Types of abuse and settings

Abuse can take many forms and occur in many different settings.

Whether a child has suffered physical, mental or sexual abuse, or neglect, each type of abuse can cause permanent harm and have wide-ranging effects on their future wellbeing. Much of the historical child abuse that we hear about has occurred in settings where children should have been able to feel safe and protected, but this was just not the case in many circumstances.

It can be difficult to know who is now responsible for what happened in the past, but we can help you seek justice even if the perpetrator of your abuse has died or the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) are not pursuing your case.

Working with survivors of historical abuse

Thompsons' Survivors Team is currently working with clients who were abused in a number of different settings and we have experience of all of the following:

You can find out more about the cases we are working on and the survivors who we are acting for on our Case Studies page.

Case studies include:

Claims against local authorities

Claims against independent organisations

Claims against membership organisations

Boys Brigade

Claims against religious institutions

Claims against sports clubs

Talk to Thompsons Survivors Team

Our clients' confidentiality is always at the core of the work we do. We ask clients to trust us with very sensitive and personal information and we do all that we can to maintain their anonymity and protect their details.

Members of the Survivors Team are specially trained and have significant experience handling these complex and difficult claims. We understand how stressful recounting the details of historical child abuse can be and we aim to help you, if you so wish, by providing access to help form charities and groups who provide specialist care and support.

When you talk to Thompsons' historical child abuse solicitors about your situation, YOU will be at the centre of any work we carry out. We will use straightforward, jargon-free language to explain your options and give you as much time as you need so you can make sure that our agreed course of action is right for you. You will never be under any obligation to go ahead with a claim.