Institutional abuse refers to the abuse of children at places established to care for children. These institutions include:

• Private schools
• Boarding schools
• Churches (including youth groups)
• Homes operated by religions organisations
• Orphanages
• Government run homes
• Family group homes
• Refuges
• Respite care homes
• Agricultural or farm schools
• Australian Defence Force training establishments

The Royal Commission was established in 2012. The Royal Commission also examined aspects of Australian law that prevented victims from seeking compensation due to the passage of time. It prompted the Australian Government to establish the Redress Scheme and prompted all Australian jurisdictions to at least allow victims of sexual abuse to commence claims. 

The Redress Scheme was established by the Australian Government. It provides a maximum of $150,000.00 in compensation. The Scheme is managed by the Department of Human Services and aims to have victims access compensation without the need for a lawyer.

Previously child abuse survivors were subject to time limits that apply in ordinary personal injury claims. Most Australian States and Territories have abolished time limits for sexual abuse claims. It is important to know whether a time limit applies to your claim. The time limit to claim compensation that will apply is usually determined by where the abuse occurred.

The Redress Scheme is only one path to compensation for survivors of child abuse. All survivors have the ability to sue the organisation responsible for their care as a child directly. We recommend that you seek advice about the option that suits you best. Your claim may be worth more in compensation that the maximum offered by the Redress Scheme. 

Our lawyers are able to meet with you in a location of your choosing so that you are as comfortable as possible when discussing your claim.