Historic Sexual Abuse Claims

At Lyons Solicitors, we provide expert legal support for survivors of historic sexual abuse, offering a compassionate and professional service to help you seek justice.

We understand that coming forward can feel daunting, and our experienced team is here to listen and guide you through every step of the legal process.

With over 25 years of experience, we have helped many survivors secure the compensation and support they deserve.

Our solicitors will handle your case with sensitivity and professionalism, ensuring that you receive clear, practical advice at every stage.

We offer a free, confidential initial consultation and will work hard to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

We have teams based in our three offices situated in Westbury on Trym, Kingswood and Chew Magna. We also help and advise clients throughout Bristol, North and North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

Speak to our historic sexual abuse solicitors

If you or a loved one have been the victim of historic sexual abuse and wish to seek compensation, please get in touch with our legal team.

Our historic abuse claims solicitors in Bristol offer free over-the-phone and face-to-face consultations. Please be assured anything that is mentioned to us during a consultation is completely confidential.

To book a free initial consultation with our specialist historic sexual abuse solicitors in Chew Magna, Kingswood or Westbury-on-Trym and the wider Bristol area, please get in touch today.

You can use the contact details for each office or fill in our enquiry form to request a call back.

Our historic sexual abuse claims expertise

Our historic sexual abuse solicitors based in our Bristol offices are supported by a team of experts, including doctors, counsellors, psychiatrists and specialist barristers.

We have experience bringing claims against a large number of organisations and individuals, including:

  • Rape and sexual abuse within the home
  • Care homes and institutions
  • Churches and religious organisations
  • Actions against public and private schools, including boarding schools
  • Actions against professionals who have held a position of trust
  • Abuse within the workplace
  • Date rape and Criminal Injury Compensation (CICA) claims

We handle all historic sexual abuse cases with care and discretion, ensuring that your rights and wellbeing are protected while we pursue compensation.

Whether the abuse took place in an institution, within a family, or involved a person in a position of trust, we will work hard to hold those responsible accountable.

We offer a free, confidential initial consultation and can support you on a no-win, no-fee basis where possible.

Historic sexual abuse FAQs

Can I claim compensation for historical abuse?

If you were sexually abused as a child, you may be entitled to seek compensation. Historic sexual abuse claims can be pursued through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) or directly against the perpetrator.

Historic sexual abuse compensation can also be sought from an organisation that was responsible for your welfare at the time. For example, if the abuse took place in a school, care home, or another institution, you may be able to hold them accountable if they failed in their duty of care, such as neglecting to act on reports of abuse.

Our experienced solicitors can advise on the best course of action for your situation, ensuring your claim is handled with sensitivity and professionalism.

How can I report historic child sexual abuse?

It’s never too late to report abuse you have experienced, but you should also never feel pressured to do so either.

If you choose to, you can report your experience by calling the police on 101, and they will put you through to the right team to support you.

There are also charities that offer support to adult victims of child sexual abuse, such as the NAPAC, who have more information about the support they offer on their website.

 You can also speak to your GP, who can refer you to the most appropriate service.

If you would like to discuss reporting historic sexual abuse and your legal options, please get in touch with our specialist solicitors.

How much compensation can sexually abused victims claim?

The amount of compensation you may be able to claim will depend on the specific circumstances of your case.

On average, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority states that compensation for sexually abused victims in the UK can range from between £6,600 and £22,000.

For a more accurate assessment that is tailored to your situation, please get in touch with our historic sexual abuse solicitors.

What happens when you report historical abuse?

When you report historic sexual abuse, the police will take your statement and conduct an investigation. They may speak to witnesses, gather evidence, and, if possible, interview the alleged perpetrator. Even if the abuse happened many years ago, the authorities take these reports seriously, and prosecutions can still take place.

If you wish to seek compensation, you may be able to make a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) or take legal action against the perpetrator or a responsible organisation. Our experienced solicitors can guide you through the process with care and confidentiality.

Can I report sexual abuse years later?

At present, civil child sexual abuse claims (which are claims against the perpetrator, not through the CICA) must be brought within three years of turning 18, unless the victim can prove that a fair trial can proceed despite the time lapse.

However, under the latest government, this time limit is set to be removed as part of a bill that will be put before parliament in the next year.

The government has proposed these changes following the 2022 Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, which recognised that it often takes victims many years to process their experiences.

Contact our historic sexual abuse solicitors

To book a free initial consultation with our specialist historic sexual abuse solicitors in Chew Magna, Kingswood or Westbury-on-Trym and the wider Bristol area, please get in touch today.

You can use the contact details for each office or fill in our enquiry form to request a call back.