Sky News has got the scoop that the government has done a U-turn on a national compensation scheme for victims of child sexual abuse, even though it was promised during the previous Conservative administration. The article dives into the story of Marie, a 71-year-old woman who endured sexual, physical, and emotional abuse at Greenfield House Convent in St Helens, Merseyside, back in the late 1950s and early 1960s. She is still battling for compensation for the trauma she suffered.
Marie vividly recalls the horrors she faced at the convent, where her hair was forcibly cut, her name changed, and she was subjected to regular beatings by the nuns and other students. The violence escalated to the point where a nun allegedly orchestrated sexual abuse against Marie using a coat hanger, leaving her deeply scarred.
Despite Merseyside Police looking into the abuse claims at the convent, a suspect passed away before charges could be brought in 2016. Marie did receive an apology from the Catholic organization responsible for the home, but her attempt to sue them was dismissed due to the time that had passed since the alleged abuse occurred.
In February, the government announced plans to alter the law to allow victims of sexual abuse more time to sue institutions for damages, a move recommended by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). Previously, individuals had to file a civil claim before turning 21, unless they could prove that a fair trial was still feasible despite the delay. Advocates pushed for the time limit to be lifted, citing that victims typically wait an average of 26 years before coming forward.
Peter Garsden, the President of The Association of Child Abuse Lawyers, expressed concerns about the lengthy legal process for historical abuse cases where the accused is deceased. He highlighted that civil cases can drag on for three to five years, potentially resulting in claimants losing out on justice. Garsden emphasized the need for a quicker and more straightforward Redress Scheme to ensure victims receive the compensation they deserve.
The article touches on the story of Jimbo, a survivor of abuse at St Aidan’s children’s home in Cheshire, who spent 13 years navigating the legal system only to receive a meager £10 for his troubles. Despite a judge acknowledging the validity of his abuse claims, Jimbo’s case was dismissed due to the time constraints on child sexual abuse claims.
While Scotland and Northern Ireland have established compensation schemes and paid out substantial amounts to victims, the government in England and Wales initially pledged to follow suit in 2023. However, the Home Office’s recent report revealed that financial constraints have led to the abandonment of plans for a National Redress Scheme for survivors of child sexual abuse, leaving many without a final chance for justice.
For victims like Marie and Jimbo, the compensation scheme was a crucial lifeline after enduring a lifetime of suffering. The money represented more than just financial reparation; it symbolized closure and acknowledgment of the pain they had endured. As the government backtracks on its promise, many are left in limbo, unsure of what the future holds for their quest for justice.
