Can adults be victims of abuse?

Abuse can occur in many forms and can happen to anyone of any age. It’s often thought that sexual abuse only happens to children, but that simply isn’t the case.

Anyone who suffers from abuse can suffer long-lasting psychological effects for the rest of their life and we understand just how traumatic this can be. Our team of abuse specialists are here to talk in confidence and advise you of your options.

Any adult can suffer from sexual abuse. In the majority of cases, the abuser is a person in a position of trust or power. We’ve represented many adults who have suffered from sexual abuse, the most common include:

• Students at colleges and universities
• Care home residents
• Vulnerable adults, such as those with learning difficulties
• Patients in hospitals or other medical practices
• Adults who suffered abuse as a child and are still suffering from the effects
• Adults who suffer abuse in their working environment
• Adults who’ve suffered sexual abuse while in a taxi or Uber car
• Adults who’ve suffered sexual abuse while at spas or massage parlours

What measures are in place to protect adults from sexual abuse?

Safeguarding adults, as well as children, is extremely important. There are a number of jobs that require a Disclosure and Barring Service check, most commonly known as a DBS check. Any person, whose role involves working with children or vulnerable adults, requires a DBS check before they start work in that role. The level of DBS check depends on nature and responsibilities of the role, but any employer can decide that a basic DBS check is required for any role.

Jobs involving working with adults which will always require a standard or enhanced DBS check include:

• Teachers
• Social workers
• Medical professionals

An employer also has a duty of care to ensure their staff are safe from harm whilst at work. Sadly, despite measures being in place, there are still cases of sexual abuse suffered by adults.

What should you do if you’ve suffered sexual abuse as an adult?

If you’ve been sexual abused as an adult, or a vulnerable loved one you care for has been sexually abused as an adult, in the first instance you should report it to the police so they can carry out a full investigation. The next step would be to speak to a specialised lawyer who deals with cases of adult abuse. Not only will they seek compensation for the unnecessary trauma suffered, but also seek private treatment and support.

We understand that it can be extremely difficult to talk about such traumatic events, but we'll provide you with support and advice every step of the way.

How do you know if a lawyer is specialised in representing victims and survivors of abuse?

Abuse law is a very specialised area of law and you need to choose a law firm with genuine expertise. We've represented many adults who've been the victims of abuse and have dedicated specialists in England, Scotland and Wales who have helped them get the justice they deserve.

We’ve worked on some of the most high-profile cases in recent years and are dedicated to ensuring you not only receive the compensation and justice you deserve, but you also get the treatment and support needed to enable you to move forward with your life.

Will details of your abuse stay confidential?

We understand that confidentiality is hugely important to those who've suffered abuse as an adult, and it takes a lot of courage to speak out about what happened. As solicitors, we’re bound by strict confidentiality and if you decide you want to make a claim, any information you tell us will remain strictly confidential. As part of your claim, it will become necessary for certain authorised people to have access to your information, such as independent medical experts. However, you can rest assured that no information will be disclosed without your prior authority.

In addition, anyone who is the victim or alleged victim of sexual abuse has a guaranteed legal right to anonymity. If it becomes necessary to issue court proceedings, we can reinforce this by making a court application to protect your identity. Our lawyers are highly experienced in this area and will guide and be there for you through the process.

How much will it cost to make a claim for abuse?

Our abuse specialists offer a free, confidential consultation to provide you with advice on your case.

If you decide that you wish to make a claim, there are funding options available. We’re able to offer No Win No Fee funding, which means there’s no financial risk for you.

If you’ve suffered abuse as an adult or a vulnerable adult you care for has suffered abuse, you can speak to one of our dedicated team in confidence on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online.

We’re professional, yet compassionate and will handle your case with the utmost care and respect.