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You're not alone.
We are here to help you through the process of seeking financial compensation in a supportive and confidential environment, ensuring that the experience is simple.
We help survivors across Australia
At Maurice Blackburn we represent abuse survivors Australia-wide. Our abuse team are specially trained in trauma-informed practice with extensive experience in managing claims for survivors who were subjected to abuse within organisations including churches, church- and state-run institutions, public and private schools, youth and sporting clubs, foster homes, reformatory schools and prisons.
To learn more about your options, speak to one of our experts today.
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Understanding your options
For the first time ever, survivors of abuse have options as to how they wish to seek compensation.
It is important to understand your options so you can make an informed choice and get the best result.
Anyone abused as a child can seek compensation through an application to the National Redress Scheme or through a legal claim.
A legal claim
One of the key benefits of a legal claim for damages is they are not capped at $150,000 as under the redress scheme and, in most cases, will be worth considerably more.
Speak to one of our experienced abuse lawyers about your options today.
National Redress Scheme
Compensation can be awarded but there are limitations to the amount you will receive which, in most cases, is less than that of a legal claim. Importantly, if you seek a payment through the National Redress Scheme, you will never be able to make a legal claim.
How we can help
We can’t take away your pain and suffering but we will do everything in our power to hold institutions accountable for what happened.
Not just the institutions that have opted-in to the Scheme, but institutions who have failed to acknowledge the appalling abuses that happened behind their closed doors.
Our Abuse Law Practice is a team of 40 people who have helped hundreds of survivors access justice around Australia.
It’s very important to us that you’re comfortable with the specialist lawyer acting on your behalf. That’s why the service provided will be tailored to your needs, including choosing whether you prefer a female or male lawyer to represent you. We believe every person deserves justice and every injustice deserves to be compensated.
"While no amount of compensation can undo the horrific crimes of child sexual abuse, knowing that I can effect positive change for my clients - whether it be with a financial settlement or an apology from the institution – drives me to fight for justice."
Michelle James
Head of Maurice Blackburn’s National Abuse law litigation practice
"This whole thing has been filled with lies and secrecy and shame, festering away at us for generations. But now, stories are finally being blown into the open, being shared and heard and acknowledged. It’s long overdue. It’s time to take these institutions to task for the lives they have ruined."
- Maurice Blackburn client
"Growing up after what happened, I felt worthless. I still do, even now. It’s just something that stays with you. It grows with you. As you grow, it grows. That’s why for me, it’s not just about the money. It’s about getting some of that self-worth back that they took from me."
- Maurice Blackburn client