Justice for Physical and Sexual Abuse in Western Victoria

If you have been sexually abused as a child or young person, you should ask us about justice and compensation. Working in tandem with one of Victoria’s leading sexual abuse legal practices, Ryan Carlisle Thomas Lawyers, we are respected leaders in bringing claims against perpetrators and institutions.

There are numerous options available to survivors of abuse, including:
• Common Law Civil Claims
• Negotiated Out-of-Court Settlements
• Referral to make a National Redress Scheme application

While each of these options has its good and bad features, they are different in one important sense. Both Common Law claims and Out-of-Court settlements offer potentially much larger financial payouts than does Redress. The difference between one option and another can amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars. In recent years, following changes to laws on child abuse, a number of court decisions have awarded abuse survivors significant compensation, some in excess of $1 million.

Why choose us?

Stringer Clark (in conjunction with Ryan Carlisle Thomas Lawyers) has, since the early 1990s, helped more than 3,500 clients achieve justice and compensation. Our experience helps us to understand that no two cases are the same but that many of the known and alleged perpetrators are repeat offenders meaning we have often dealt with similar cases as yours. We have a vast database of historic claims and an extensive network of support services capable of providing evidence and witnesses who can help resolve your case. We are capable of handling any of the major options that are available to survivors of abuse, including common law civil claims, negotiated out-of-court settlements and even referral to the National Redress Scheme.

Our specialist team of abuse lawyers first priority is to ensure your safety and wellbeing. We know that no two cases are the same, with the individual circumstances varying dramatically. We will advise you on the various pathways available to you that can lead to financial compensation or legal redress, helping you be best informed in deciding which path most suits you. In our experience, most clients find our process a huge help in dealing with past trauma and renewing their future.

While each case is important to us in its own right, we also believe in advocacy and systemic change and have advocated for changes to the law in the area of abuse law for years.

Typical areas of abuse in regional Victoria

Schools – Claims against private and government schools for the sexual and physical abuse of children.

Clergy – Claims against religious organisations and clergy, including orphanages and homes.

Wards – Claims on behalf of Wards of the State.

Have you experienced or witnesses abuse at any of these institutions?

• Ballarat Orphanage/Ballarat Children’s Home
• St Alipius Primary School Ballarat East
• St Aiden’s
• St Patrick’s College Ballarat
• St Patrick’s College Sale
• Geelong Grammar School
• Geelong College
• Other institutions in Western Victoria

Our legal team would like to hear from you.

Strictly personal. Confidential. Free consultation.