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Historical Sexual Abuse
Claiming Compensation: Institutional Sexual Abuse
It is still a relatively new course of action for victims of historical sexual abuse to claim compensation from the institution responsible, regardless of the actual perpetrator’s current circumstances. Australia’s National Child Abuse Royal Commission Into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, begun in 2013, exposed widespread abuse which had been committed over the past 40 years.
The process of historical abuse claims for compensation became a real option with the inception of the National Redress Scheme. However, access to historical sexual abuse claims for compensation is made easier through IACHA.

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The National Redress Scheme has participants from many non-government institutions committed to joining the Scheme, including the Anglican Church, the Catholic Church, the Uniting Church, the Salvation Army, the YMCA and Scouts Australia.
But under personal injury law, you can seek compensation from any organisation or perpetrator for childhood sexual abuse or sexual assault, including from:
State and private schools run by the Catholic and Anglican Church.
Juvenile Detention Centres
Clergy programs
Religious run education facilities

Seek historical sexual abuse support
It’s important to seek help and support if you are struggling with the aftermath of historical sexual abuse. There are many organisations and support services and groups available to help survivors heal and recover from their trauma following adult sexual abuse or childhood abuse.
If you have been the victim of sexual abuse, you may be eligible for institutional abuse compensation, whether recent or historical. Institutional sexual abuse compensation can help cover the costs of therapy and other sexual assault services, as well as provide financial stability during a difficult time.
Historical institutional sexual abuse claims
Historical sexual abuse is sexual abuse that took place in the past, typically at least a year ago but even decades back. The term can refer to sexual abuse that happened on one occasion or perpetrated over a long period. Historical sexual abuse can have a profound and lasting impact on victims, often leading to feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation.
Victims of historical sexual abuse or child sexual abuse may struggle with mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. Many survivors of sexual abuse, whether institutional, familial or otherwise, often find it difficult to come forward. Speaking about such a stressful and overwhelming experience for the first time is very often traumatic.
Can you report historical sexual abuse?
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Reporting sexual abuse
Sexual assault or abuse is any unwanted sexual behaviour that makes a person feel scared, uncomfortable or threatened. There may be different reporting methods in different states in Australia. Still, if you have been sexually abused, you can call a helpline and report it to your local police station. They will be able to investigate the allegations and take action against the perpetrator.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of historical sexual abuse or recently, there are a number of options available for seeking compensation. It can be a lengthy process, and in some cases, the government may provide financial assistance. Alternatively, there may be private compensation funds available so you can make a common law claim.
The first step is to contact a lawyer who specialises in historical sexual abuse cases. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action and help you navigate the legal system. There is no time limit involved in reporting the abuse or claiming compensation, and there are a number of support groups available to victims of historical sexual abuse.
These groups can provide free counselling, emotional support and practical advice on the reporting process, which may involve criminal proceedings.
If you have been the victim of sexual and institutional abuse, please contact us today at IACHA to speak with a lawyer who can help you get the historical sexual abuse compensation you deserve.
Why choose our team at IACHA?
At IACHA, we have a dedicated team of institutional abuse lawyers to support you and help you receive appropriate compensation. We’ll work with you to make sure we understand your case and can get you the best result for your institutional abuse claim.
If you’re unsure or stressed about anything at all, please feel free to get in touch with our team of professionals so we can help you through the journey of getting historical sexual abuse support, therapy and a monetary payment of compensation. Contact us on 1300 679 222 or email info@iacha.com.au.
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