The Church should be a place of safety. For many, it is a source of comfort, support and community. But when that trust is broken through abuse, the impact can be profound and long lasting.
A new Church of England Redress Scheme is being developed in response to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). It will offer financial compensation, emotional and therapeutic support, and formal acknowledgment of the harm caused.
At Switalskis, our specialist abuse solicitors have been supporting survivors of abuse in religious settings for decades.
The Church of England is developing a national redress scheme that will provide compensation and support to people who have experienced abuse by individuals connected to the Church. This may include:
It’s expected that the scheme will offer not just compensation, but also access to other forms of redress.
This will apply to abuse involving individuals connected to the Church of England. The redress scheme aims to provide:
The scheme is not yet open, but current proposals suggest a structured approach that considers the type of abuse, its impact, and any aggravating circumstances.
Find out how we can support you with claims against other religions and institutions here.
Get the support you need from our expert solicitors - schedule your free initial consultation now on 0800 995 6040, or fill in our form.
While the scheme is not yet open for applications, you don’t need to wait to seek support or advice. You may be eligible if:
Even if the abuse happened decades ago , or you’ve never reported it, we can help you explore your options in confidence.
We understand how difficult it can be to come forward. Our priority is to ensure you feel safe, respected and listened to at every stage.
Our abuse claims team has extensive experience supporting survivors of abuse involving the Church of England and other religious institutions. We understand not only the legal complexities of church abuse claims, but also the emotional impact these cases can have.
The team is led by David Greenwood , a nationally recognised specialist in church abuse and institutional abuse claims. David has represented many survivors of clergy abuse, is an executive member of the survivor support group MACSAS, and is widely known for his work exposing safeguarding failures and institutional cover-ups within the Church. Read more here.
We explain your legal options clearly and sensitively, so you can make informed decisions at your own pace. Where needed, we can also help manage issues such as anonymity, privacy and media interest, always putting your wellbeing first.
We are transparent about legal costs from the outset and will explain funding options clearly, so there are no surprises.
Alongside legal support, we can also help you access specialist organisations and support services if you would like additional emotional or practical help.
The scheme is still in development, but current proposals suggest a structured approach that considers the type of abuse, its impact, and any aggravating circumstances. Compensation may range from £5,000 to £660,000 depending on individual circumstances.
The Church has indicated that they will provide compensation and support to people who have experienced abuse by individuals connected to the Church. This may include:
This scheme is just for those who have suffered abuse under the Anglican church. This will not include cases involving catholic churches.
If you have suffered abuse in other religious settings, you may still be able to claim compensation. Contact our specialist team for more information.
It is currently proposed that the Church of England redress scheme will be open for 5-years.
Your privacy and safety are our most important priorities, especially when dealing with sensitive issues like church child abuse compensation claims. From the moment you first contact us, all communications are held in the strictest confidence. We use secure methods to store your personal information and any evidence related to your church abuse claim.
When it comes to building a strong case for church abuse compensation, evidence is key. The types of evidence we’ll need vary depending on the specifics of your case, including whether it's child abuse in the Church of England, the Catholic Church or another religious setting. Generally, medical records, witness statements and any digital communications related to the abuse are good examples of evidence. In some cases, expert reports from psychologists or medical professionals can also be useful.
The thought of facing your abuser can be incredibly daunting, particularly in cases involving church abuse. However, if you are applying through the Church of England Redress Scheme, you will not have to face your abuser as part of the process.
The redress scheme is designed to be non-adversarial. It is intended to acknowledge harm and provide compensation without requiring survivors to attend court or give evidence in front of the person who abused them.
Our church abuse lawyers understand how important it is that you feel safe and supported. We will guide you through every step of the redress process, explain what to expect, and ensure that your experience is handled with sensitivity, care and respect.
Legal fees are often a concern when considering a church abuse compensation claim. At Switalskis, we're transparent about costs from the beginning. During our initial consultation, we'll discuss our fee structure and any funding options that may be available to you. The aim is to make the financial aspect of your church abuse claim as clear and manageable as possible.
While there are generally time limits for personal injury claims, exceptions are often made for cases involving abuse, particularly child abuse in the Church of England. Courts understand the emotional challenges that can delay reporting, so even if the abuse happened many years ago, you may still be eligible for church abuse compensation.
The time it takes to make a church abuse claim can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case. Some cases may settle in a few months, while others may take longer due to their sensitive and complex nature. We'll give you a more tailored estimate of the timeline once we have a better understanding of your specific case.
To speak to one of our specialist church child abuse solicitors about your situation in confidence, call us on 0800 1380 458, or contact us through the website.
The Church of England Redress Scheme is a national programme for people who have experienced abuse connected to the Church. Survivors were consulted in designing the scheme, helping ensure it is compassionate, fair, and survivor-focused.
If you experienced abuse connected to the Church of England, you may be wondering whether the redress scheme applies to you. This guide explains, in clear and supportive terms, who the Church of England redress scheme is intended to help.
If you are thinking about applying to the Church of England redress scheme, it is completely natural to feel uncertain about what the process involves, or how it might affect you emotionally. This guide explains, step by step, what usually happens when someone applies. You do not need to follow every step immediately, and you remain in control throughout. Seeking information does not mean you have to proceed.
When someone you love has experienced abuse connected to the Church of England, learning about the redress process can feel overwhelming, not just for them, but for you as well. This guide explains how families can support a loved one through the redress process, while also looking after their own wellbeing.
When someone you love has experienced abuse connected to the Church of England, learning about the redress process can feel overwhelming, not just for them, but for you as well.
If you are thinking about applying to the Church of England redress scheme, it is completely natural to feel uncertain about what the process involves, or how it might affect you emotionally.
If you experienced abuse connected to the Church of England, you may be wondering whether the redress scheme applies to you.
For many survivors of abuse connected to the Church of England, the word redress can feel unfamiliar, or even uncomfortable. It may raise questions, uncertainty, or concern about what it really involves and whether it is the right step.
When you're dealing with something as sensitive as a church abuse compensation claim, you need more than just legal expertise. You need a team that embodies values you can trust. Here's why Switalskis stands out:
Legal jargon can make an already complicated and emotionally fraught process even more daunting. At Switalskis, we pride ourselves on making complex legal matters easy to understand. We'll explain your options for church abuse compensation in straightforward, plain English.
We're not just here to guide you through the legal process; we're here to support you emotionally as well. From our first meeting to the resolution of your case, we offer a safe and confidential space where you can feel heard and respected. Our approach is rooted in empathy, making us more than just your church abuse lawyers; we're your supporters in this challenging journey.
Our team has extensive experience in handling church abuse claims. This includes high-profile cases involving the Church of England and the Catholic Church, but also encompasses abuse by religious authorities from other faiths and institutions. We know the unique challenges these cases present and how to navigate them effectively. When you choose Switalskis, you're choosing a team with a proven track record in securing church abuse compensation.
We're committed to fighting for justice on your behalf. Our team will advocate tirelessly for you. We're not just here to win your case and secure the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to claim; we're here to champion your rights and help you find the justice and peace you deserve.
Many survivors wait years – sometimes decades – before feeling able to come forward. If you were abused within a Church setting, we want you to know that it’s never too late to seek help. You deserve to be heard, and we’ll help you do so in a way that feels safe and supported.
Reach out to us for a confidential, no-obligation chat by calling us on 0800 1380 458 or contacting us through the website.