Historical Sexual Abuse Solicitors
The passage of time does not erase the right to justice. If you experienced sexual abuse in the past, you are might be entitled to seek accountability and compensation from those responsible.
If you experienced sexual abuse in the past, our historical sexual abuse solicitors can provide specialist support and advice with compassion and discretion.
Living with the impact of historical sexual abuse can be long-lasting, affecting your emotional wellbeing, relationships, confidence and day-to-day life. Many survivors do not feel able to speak about what happened until years, or even decades, later. If you’re now ready to explore your legal options, Talbots Law can help.
Our historical sexual abuse solicitors have extensive experience supporting survivors with legal claims and civil actions. We understand both the sensitivity and the legal complexity involved. From listening to your story with care, to investigating what happened and guiding you through the legal process, we are here to help you seek accountability, closure and, where appropriate, compensation.
What is historical sexual abuse?
Historical sexual abuse refers to sexual abuse that occurred in the past, often during childhood or earlier adulthood, but is only now being disclosed or acted upon. It can take many forms, including abuse by individuals in positions of trust (such as carers, teachers, religious leaders, family members or others) as well as abuse in institutional settings
Can I make a legal claim if the abuse happened many years ago?
Yes, many survivors pursue legal claims decades after the abuse occurred. The law recognises that it can take time for people to come forward, and courts can exercise discretion in allowing claims outside normal time limits if it’s fair and reasonable to do so.
Your solicitor will explain how the time limits apply to your situation and advise you on the best legal route to take.
Even when abuse happened many years ago, it can continue to have a lasting impact on your life, health and wellbeing. If you experienced sexual abuse in the past and feel ready to explore your legal options, our experts are ready to support you.
You can find out more about historical sexual abuse claims in our frequently asked questions below.
Get in touch with a member of our team today to arrange a meeting with a specialist historical sexual abuse solicitor. Call us on 0800 118 1500 or complete the form below.
Why should I trust Talbots’ Historical Sexual Abuse Solicitors?
At Talbots Law, we understand how difficult it can be to speak about historical sexual abuse. Many survivors live with the effects for years before feeling ready to seek help. Our specialist team provides a safe, respectful and confidential environment where you are listened to without judgement.
We have extensive experience supporting survivors through civil abuse claims and understand both the emotional sensitivity and legal complexity involved.
Our track record speaks for itself, we have successfully secured significant compensation for clients. Working on a No Win No Fee basis, we put your needs first and manage your claim efficiently, keeping you informed throughout. Our goal is to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible while maximising your chance of a successful outcome, giving you confidence that you are in expert hands.
Frequently asked questions
Who can be held responsible for historical sexual abuse?
A claim may be brought against:
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the individual who carried out the abuse
Claims are often made against institutions that had a “duty of care” over you at the time. This includes:
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Local authorities and foster care providers.
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Schools, colleges, and boarding houses.
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Religious organizations and churches.
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Youth groups, sports clubs, and charities.
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The NHS or private healthcare providers.
Can I claim compensation if my abuser is deceased?
Yes. While you cannot bring a criminal case against a deceased person, you can still pursue a civil claim. This is typically done by claiming against the abuser’s estate or, more commonly, against the institution that enabled the abuse or failed to protect you (vicarious liability). You may also still be eligible for a government payout through the CICA scheme.
Is there a time limit for historical sexual abuse claims?
Under the Limitation Act 1980, the standard time limit for a personal injury claim is three years from the date of the incident or the “date of knowledge.” However, in cases of historical sexual abuse, the courts frequently use their discretion to waive this limit (Section 33). This means you can often still bring a claim decades later if there is a valid reason for the delay in coming forward.
Do I have to report the abuse to the police to make a claim?
No. Making a civil claim does not require you to report the abuse to the police, although you can do so if you choose. A civil claim focuses on accountability and compensation rather than criminal punishment. If you decide to pursue both civil and criminal processes, we can support you through each step.
How do I prove abuse that happened many years ago?
In historical cases, physical forensic evidence is rarely available. Instead, we build a case using:
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Detailed witness statements.
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Historical records from schools, hospitals, or social services.
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Police records or evidence of previous complaints against the abuser.
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Expert psychiatric reports documenting the long-term psychological impact of the abuse.
What compensation might I receive?
Compensation in historical sexual abuse cases is intended to reflect the physical, emotional and psychological impact of the abuse. It may include awards for:
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trauma, pain and suffering
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psychological injury (such as PTSD, anxiety or depression)
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loss of earnings or reduced ability to work
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ongoing support needs
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effects on relationships and quality of life
Every claim is unique, and we work with medical and psychological experts to ensure the full impact is properly reflected.
Do I have to go to court?
Many historical sexual abuse claims are resolved through negotiation and settlement without needing a court hearing. Where court proceedings are necessary, we will clearly explain the process and support you throughout, prioritising your comfort and dignity at every stage.
Do you offer No Win No Fee cases?
We proudly offer our clients a Conditional Fee Agreement, commonly known as a ‘No Win No Fee’ agreement, but we apply it with professional diligence to ensure the best outcome for all parties.
We offer this arrangement in the vast majority of personal injury cases. Each case is carefully assessed on its individual merits.
After reviewing the details of your claim, we’ll determine the likelihood of success. If we believe your case has a strong chance of winning, we’ll proceed on a No Win No Fee basis, giving you peace of mind as to protection from financial risk.
If a claim does not meet our threshold for success, we will advise you honestly, ensuring you only pursue cases with a realistic chance of compensation.
Our Historical Sexual Abuse Solicitors are here to help
Contact us for a confidential, no obligation chat.
Our team are ready to help you!
Our Historical Sexual Abuse Team
Elizabeth Rimell
Director & Head of Personal Injury
Liz is Head of Personal Injury here at Talbots, specialising in historical sexual abuse cases. Qualified in 2002, Liz is a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) and the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers (ACAL)