Sexual Abuse Compensation Claims in the UK

You may be able to make a sexual abuse compensation claim if you experienced sexual abuse at any point in your life, including in childhood; were abused by an individual or by someone acting on behalf of an organisation; and have experienced harm as a result — including psychological harm or effects on your relationships, education, or career.

You do not need to have reported the abuse at the time. Many people who enquire are unsure whether they have a claim — that is exactly what the initial confidential advice is for.

Yes. Where abuse was carried out by someone employed by or acting on behalf of an organisation, that organisation may be legally responsible under vicarious liability. The UK Supreme Court in Various Claimants v Catholic Child Welfare Society [2012] confirmed this principle applies even where there is no formal employment contract — the key question is whether the organisation placed someone in a position of trust over the victim. Organisations that have faced civil claims for sexual abuse in the UK include schools and boarding schools, churches and religious organisations, care homes and children's homes, sports clubs and youth organisations, foster care providers, and local authorities.

Claiming against an organisation means there is a body with real resources to meet any compensation awarded. Our guide to institutional abuse claims explains how this works in detail.

People often search for a fixed figure, but there isn't one. How much you could receive depends on which route you take, and the two main routes work very differently.

• Civil claim against the abuser or an organisation: compensation is assessed individually. It reflects the severity and duration of the abuse, the long-term psychological and physical effects, and financial losses such as therapy costs and lost earnings. There is no tariff and no fixed cap. Courts and solicitors commonly refer to the Judicial College Guidelines, which set out bracket ranges for different types and severities of harm; the right bracket depends on the evidence in your case.
• CICA application: awards follow a published tariff of injuries. The £500,000 figure is the overall maximum for the scheme, not an estimate for sexual abuse cases. See our CICA guide for how the tariff works.

Because of this, treat any online "calculator" or instant estimate with caution. A realistic view of value usually needs an assessment of your circumstances, and often medical or psychological evidence about the effects of the abuse.

If cost is a concern, ask any solicitor to explain their fee arrangement in writing before you instruct them, including what happens if the claim is unsuccessful. You can also request a free, confidential case review to talk through which route may suit your situation.

Making a compensation claim for sexual abuse does not mean you will have to go to court and give evidence publicly. Many claims are settled before reaching a court hearing. The process typically involves an initial confidential conversation with a lawyer, a formal assessment of your claim, a letter of claim sent to the person or organisation responsible, and negotiations that often lead to an agreed settlement.

Throughout this process your lawyer will guide you and keep you informed. You are not alone.