Frequently Asked Questions About Abuse Compensation Claims

In many cases, yes. Time limits for abuse claims vary depending on where the abuse happened and the type of claim. Many jurisdictions have extended, modified, or removed limitation periods for certain abuse claims — particularly those involving child sexual abuse. Courts also have discretion in many cases to allow claims to proceed even where the normal limitation period has passed, recognising that survivors of abuse often face particular barriers to coming forward. A lawyer can advise on whether a historic claim may still be possible in your circumstances.

A criminal conviction is not required to bring a civil compensation claim. Civil claims use a different standard of proof — the balance of probabilities — which is lower than the criminal standard of beyond reasonable doubt. Many successful civil abuse claims have been brought without any criminal proceedings, and some have succeeded even where a criminal case resulted in an acquittal. The absence of a criminal conviction should not discourage you from exploring a civil claim.

The death of the abuser does not necessarily prevent a compensation claim from proceeding. In many cases, the primary defendant in an abuse claim is not the individual abuser but the institution, organisation, or employer that was responsible for the setting in which the abuse occurred. Claims against institutions can proceed regardless of whether the individual abuser is alive. Even where the claim is against the individual, it may in some circumstances be brought against their estate.

Yes. In fact, institutional liability is a central feature of many abuse compensation claims. Schools, churches, care homes, local authorities, sports organisations, employers, and other bodies may be legally responsible if they placed the abuser in a position of trust, failed to carry out proper safeguarding, ignored complaints or warning signs, or created conditions that allowed abuse to continue. The legal principle of vicarious liability means that institutions can be held responsible for abuse carried out by their employees, agents, or those they placed in positions of authority.

Possibly. Abuse claims involving a different country raise questions about jurisdiction and applicable law. The key factors include where the abuse took place, which country's laws apply, where the defendant is based, and whether any international agreements or frameworks are relevant. A lawyer experienced in cross-border abuse claims can advise on the available options. Visit our pages on USA, UK, and Europe abuse claims for regional information.

Evidence in abuse claims can come from many sources, including institutional records (school, care home, church records), social services and placement records, medical records and GP notes, police records and investigation files, witness statements from other survivors or former staff, inspection reports and complaints history, expert medical evidence, and internal institutional correspondence. Even if the abuse happened a long time ago, evidence may still exist. An experienced legal team will know where to look.

The length of an abuse claim depends on many factors, including the complexity of the case, the number of defendants, the availability of evidence, and whether the case is resolved through negotiation or court proceedings. Some claims are resolved within months, while more complex cases — particularly those involving multiple defendants or coordinated litigation — may take longer. Your lawyer will keep you informed throughout and will aim to resolve your claim as efficiently as possible.

Yes. Any enquiry you make through this website will be handled with strict confidentiality. You do not need to share every detail straight away — a first enquiry can simply help you understand whether you may have legal options. Enquiries about UK claims are reviewed by Edward & Amaury Solicitors, who are bound by solicitors' professional duties of confidentiality. See our privacy policy for how your details are shared.

Yes. It is common for a family member, partner, or trusted friend to make initial contact on behalf of a survivor. If someone close to you would like to reach out on your behalf, they are welcome to use our contact form or enquiry line. The survivor will need to give their own instructions before any legal work can begin, but a family member can certainly help start the conversation.

Pursuing an abuse compensation claim can bring up difficult emotions and memories. It is important to ensure you have appropriate emotional and psychological support in place. This may include counselling or therapy from a specialist in trauma and abuse, support from a survivor organisation or charity, support from family, friends, or a trusted community, and where appropriate, support from your GP or mental health services. A good legal team will be mindful of the emotional impact of the claims process and will handle your case with sensitivity.