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> Institutional Abuse

Institutional Abuse Lawyers in Western Victoria.

Western Victoria has a long and painful history of institutional abuse perpetrated by churches, schools and protective services, leaving abuse survivors to suffer in silence for too long.

Pursuing institutional abuse claims in regional areas can feel particularly challenging due to ongoing institutional presence and the close-knit nature of smaller communities. 

While no amount of compensation can erase what happened, seeking justice can be an important step in the healing journey and in holding responsible parties accountable. 

Western Victoria has a long and painful history of institutional abuse perpetrated by churches, schools and protective services, leaving abuse survivors to suffer in silence for too long.

Pursuing institutional abuse claims in regional areas can feel particularly challenging due to ongoing institutional presence and the close-knit nature of smaller communities. 

While no amount of compensation can erase what happened, seeking justice can be an important step in the healing journey and in holding responsible parties accountable. 

Never leave you
out of pocket.

Call 1800 641 743 or
find us at an office near
you for more advice.

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Western Victoria’s Largest Legal Network

We’re determined to support institutional abuse survivors with expertise gained through our partnership with one of Victoria’s leading sexual abuse legal practices, Ryan Carlisle Thomas Lawyers. 

This collaboration ensures that survivors have access to metropolitan-level expertise while working with lawyers who understand regional community dynamics. 

We provide top-level legal services from our seven regional offices – so there’s no need to travel to Melbourne for advice. 

Types of Institutional Abuse Claims

We’ve helped more than 3,500 abuse survivors achieve justice and compensation since the early 1900s, including:

  • Religious organisations and clergy, including orphanages and children’s homes
  • Private and government schools throughout the region
  • Wards of the State facilities
  • Specific institutions like Ballarat Orphanage, St Alipius Primary School, St Patrick’s Colleges, Geelong Grammar School and many more

Our Approach to Institutional Abuse Claims

Our team’s first priority is ensuring survivor safety and wellbeing. We understand that individual circumstances vary dramatically, and we provide advice on various pathways available for financial compensation or legal redress. This helps survivors make informed decisions about which approach best suits their situation.

We have extensive databases of historic claims and networks of support services capable of providing evidence and witnesses. This knowledge is particularly valuable in regional areas where records may be scattered, or institutions may have changed names or ownership over time.

We offer free, confidential consultations where you can share your story at your own pace. We understand the courage it takes to reach out, and we’re here to listen and support you in a way that feels right for you. 

Our Values as a Victoria Law Firm

We’ve advocated for legal reforms in abuse law for years and continue working toward better protection for children and accountability for institutions that fail in their duty of care.

Our local understanding, combined with specialised expertise in abuse litigation, helps navigate these sensitive dynamics while ensuring survivors receive the justice they deserve.

Contact Us Today for a Confidential Appointment

Call 1800 641 743 to be connected to your nearest office, explore our office locations map, or email us using this form, and we will contact you on the same or next business day.

  • I think I have an institutional abuse claim. How do I start?

    Arrange a free, no obligation appointment with us at one of our seven regional offices, where we can discuss your case confidentially and safely.

  • Is it too late to make an abuse claim?

    It’s never too late to seek justice. Many survivors don’t come forward until years or even decades after the abuse occurred, and that’s completely understandable. Recent changes to institutional abuse law in Victoria have removed many time limits for abuse claims. Our solicitors can assess your specific situation and explain your options, no matter how long ago the abuse happened.

  • Will making a claim affect any compensation I'm already receiving?

    This depends on the type of compensation or support you’re currently receiving. Our abuse solicitors can review your situation and explain how an institutional abuse claim might interact with existing payments, such as National Redress Scheme compensation or victims’ support. In many cases, you can pursue both avenues.

  • What does ‘no win, no fee or expenses’ mean?

    As abuse solicitors who work on a No Win, No Fee OR expenses basis, we remove financial barriers to seeking justice. Unlike traditional No Win, No Fee arrangements, if your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t pay legal fees or any associated costs, including medical reports, filing fees or other out-of-pocket expenses.

  • What compensation can I receive for institutional abuse?

    Compensation for institutional abuse claims can cover counselling and therapy costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and the long-term impact on your life and relationships. The amount varies significantly based on your individual circumstances. During your consultation, we’ll discuss what compensation might be appropriate for what you’ve endured. 

  • How long does an institutional abuse claim take?

    Every case is different. Some institutional abuse claims settle within months, while others take longer, especially if the institution disputes liability. What matters most is achieving the right outcome for you, not rushing the process. Our institutional abuse lawyers will keep you informed at every stage and work at a pace that feels manageable for you.

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Our Institutional Abuse Team

Send Enquiry

Call 1800 641 743 to be connected to your nearest office, find an office near you or email us using the form below and we will contact you on the same or next business day.