Victims of Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is any unwanted, uninvited, coercive or forced sexual act that occurs against your will. In other words, it is any sexual behaviour that is forced upon you without your consent – without you freely agreeing to participate in the sexual activity and/or without you understanding what is involved in the act. Consent cannot be given if you are intoxicated, asleep or unconscious. It can also not be given if someone uses their physical strength, age, size, or position of power or trust to force or coerce you into a sexual behaviour.

Sexual assault or abuse is a criminal offense that can be committed by anyone, including a stranger, friend, acquaintance, family member, intimate partner, work colleague, employer, carer, clergy member, teacher, or medical professional. Sexual assault or sexual abuse can range from sexual touching, through to forceful or violent conduct and rape.

If you have been the victim of sexual assault, you have a right to seek justice, and to have access to legal support and compensation.

In New South Wales, sexual assault claims can be made under the NSW Government’s Victims’ Support Scheme. While victims of sexual abuse are entitled to claim compensation under this scheme, it is helpful to have an experienced lawyer by your side. A competent lawyer will have a great deal of knowledge about the rights of victims, and can explain these rights to you. They can provide you with comprehensive advice on seeking compensation, appearing in court, and lodging complaints, dispute and appeals. Importantly, a lawyer should listen carefully and compassionately to your story, advocate for you and direct you to services that can provide you with additional support.

Our legal team will support you through the challenging process of seeking compensation. We will listen and respond to your situation with compassion, dedication and care.

Compensation for sexually abused victims under the victims’ support scheme covers:

• Counselling services to assist with trauma and psychological injury
• Financial support for immediate needs – medical expenses, costs associated with ensuring safety and wellbeing
• Financial support for economic loss – ongoing medical expenses, living costs, lost income
• Recognition – lump sum payment to acknowledge the trauma suffered

For a comprehensive and compassionate service, contact Wyatts today. We are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you.

Under the NSW Government’s Victims’ Support Scheme, you are eligible to receive:

• A maximum of 22 hours of counselling
• Immediate financial assistance up to $5000 for primary victims
• Financial support for continuing costs up to $30,000 for primary victims or parents of a child victim
• A recognition payment up to $10,000 depending on the nature of the assault

Wyatts Compensation Lawyers can provide you with legal advice and assistance when you are submitting your claim. Importantly, they can assess your case and advise as to whether you are eligible for additional compensation through an alternative scheme. They can also advise as to whether civil litigation should be sought through the court system.

Child sexual abuse compensation claims can be made by any person who has experienced sexual abuse when they were under 18 years of age, and while in an institutional setting – regardless of when the abuse occurred.

An institution is any public or private agency, association, club or organisation that provides, or has provided, activities, facilities, programs or services of any kind that allows adults to have contact with children. Child sexual abuse in an institutional setting can happen either on the premises of an institution, or where the activities of an institution take place.

If you or a loved-one has experienced child sexual abuse, Wyatts Compensation Lawyers are here to help. We understand that taking the first steps towards compensation can be challenging, so we offer our legal services with compassion and sensitivity. Please contact us today to speak with one of our lawyers. We will listen with compassion, care and sensitivity.

Sexual Assault

As part of the Victims’ Support Scheme, victims of sexual assault can apply for compensation. However, there are time limits in place for accessing particular forms of financial assistance. For example, if the victim is an adult, claims for financial assistance for economic loss must be made within 2 years of the incident. However, if the victim was a child (under 18 years of age), there are no time limits imposed. Given that different time limits apply for different forms of assistance, it is important that you act as soon as possible. The team at Wyatts can help you understand your rights as a victim, and can provide expert, personalised, and compassionate legal support.

Institutional Child Sex Abuse

As part of the NSW Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, time limits for civil claims have been removed. This change to the law was brought into effect under the Limitation Amendment (Child Abuse) Act 2016. This means that you can pursue a compensation claim no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.

Our team of lawyers understands that talking about child sexual abuse and sexual assault can be difficult, and it takes great courage to speak-up. We will listen to you with compassion and sensitivity, and will support you in your journey. Please contact us today to take the first step towards claiming compensation.