Child Abuse in the Home
The NSPCC estimates that over half a million children are abused at home in the UK every year.
It believes that for every one of the 50,000 children currently identified as needing protection, another eight children are suffering in silence.
The term ‘child abuse’ covers physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and neglect.
Child sexual abuse and exploitation dominate the headlines, and calls to organisations such as ChildLine and NSPCC about sexual abuse are on the increase. However, neglect is the most common form of child abuse in the UK and has increased dramatically over the past five years. Abuse in the home environment committed by parents, uncles, aunts, siblings and other relations makes up the majority of allegations. The increase in reported cases is probably because heightened awareness of the issues means that more survivors are finding the courage to come forward. But it is vital that they get ongoing specialist support to help them overcome the effects of the abuse they have suffered, and that support comes at a price.
If you experienced emotional, physical or sexual abuse by a parent, family friend, or relative, or other trusted adult, you could be entitled to compensation. We understand that compensation alone isn’t a solution to your pain, but it will provide the funding you need to pay for long-term support to improve your physical, emotional and mental health, and help you put the damaging effects of abuse behind you. Our abuse solicitors will give you a free initial appointment to explore whether you could claim compensation.
How do I fund a claim?
We offer a No-Win No-Fee Agreement so there is no financial risk involved if you are not successful. To discuss your case or to make an appointment please contact us on 0333 123 9099. Alternatively, please email us in complete confidence at enquiries@ibbclaims.co.uk or complete our online form.
Negligence by social services
If there are suspicions of harm to children in the home, it’s likely that social services will become involved to ensure the children’s protection.
If social services failed to act, or acted inappropriately resulting in a failure to protect a child from abuse, there could be a case for compensation, as the social workers owed the child a duty of care that wasn’t met.
Claimants need to satisfy the court that the action or inaction of social workers was more than mere errors of judgment, and was actually negligence.
How do you prove that a social worker failed to protect you?
It can be difficult to show a failure on the part of social workers, as the court looks at what was common social work practice at the time of the harm. For example, in the early 1990s social services took a more cautious approach before intervening. The impact of the Cleveland Report, published in 1988, recommended keeping families together, and not taking them away from the family unit. However, the 2003 initiative Every Child Matters, launched in response to the inquiry into the death of Victoria Climbié, saw a move back to greater intervention by social services and recommended a more joined-up approach towards other agencies sharing intelligence. Any case against a local authority has to take into account the practices and procedures of the time.
Compensation for physical or sexual abuse by a parent, social worker or other trusted adult
If you have been abused at home, please contact our team of specialist child abuse lawyers who can provide help and advice. They take a compassionate and caring approach to all claims for abuse, acting for both child and adult survivors. Contact us in confidence on 0333 123 9099. Alternatively, please email us at enquiries@ibbclaims.co.uk or complete our online form.