Have you been sexually or physically abused by a Police Officer, Detective, Sherriff or any other member of the police force?
If you have ever experienced sexual abuse or physical assault by a member of the police force, it’s important that you come forward and seek compensation. Our sexual assault lawyers will work hard to ensure you receive the institutional abuse compensation you deserve.
When sexual abuse occurs within the police force, or under the care of a member of the police force, it often causes feelings of fear, anger and confusion within survivors. Due to the power automatically granted a member of the police force due to their position of authority, this can be used to ‘groom’ a person, leading to manipulation on the part of the perpetrator. This unfortunately often ends with the survivor believing that they ‘allowed’ the abuse to happen or that it was their fault.
It can be difficult to disclose the events surrounding sexual abuse or physical assault within the police force as there is often a fear of the perpetrator and of consequences threatened, if the assault is reported. The sense of self-blame and shame which often accompanies this kind of abuse can also hinder a survivor of institututional abuse in coming forward.
When someone in a position of trust becomes sexually or physically abusive, victims often doubt that others will believe them, if they choose to report the abuse. Our sexual assault lawyers understand this and work hard to create a safe environment where those who have been sexually abused are able to speak openly and disclose details of the situation, without fear of retribution.
Under the banner of sexual abuse are many different types of abuse, including violence, molestation, rape and any other form of non-consensual sexual contact and behaviour. These behaviours may have happened once, or on multiple occasions.
Laws have recently changed to assist victims of child sexual abuse, to remove some of the legal impediments that previously prevented such claims.
At Wyatts Compensation Lawyers, we understand that abuse survivors often sustain psychological and physical injuries from institutional sexual abuse and physical assault and that these can be traumatic and debilitating. Such injuries place survivors at a higher level of risk of mental health problems including suicidal thoughts, chronic anxiety and post-traumatic stress, flashbacks and hyper-vigilance which can have life-long financial, relational and emotional consequences for both the survivor and their loved-ones. As such, it’s imperative that institutional abuse compensation is sought.
As sexual assault lawyers, we can pursue your claim on your behalf. We approach each case with compassion and sensitivity. Our lawyers have a thorough understanding of sexual assault laws and of the intricacies of sexual assault claims. We are passionate about seeking justice and compensation for abuse survivors, making sure that perpetrators and those who’ve sought to cover up the abuse, are brought to justice.
If you or anyone you know needs emotional support, please contact one of these services:
- Blue Knot Foundation – Service for adult survivors of childhood trauma ph: 1300 657 380
- Bravehearts – Counselling and support for child sexual assault ph: 1800 272 831
- Family and Community Services – 24 Hour Domestic Violence Line ph: 1800 656 463
- Lifeline Australia – Crisis Support and Suicide Prevention ph: 13 11 14
- NSW Government Department of Justice – Help for victims of sexual assault
- NSW Health Sexual Assault Services – Directory of regional services
- NSW Rape Crisis Centre – 24 hour phone (1800 424 017) or online counselling
- Reach Out Sexual Assault Support – Sexual assault support service
- Royal Commission Into Institutional Responses To Child Sexual Abuse – Support Services