Confidential, trauma-aware legal guidance for historical abuse survivors across the Central Coast, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter.
Coming forward about abuse can be incredibly difficult, especially when it happened many years or even decades ago. If you are ready to explore your legal options, Brazel Moore Lawyers is here to support you with clear, compassionate advice in a safe and respectful way.
Our experienced team assists survivors with historical child abuse claims arising from a range of circumstances, including abuse in institutions, organisations and other settings where a child should have been safe. We provide practical guidance, strong representation and careful support through what can often be a deeply personal and emotionally challenging process. In suitable matters, we may also be able to offer no win, no fee arrangements.
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Is it too late to make a claim?
Many survivors assume that too much time has passed to take legal action. In many cases, that is not so.
In NSW, time limits that once applied to many historical child abuse claims have been removed. This means survivors may still be able to pursue compensation and other legal remedies, even where the abuse happened many years or decades ago.
Whether a claim can be made will depend on the circumstances, including where the abuse occurred, who was responsible and how old you were at the time. Our role is to help you understand your options clearly and sensitively, so you can decide what, if any, steps you would like to take.
What is historical abuse?
Historical abuse refers to abuse that occurred in the past, often many years or decades ago, when the survivor was a child.
In legal terms, these claims may arise from sexual abuse, serious physical abuse, related psychological abuse, or a failure to protect a child from harm where an institution, organisation or other responsible party owed a duty of care.
Historical abuse can occur in a range of settings, including schools or boarding facilities, religious institutions, sporting organisations, foster care or state care, youth groups, community organisations and other places where a child should have been safe.
Many survivors were unable to speak out at the time because of fear, manipulation, shame or a lack of support. Coming forward now is both valid and recognised under the law.
How compensation can help
Compensation cannot undo what happened. However, for many survivors, it can provide recognition of the harm they have suffered and practical support for the future.
Depending on the circumstances, compensation may help address the physical, psychological and financial effects of abuse. This can include access to counselling or treatment, assistance with past and future care needs, loss of income and other impacts the abuse has had on your life.
For some survivors, pursuing compensation is also about being heard, holding the responsible institution or organisation to account, and taking an important step forward on their own terms.
Your legal options
Survivors of historical abuse may have more than one legal pathway available, depending on the circumstances.
In some cases, it may be possible to bring a civil claim for compensation against the institution, organisation or other party responsible for the abuse, or for failing to protect you from harm. In other cases, survivors may be eligible to apply through the National Redress Scheme, a government scheme that provides compensation payments, access to counselling and, where appropriate, a direct personal response such as an apology.
The right option will depend on a range of factors, including where the abuse occurred, when it occurred, who was responsible and what outcome you are seeking. Our role is to help you understand the options available, explain the differences between them and guide you through the process with care and clarity.
Why choose Brazel Moore Lawyers
Historical abuse claims are deeply personal and often emotionally complex. It is important to have legal support that is not only experienced, but also respectful, confidential and sensitive to your circumstances.
- Trauma-aware guidance delivered with care, sensitivity and respect.
- Clear, honest advice about your legal options, including civil claims and the National Redress Scheme, without the legal jargon.
- Confidential and professional support throughout the process.
- Long-standing local experience supporting individuals and families across the Central Coast, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter.
Our role is not to pressure you into taking action. It is to help you understand your options and support you if and when you are ready.
What to expect
Every survivor’s circumstances are different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to these matters. The first step is usually a confidential conversation so we can understand your situation, explain the legal options that may be available and answer any questions you may have.
If you decide to move forward, we will guide you through the process carefully and at a pace that is appropriate to your circumstances. This may include:
- gathering information
- obtaining relevant records
- identifying the appropriate legal pathway
- advising you on the steps involved in making a claim
Our role is to provide clear advice, respectful support and careful communication throughout the process, so you understand what is happening and what to expect next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. In NSW, time limits that once applied to many historical child abuse claims have been removed. This means you may still be able to pursue compensation, even if the abuse happened many years or decades ago.
Many survivors were unable to report abuse when it happened because of fear, manipulation, shame or a lack of support. Not having reported the abuse at the time does not automatically prevent you from seeking legal advice now.
You may still have options. In some cases, a claim may be made against the institution, organisation or other entity responsible for failing to protect you from harm. The available legal pathway will depend on the circumstances.
Not necessarily. Many matters of this nature are resolved at mediation or through negotiation without a final court hearing. If court proceedings are required, we will explain what that may involve and support you through each stage of the process.
The first step is usually a confidential conversation so we can understand your situation, explain the legal options that may be available and answer any questions you may have. You do not need to make any immediate decisions about moving forward.
Need confidential legal advice about your situation?
If you are ready to talk about historical abuse and explore your legal options, our experienced team is here to listen and help. We provide clear, compassionate guidance in a safe, strictly confidential and respectful way, so you can take the next step only if and when you feel ready.
Send an online enquiry
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