is an alternative to seeking compensation through the courts. The National Redress Scheme is in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The Royal Commission listened to thousands of people about the abuse they experienced as children.
Who can apply?
People who experienced sexual abuse when they were a child (under 18 years of age) and the abuse happened before 1 July 2018. They also need to meet the following criteria:
An institution was responsible for bringing the applicant into contact with the person who abused them.
The applicant must be born before 30 June 2010 and be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Institutions can include:
orphanages,
missions,
children’s homes,
schools,
churches and other religious organisations,
sports clubs,
hospitals,
foster care and,
other institutions.
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WE'RE IN IT TO WIN IT
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WE'RE IN IT TO WIN IT
Book your consultation
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COURT HOUSES WE FREQUENT
Local Courts
Balmain Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- local-court-burwood@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 368 Darling Street, Balmain NSW 2041
Registry: Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:30pm
Bankstown Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9722 6060
- PO Box 71 BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- local-court-bankstown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Chapel Road and The Mall BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
Court Operating Hours: 9:30am-4:30pm
Blacktown Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9672 2666
- PO Box 217 BLACKTOWN NSW 2148
- local-court-blacktown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 1 Kildare Road Blacktown NSW 2148
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 -4:30
Days open: Mon-Fri
Burwood Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9744 4144
- PO Box 235 BURWOOD NSW 1805
- local-court-burwood@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 7-9 Belmore Street BURWOOD NSW 2134
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Days open: Mon – Fri
Campbell Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9821 7888
- PO Box 3435 LIVERPOOL WESTFIELDS NSW 2170
- local-court-campbelltown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 150 George Street LIVERPOOL NSW 2170
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Days open: Mon – Fri
Central Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 4223 3633
- PO Box 5395 WOLLONGONG NSW 2500
- local-court-wollongong@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Market and Church Streets WOLLONGONG NSW 2500
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Downing Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 4223 3633
- PO Box 5395 WOLLONGONG NSW 2500
- dclc@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 143-147 Liverpool Street, Sydney NSW 2000
- Nearest Train Station: Museum Station (Liverpool Street entrance is directly opposite)
- Levels: Local Court matters are heard on levels 4 and 5.
- Public Transport: Well-served by buses and trains, with easy access to nearby bus stops and Museum Station.
- Parking: Limited street parking is available, and there are several public parking garages nearby.
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Wollongong Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 4223 3633
- PO Box 5395 WOLLONGONG NSW 2500
- local-court-wollongong@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Market and Church Streets WOLLONGONG NSW 2500
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Fairfield Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 4223 3633
- PO Box 5395 WOLLONGONG NSW 2500
- local-court-wollongong@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Spencer St & Court Rd, Fairfield NSW 2165
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Hornsby Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9847 9955
- PO Box 96 HORNSBY NSW 1630
- local-court-hornsby@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 294 Peats Ferry Rd HORNSBY NSW 2077
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Liverpool Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9722 6060
- PO Box 71 BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- local-court-bankstown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Chapel Road and The Mall BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Manly Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9722 6060
- PO Box 71 BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- local-court-bankstown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Chapel Road and The Mall BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Newtown Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9722 6060
- PO Box 71 BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- local-court-bankstown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Chapel Road and The Mall BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Parramatta Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 4223 3633
- PO Box 92 Parramatta NSW 2150, Australia
- local-court-parramatta@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 12 George Street Parramatta NSW 2150, Australia
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Penrith Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9722 6060
- PO Box 71 BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- local-court-bankstown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Chapel Road and The Mall BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Sutherland Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- PO Box 37, Sutherland 2232
- local-court-sutherland@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Flora and Belmont Street, Sutherland NSW 2232
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Waverley Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9722 6060
- PO Box 71 BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- local-court-bankstown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Chapel Road and The Mall BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Windsor Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9722 6060
- PO Box 71 BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- local-court-bankstown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Chapel Road and The Mall BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Wollongong Local Court
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9722 6060
- PO Box 71 BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- local-court-bankstown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Cnr Chapel Road and The Mall BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
District Courts
Downing Centre District Court
- 1300 679 272
- PO Box 71 BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- downingcentredc@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 143-147 Liverpool Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Days open: Mon – Fri
Parramatta District Court
- (02) 8688 7777
- local-court-bankstown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 12 George Street, Parramatta NSW 2150
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 4:30
Days open: Mon-Fri
Penrith District Court
- 1300 679 272
- local-court-penrith@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 64-72 Henry Street, Penrith NSW 2750
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 4:30
Days open: Mon-Fri
Campbelltown District Court
- 1300 679 272
- local-court-campbelltown@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Railway Street, Campbelltown NSW 2560
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 4:30
Days open: Mon – Fri
Liverpool District Court
- 1300 679 272
- local-court-liverpool@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 150 George Street, Liverpool NSW 2170
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 4:30
Days open: Mon – Fri
Wollongong District Court
- 1300 679 272
- local-court-wollongong@justice.nsw.gov.au
- 97-99 Market Street, Wollongong NSW 2500
Registry Hours: 9:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:30
Telephone Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Supreme Courts
Supreme Court New South Wales
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9230 8025
- (02) 9230 8233
- GPO Box 3 Sydney NSW 2001 Australia
- sc.enquiries@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Law Courts Building 184 Phillip Street Sydney NSW 2000
Registry Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Telephone Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Days Open: Monday to Friday
Federal Court
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
- 1300 352 000
- (02) 9230 8000
- GPO Box 9991, Sydney NSW
- enquiries@fcfcoa.gov.au
- Lionel Bowen, Building, 97/99 Goulburn St, Sydney NSW 2001
Registry Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Telephone Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Days Open: Monday to Friday
Federal Court
- 1300 720 980
- (02) 9230 8020
- GPO Box 9991, Sydney NSW
- enquiries@fedcourt.gov.au
- 97-99 Goulburn St in the heart of the Sydney CBD
Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
High Court
- (02) 6270 6811
- (02) 6270 6868
- Parkes Place, Canberra ACT 2600
- enquiries@hcourt.gov.au
- Parkes Place, Canberra ACT 2600
Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Specialised Courts
Children’s Court of New South Wales
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9722 6060
- Cnr Chapel Road and The Mall BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- PO Box 71 BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
- sc.enquiries@justice.nsw.gov.au
Registry Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Telephone Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Days Open: Monday to Friday
Coroner’s Court New South Wales
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9230 8025
- (02) 9230 8233
- GPO Box 3 Sydney NSW 2001 Australia
- sc.enquiries@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Law Courts Building 184 Phillip Street Sydney NSW 2000
Registry Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Telephone Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Days Open: Monday to Friday
Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9230 8025
- (02) 9230 8233
- GPO Box 3 Sydney NSW 2001 Australia
- sc.enquiries@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Law Courts Building 184 Phillip Street Sydney NSW 2000
Registry Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Telephone Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Days Open: Monday to Friday
Land and Environment Court of New South Wales
- 1300 679 272
- (02) 9230 8025
- (02) 9230 8233
- GPO Box 3 Sydney NSW 2001 Australia
- sc.enquiries@justice.nsw.gov.au
- Law Courts Building 184 Phillip Street Sydney NSW 2000
Registry Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Telephone Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Days Open: Monday to Friday
