To speak with one of our friendly and compassionate legal professionals, you can contact us anytime on 1800 21 22 23
At Gordon Legal, we are committed to supporting survivors of sexual abuse in seeking compensation and finding healing.
Our compassionate team understands the sensitivity of these cases and is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for you to share your story.
Sexual Abuse
No amount of compensation can ever erase the pain and trauma caused by sexual abuse.
It is an incredibly courageous act for survivors to step forward and tell their story. We stand by survivors and understand the need for compassion and sensitivity in these cases.
We handle cases involving:
- Institutional abuse (schools, religious organisations, state facilities, sports clubs etc.);
- Historical child sex abuse or childhood abuse; and
- In some more limited cases, abuse or assault by individuals.
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse, bullying or harassment, please contact us today at 1800 21 22 23 to make an appointment with member of our team. We have offices in Melbourne, Geelong and Dandenong and can come to you if necessary.
Why Choose Us?
- Compassionate Support: We understand the sensitivity of these cases and treat every client with respect and empathy. Our team is committed to providing and safe an confidential environment for you to tell your story.
- Experienced Legal Representation: Our team has extensive experience in navigating complex sexual abuse cases in Victoria.
- No Win, No Fee: You only pay if we successfully obtain compensation for you.
We have extensive experience in pursuing abuse cases and can support you through the process by making it as simple as possible.
Our founding partner Peter Gordon brought the first mass legal challenge to the tort immunity that was once claimed by the Catholic Church and Christian Brothers’ Orders. This history continues to guide us, and we remain a law firm deeply committed to seeking justice for survivors.
Our experienced lawyers have extensive expertise handling sexual abuse claims involving religious institutions such as the Christian Brothers, Marist Fathers, Uniting Church, Anglican Dioceses, and the State of Victoria.
We are here to help you pursue compensation that can support you in the ways that matter most—whether it’s covering medical or related expenses, assisting if you’re unable to work, or seeking justice through the legal system.
Compensation for abuse survivors
A civil claim for abuse allows survivors to pursue financial compensation for the harm they have suffered as a result of the abuse. This can include compensation for:
- Medical expenses and ongoing treatment
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
Brining a civil abuse claim is not just about financial compensation; it’s about holding the people responsible for what you experienced accountable for their actions or failure to protect.
Taking the first step can be daunting, but you are not alone. Contact Gordon Legal today on 1800 21 22 23 for a confidential, no obligation consultation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is institutional abuse?
Institutional abuse occurs when an individual experiences harm or mistreatment within an organisation or facility that is responsible for their care or well-being. Institutions can include settings such as:
- Schools and educational institutions
- Religious organisations
- State facilities and detention centers
- Nursing homes and care facilities
- Sports clubs
What is the Royal Commission into Child Sexual Abuse?
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse was an Australian Government inquiry aimed at investigating how institutions, responded to allegations of child sexual abuse.
The purpose of the Royal Commission was to:
- Uncover the truth about the extent of child sexual abuse in institutions.
- Examine how institutions handled complaints and protected children.
- Identify systemic failures and make recommendations to improve child safety.
What is the National Redress Scheme?
The National Redress Scheme is an Australian government program set up in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. It provides support and compensation to people who experienced child sexual abuse in institutions.
The National Redress Scheme is an Australian government program that was established to offer support to survivors of institutional child abuse in Australia. It is a no-fault scheme.
The compensation you can recover through the National Redress Scheme is capped at $150,000 in the most serious cases.
In some circumstances, it is more appropriate for victims of institutional abuse to seek compensation through the National Redress Scheme with regard to the risks and costs of litigation.
You can apply to the National Redress Scheme any time before 30 June 2027.
If you accept a payment from the National Redress Scheme, you are no longer able to pursue a common law claim. If you have applied for National Redress and you reject an offer or let it lapse, you cannot reapply for National Redress.
It is important to seek advice from an experienced abuse lawyer before deciding what the best option is for you to seek compensation. Contact Gordon Legal today on 1800 21 22 23 for a confidential, no obligation consultation.
How to get started
1
Contact Us
We will be in touch within 1 business day if you email. Or you can call 1800 21 22 23, 9am-5pm, Monday – Friday
2
Meet Us
We can assist you anywhere in Victoria. We can travel to you, or we can talk via Zoom or over the phone.
3
Instruct us
We listen until we understand, and quickly provide the best advice so you can make a well-informed decision.
CONTACT US
Get in touch with our team
Enquire now
1800 21 22 23