What is religious abuse?
Abuse is a type of exploitation where someone causes harm or distress to another person. It can be exercised in several ways, including:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional and psychological abuse
- Sexual abuse
Anyone can experience one or multiple forms of abuse, whether it happens once or repeatedly. Abuse, in any form, is never acceptable.
Distressingly, abuse can take place within seemingly safe spaces, such as religious institutions. Individuals in positions of authority in these settings may exploit that trust – examples include priests, ministers, imams and other religious figures.
Physical, emotional or sexual abuse in religious institutions can happen to both adults and children. Those considered vulnerable are especially at risk in these environments.
If you have experienced abuse in a religious institution, you don’t have to carry it alone. When you’re ready, reach out to our compassionate and experienced solicitors to discuss whether you could have a valid compensation claim.
How do I know if I can claim for physical, emotional or sexual abuse in religious institutions?
Coming forward and reporting something as serious as religious abuse can feel extremely daunting – not least due to the fear of not being believed if the abuser is an authoritative figure within a religious community. Some survivors raise religious abuse claims years later as a result.
If you have suffered abuse of any kind in a religious institution, you may be able to raise a claim for compensation. In the case of vulnerable adults or children, they may not know their rights in this situation. You can claim on behalf of others for this reason.
From there, your solicitor can help you build a case and gather evidence to prove that the abuse took place and harmed you.
Why choose Bolt Burdon Kemp for religious abuse claims?
We know how to take the right approach with highly sensitive cases such as these. Here’s why you can trust our religious abuse claims solicitors and the wider team at Bolt Burdon Kemp:
- Experts: Having over 35 years of experience means we’ve supported an extensive range of cases, including those focusing on abuse, personal injury, military and medical negligence
- ‘No win no fee’: Although there are various funding types available, we usually take on Conditional Fee Agreements where you won’t need to pay anything unless your claim is successful.
- Empathy: Being compassionate is critical for sensitive cases and we’re proud to offer a professional service while remaining entirely understanding throughout.
- Partners: We work closely with organisations like SurvivorsUK and ACAL to provide our clients with comprehensive support throughout their cases and beyond.
- Awards and accreditations: We have been recognised by Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500 for our expertise. We’re also ranked as one of The Times Best Law Firms 2025 for personal and clinical negligence law in England and Wales. See all our accreditations.
- Client satisfaction: Our vast selection of client testimonials is a testament to the hard work and dedication our legal teams have shown during cases.
Contact one of our religious abuse claims solicitors today
When you feel ready, take the next step and reach out to us – either online or by calling We understand the courage this takes, so please know that you’ll be met with a compassionate ear. Our legal teams are experienced in handling abuse claims for both adults and children, so you’ll be in very capable hands.
If we take on your case under a ‘no win no fee‘ agreement, you won’t have to pay anything until your claim is successful, helping to remove that initial financial risk. You can find out more about our processes and conditions by reading our claims criteria and claims process.
