Our team of expert solicitors understand that dealing with such a sensitive issue as child abuse requires that survivors have the right support systems in place to help them move on with their lives. We are committed to helping our clients receive this support.
If you have been affected by child abuse, then please contact our highly experienced team of solicitors for advice and support.
The Association of Child Abuse Lawyers (ACAL)
The Association of Child Abuse Lawyers was established for the benefit of children and adults abused in childhood, and those directly or indirectly affected by such abuse.
The organization consists of lawyers, experts and other professionals working to obtain compensation for survivors of childhood abuse and neglect.
ACAL was founded in 1997 to address concerns within the legal system that survivors of abuse wishing to pursue claims for compensation were experiencing inadequate legal assistance and advice from lawyers, or were completely unable to secure legal representation.
As part of its ongoing work, ACAL strives to improve standards within the field of personal injury and related claims for compensation.
ACAL’s Code of Practice ensures that it is:
- Promoting and procuring full and prompt compensation for the physical, sexual or mental abuse of children and adults abused in childhood
- Developing wider forms of redress for survivors of abuse within the legal system
- Advancing the role of the legal process in promoting higher standards of care and protection for children and adults abused in childhood
In addition, the association:
- Campaigns for changes to the rights of child abuse survivors
- Supplies a list of specialist child abuse solicitors for survivors to contact or be referred to
- Provides information and advice on legal assistance and meeting with solicitors
Bolt Burdon Kemp and ACAL
Jonathan Wheeler is treasurer of ACAL, and our team of child abuse lawyers all hold ACAL membership. This means that you can be safe in the knowledge that our team of specialist child abuse lawyers are committed to upholding the highest standards within this field.
Counselling for child abuse
At Bolt Burdon Kemp, our team understands that survivors of child abuse and neglect may suffer long-term effects that have a significant impact on their lives.
We also recognise that the primary motivation for reporting abuse or neglect and bringing a claim for compensation is often to obtain therapy, counselling, help or rehabilitation.
Survivors of abuse or neglect often suffer from psychiatric injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety or an eating disorder. Other problems that abuse can lead to include self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or an adjustment disorder.
It is common for the effects of abuse to have an impact on relationships, education, employment and enjoyment of life. But there is help at hand.
At Bolt Burdon Kemp we know that securing treatment can be a vital step in helping you or your loved one come to terms with the effects of the abuse that has been suffered.
How Bolt Burdon Kemp works with survivors of abuse
All our clients meet with a consultant psychiatrist with expertise in helping survivors of child abuse. We know that every case is different and will ask the expert to recommend a suitable treatment plan for each client.
We will then seek to recover compensation at the earliest opportunity to allow our clients to access the treatment they need as soon as possible.
We are often able to obtain an ‘interim payment’ − an early compensation payment made during the course of the case. This interim payment allows our clients to access treatment at the earliest opportunity while they are facing the difficulties of bringing a claim.
Our empathic, specialist lawyers understand that making a claim can be very stressful and upsetting. Bolt Burdon Kemp has connections with therapy providers and can organise treatment for our clients, reducing stress at such a difficult time. This treatment will be carried out at a time and place suitable for our client.
Moving Minds
Bolt Burdon Kemp has worked with leading therapy provider Moving Minds for several years to secure the best possible treatment for the survivors we work with.
Moving Minds specialises in the treatment of the psychological symptoms of trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, obsessive compulsive disorder and adjustment disorder.
They provide psychological treatment in the form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).
Other charities and organisations BBK are involved with
BBK also has links to other charities and organisations:
- SurvivorsUK – David McClenaghan is a former Trustee. We sponsor one of the charities ISVA’s to help support their vital work.
- Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) – Suzanne Trask is the joint vice-president and David McClenaghan is the secretary of the organisation’s child abuse group
- NAPAC – We are on their Legal Panel
If you would like to talk with one of our specialist solicitors about how we work with our clients, then please contact us now.
