Institutional & historical child abuse

It’s not too late to get justice

While money alone cannot erase the harm caused, survivors of historical child abuse (sexual, physical and emotional) can now bring claims against the institutions where the abuse occurred.

Coming to terms with emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, regardless of when it happened, can be difficult. For many victims, it is also important to formally receive acknowledgment of the wrongs committed and an apology.

Our promise as institutional & historical child abuse lawyers is to stand by those who’ve endured abuse, offering understanding, support, and discretion at every step.

If you or someone who is close to you has been a victim of abuse whilst in the care of an institution, you are entitled to and deserve compensation.

Our team support people across Australia – please get in touch to connect confidentially with one of our expert team members.

The process

We are here to help, and as leading institutional & historical child abuse lawyers we continue to obtain results and outcomes for our clients, most of whom had not disclosed the unfortunate abuse to anyone prior to engaging our firm.

Before making any decision regarding the National Redress Scheme, consult with our institutional abuse lawyers to ensure you make an informed choice that best serves your interests.

At MEJ we have the experience to help you through this process with understanding and compassion.

You can chat to our specialists, one-on-one, in our office, at your home, on-line or in an environment where you feel most comfortable. You can also start the process by phoning us on behalf of a family member.

To help you understand the process, the MEJ team have answered some common questions about institutional abuse claims:

What institutions can have claims brought against them?

Whether dealing with clergy members, schools, or sporting organisations, our institutional abuse lawyers have successfully filed claims against a range of institutions.

Whilst we can’t name every institution we have brought a claim against, claims can generally be categorised as follows:

• Clergy members and Church Claims
• School Claims
• Defence Department Claims
• Claims against The Commonwealth & State Governments
• Associations
• Sporting Organisations.

Does it matter when the abuse happened?

No. We will provide you with advice as to the specific circumstances of your claim.

Does MEJ give advice and support people to make claims through the National Redress Scheme?

Yes we do. Before you accept any offer from the National Redress Scheme, please speak to a lawyer first. Accepting an offer from the National Redress Scheme can negatively impact your proper compensation claim that you may have against the Institution directly, and MEJ can help you make an informed decision.

Does it matter where the abuse happened?

No it does not. Our experienced team deals with claims across the country.

Does MEJ assist with reporting the abuse to police?

Yes we do. Please speak to us and we can assist you.

I wasn’t abused but I have information relating to someone else’s abuse, can I call MEJ for help?

Yes, whether you’re looking to report an abuse or seeking guidance on another’s experience, our institutional & historical child abuse lawyers are here to help every step of the way.