Being sexually abused or assaulted is not an uncommon occurrence anywhere in the world, including Australia. This crime can affect both men and women, small children, young people, teenagers, and adults. It’s important to remember that, regardless of the type of sexual abuse you’ve suffered, you can get the emotional support you need from a number of of places. Survivors of sexual abuse can get mental health support to process their trauma.
A stranger, a spouse, or a boyfriend or girlfriend can all commit sexual assault. Churches, schools, universities, sporting clubs, dance schools, child-care facilities, aged-care facilities, psychiatric hospitals, and government-run institutions are all examples of institutional settings where sexual assault can occur.
If you have been the unfortunate victim of sexual abuse, you may be entitled to compensation. The first thing that comes to mind after hearing about compensation is, how much compensation do sexually abused victims get?
In this blog, we will explore how much compensation sexually abused victims in Australia get.
What comes under sexual abuse?
If someone makes a sexual advance to you that is unwanted, this is known as sexual abuse. If that person applies force, then it becomes sexual assault.
Sexual assault and sexual abuse don’t discriminate against gender or age. It is a crime, and it can happen to anyone regardless of their age and gender.
Do I need a lawyer to handle my claim?
Yes, you do. It takes a lot of work to win a successful sexual abuse claim. It needs the gathering of substantial evidence, the formulation of detailed legal arguments, and a thorough understanding of the relevant laws and precedents.
How to prove a Sexual Abuse Claim?
You can win a claim by giving evidence. The evidence usually include media records, proof of victim and offender being at the same place at the same time, and a statement which is signed by the victim.
What Australian authorities have done so far against the abusers?
The government launched a scheme in 2016, known as a national compensation scheme for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse. Under this, the survivor gets up to $150,000 each.
Last year, the Australian Prime Minister announced that the country’s politicians and judges will no longer be exempt from rules against sexual harassment which is quite a landmark step.
In the case of the Catholic Church in Australia, an inquiry found that tens of thousands of children had suffered abuse in those churches. Later, Catholic Church had to pay to A$276m compensation for sexually abused victims Australia.
Compensation for sexually abused victims Australia:
Eligibility for compensation for sexually abused Australia:
You may be eligible to claim compensation under the Australian Criminal Injuries Compensation Act 2003 if you are a:
- A victim gets injury or face any financial loss due to that.
- A close relative of a person killed as a result of an offense, eg a spouse, defacto, parent, grandparent, step-parent, child, step-child, or grandchild, and you experience financial loss as a result of that offense.
Time limit to apply:
One must remember that there are some time limits to apply for compensation.
Within 3 years when the incident occurred financial assistance applications must be made.
If you were a child when the crime happened, you usually need to apply before you turn 21. You might be able to apply late.
What support can I get?
Compensation may cover:
- pain and suffering
- loss of enjoyment of life
- medical or psychological expenses
- other incidental expenses, such as travel for medical treatment or damage of clothing.
If you were doing some paid work at the time of the injury, you may also be able to get some help for lost wages. You may also be able to get some money to recognize the wrongdoing done to you.
This is called a “special assistance recognition payment”.
Ways:
For the sexually abused victims there are several ways to file against the abusers. You can apply through these schemes.
- support under the ACT Victim Support Scheme which can include counseling, financial assistance and a recognition payment.
- suing the offender or an organization or person in Court because they failed to protect you
- Moreover, support under the National Redress Scheme for people who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse. (for example, in a Church, at school, or in a sporting club), which can include counseling, a payment, and an apology.
How much you can expect?
Elderly and terminally ill survivors of child sexual abuse would be able to access advance compensation payments of up to $10000 in the country.
Under the National Redress Scheme for Survivors, the compensation of sexually abused victims Australia is $150,000, although the average compensation payment is about $85,000.
Victims of Crime Compensation and Counselling Services (VOCCS) states that Financial assistance to a primary victim of crime in Victoria can be up to $70,000. They receive government-funded financial compensation to assist with recovery.
Report it!
If you have been a victim of sexual abuse, you must report to the police.
You can do this by going to your local police station, or ringing the police assistance line on 131 444 (open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). However, if the abuse just happened, or if it is an emergency. Please call the police on 000.
We are with you!
We believe that sexual violence is a violation of human rights. Similarly, we think that such act are utterly unacceptable. We will provide our service in every possible way. Moreover, we will respond to all forms of sexual violence in our communities. Also, you can contact us to understand or for legal help.
United Legal
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