The Government issued (on 12 November 2025) a long-awaited apology to the men who suffered systemic abuse at Medomsley Detention Centre in County Durham.

Minister for Youth Justice Jake Richards described the abuse as “a monstrous perversion of justice” and acknowledged the devastating and lasting impact of what happened at the centre between the 1960s and its closure in the late 1980s.

The apology follows the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman’s report, published this week, which detailed the physical, sexual and psychological abuse many boys endured at Medomsley. The report also recognised the immense courage of those who came forward to speak out after years of silence.

Government confirms claims remain open

As part of the Government’s statement, Minister Richards reaffirmed that the compensation scheme for victims and survivors of abuse at Medomsley remains open.

The Ministry of Justice confirmed that since the scheme was established in 2019, over £10 million has been paid to more than 2,700 individuals – and that anyone who suffered abuse at Medomsley is still able to make a claim.

This is an important and welcome reminder that those who have not yet come forward can still seek justice and recognition for what they suffered.

Switalskis’ ongoing work for Medomsley survivors

Switalskis has been involved in supporting survivors of Medomsley for more than two decades. Our specialist Abuse Law team has represented many of the men who were detained there and continues to act for both survivors of physical and sexual abuse at the centre.

The team have been at the forefront of uncovering the truth about what happened at Medomsley, working alongside campaigners and MPs who have pushed for accountability and reform.

“It’s not too late to come forward”

The Government’s apology, while long overdue, serves as a powerful recognition of the suffering endured by hundreds of boys at Medomsley. It also reinforces that it is not too late for survivors to make a claim.

If you or someone you know was detained at Medomsley and suffered abuse, you can still access support and legal advice. Our team understands how difficult it can be to revisit these experiences, and we will listen, guide and support you throughout the process with compassion and care.

To speak to our specialist abuse lawyers in confidence, please contact us on….

If you need support please reach out, the following support services are available: 

• NSPCC – 0808 800 5000 (freephone 24 hour)
• Samaritans – freephone 24/7 – 116123
• Victim support – 0808 1689111
• Rape crisis helpline – 0808 5002222
• National Association for People Abused in Childhood - 0808 801 0331

Supporting survivors of abuse

The Abuse team at Switalskis represent many survivors of abuse who are seeking truth and justice after being failed by the institutions meant to protect them.

If you were affected by abuse in a detention centre or similar setting, our specialist team can help you explore your legal options with sensitivity, understanding, and care.

Contact our specialist lawyers, Rob Casey and Caroline Chandler in our Abuse Team , to speak confidentially to one of our specialist solicitors.

Terms of reference for the PPO report into Medomsley

Medomsley Detention Centre (MDC) Special Investigation:

Terms of Reference

Definitions

For the purposes of these Terms of Reference:

“Abuse” refers to any sexual or physical abuse, but may also refer more broadly to the type of regime employed at MDC.

“Authorities” refers to relevant public bodies and their employees, including the police, probation, the prison service, health and social care services, inspectorates, charities, local government and central government.

Purpose

The Secretary of State for Justice has commissioned the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) to carry out an investigation into what the Authorities knew about the abuse that took place at MDC between 1961 and 1987, whether there were opportunities for the Authorities to have taken action or intervened at that time, and what actions (if any) were taken by the Authorities in such instances. 

MDC was a detention facility open between 1961 and 1987 that held men aged 17-21. Former inmates have since reported being subjected to abuse while detained at MDC. Police investigations since the 1990s have led to eight former members of staff being convicted of physical and sexual assault, and misconduct in a public office.

The PPO is not commissioned to re-investigate the facts of the abuse at MDC, nor to re-investigate individual incidents.

Scope of Investigation

1. To obtain the documentary evidence held by Durham Police (or any other police force) as part of their criminal investigations.

1. To gather any evidence held by Government departments, including but not limited to, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and Home Office.

1. To review the evidence available to establish where staff within the establishment were aware of the abuse at MDC, when and what action (if any) they took.

1. To review the evidence available to establish whether any of the Authorities were aware of the abuse at MDC, when and what action (if any) they took.

1. To establish a timeline of what was known by whom about the abuse at MDC at the time and what if any, action was taken and when it was taken.

1. To establish whether government and/or operational policy at the time played a role in the abuse at MDC.

Investigation

The PPO may defer all or part of the investigation if, or, when the police are conducting a criminal investigation in parallel. The decision to defer will be made in discussion with the police force.

Though it may now be difficult to trace surviving former members of staff and officials, and there is no legal power to compel them to co-operate, the PPO may need to engage with or interview former staff or officials where this is deemed beneficial to the investigation. Formal statements may be requested from individuals as required. The Secretary of State for Justice will, if requested, aid the PPO in contacting officials and encouraging their participation in the investigation.

The PPO may also request information and/or documents from the Authorities. The Secretary of State for Justice expects all relevant authorities to ensure that the Ombudsman has unfettered access to all relevant material, held both in hard copy and electronically, that is required for the purposes of this investigation. This includes classified material, physical and mental health information, and information originating from or held by other organisations (e.g. contractors (or their sub-contractors) providing services to or on behalf of the Authorities. All material will be managed in accordance with PPO policy and the relevant information legislation. Should the PPO not be initially granted access by any authority to any information that the PPO reasonably requires to undertake its investigation, the Secretary of State for Justice will support the PPO in overcoming any issues or barriers. 

The Ombudsman will consider representations as to the necessity of particular material being provided, the means by which it is provided and any sensitivity connected with future publication, but the final decision rests with the Ombudsman who will define the material required based on the needs of the investigation.

As part of the investigation, the PPO will set out their victim/family liaison strategy which will explain how the PPO will engage with victims and families during the investigation.

Output of the Investigation

The PPO will carry out an investigation covering the areas identified at points 1-6 above. Following the investigation, the PPO will prepare and publish a written report of their findings.

An interim report, and a draft of the final report, will be provided to key stakeholders (including the Secretary of State for Justice) prior to publication. The content of the report is solely at the discretion of the PPO. The PPO will consider responses to factual accuracy checks, but will exercise their own discretion on what, if any, changes to make.

The PPO can only base their report on the evidence available as part of the investigation.

If during the investigation the PPO identify any gaps in the evidence or any missed opportunities, they will highlight them in the written report.