Blog
Category: Abuse Claims
High Court finds Catholic Church not vicariously liable for historical sexual abuse
In this case review, we look at the November 2024 High Court decision in Bird v DP, which found the Catholic Church held no vicarious liability for the sexual abuse of the Respondent (the abuse survivor) by assistant parish priest, Father Coffey in the 1970s.
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First steps when considering a compensation claim for childhood abuse
If you're a survivor considering legal action to pursue compensation due to childhood abuse, the process can feel overwhelming. This article aims to equip survivors of abuse with the knowledge and resources to navigate Victorian childhood abuse claims effectively.
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Changes to the National Redress Scheme in 2024 for survivors of child sexual abuse
Significant changes have been made to the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse. A Bill was passed by the Australian Parliament on 20 March 2024 which included multiple significant changes, in an attempt to further aid those who have been impacted by institutional abuse.
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Landmark High Court decision positive news for families of historical sexual abuse survivors
Positive news for secondary victims of childhood sexual abuse. The High Court has confirmed the decision of the Victorian Supreme Court, Court of Appeal in that eligible family members of secondary victims of historical abuse may seek compensation for the psychological injuries they have developed.
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High Court delivers significant victory for child abuse survivors
In April 2022, the NSW Court of Appeal granted the Catholic Church a permanent stay in proceedings in a historical child sexual abuse case. In a significant victory for abuse survivors in November 2023, the High Court of Australia has overturned that decision.
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A victory for secondary victims of childhood sexual abuse
We review a recent and significant case in Victoria’s Supreme Court which ultimately determined that secondary victims are entitled to claim compensation for nervous shock related to child sexual abuse of their loved ones.
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Vicarious liability and childhood abuse claims
Case review: In April 2023, the Court of Appeal (Victoria) found the Catholic Church liable for the sexual abuse by a paedophile priest. This decision upholds the original ruling which found the church vicariously liable for the abuse.
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Do I have to report my abuse to police to claim compensation?
Whether you need to report abuse to police to be eligible to claim compensation depends on the type of claim to be pursued. We explore the requirements of each type of abuse claim and when it is a requirement to report the abuse to police prior to claiming compensation.
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Historical abuse claims with little information about the institution
We know from our experience, that many survivors struggle to identify all of the institutions where they were placed and, in some situations, the name of the offenders who abused them. It’s important for survivors to know that this not necessarily a barrier to claiming compensation.
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Abuse compensation under the Sentencing Act s85B
Survivors of abuse have a number of options available to them to pursue compensation. In this blog, we explore the option under the Sentencing Act when the abuser has been found guilty or convicted in court.
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How to prepare for your personal injury court case
Our helpful guide with tips and insights about what you can expect when your personal injury claim is disputed and you end up in court, and how best to prepare yourself.
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Abuse compensation claims against schools
In this article, we explore three primary ways to claim compensation arising out of abuse in a school setting in Victoria, regardless of whether the abuse occurred in a private or public school.
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