For many people, talking about what happened in a detention centre can be one of the hardest things they’ll ever do. The memories are often distressing, and for decades, many survivors felt silenced or ignored.
At Switalskis, we believe every survivor deserves to be heard, believed and supported. We’re here not only to guide you through the legal process, but to offer a safe and compassionate space where you can speak openly and in confidence.
Our specialist solicitors have helped hundreds of former detainees secure justice and compensation for the abuse they endured. Whether your experience was at Medomsley, Kirklevington or Eastwood Park, we’ll guide you through every step with sensitivity, professionalism and care.
To speak to one of our specialist abuse solicitors about your situation in confidence, call us on 0800 138 0458 , or contact us through the website.
To speak to one of our specialist abuse solicitors about your situation in confidence, call us on 0800 1380 458, or contact us through the website.
Navigating the legal process after suffering abuse in a detention centre can be difficult, especially when those events took place many years ago. Our specialist team has extensive experience helping survivors of physical and sexual abuse in detention and youth institutions across the UK.
We’ve played a key role in securing compensation schemes for victims, including those relating to Medomsley and Eastwood Park, and continue to represent survivors in ongoing civil claims and inquiries.
From the moment you contact us, we’ll provide a caring, confidential environment. We’ll listen to your story without judgement, explain your options clearly, and handle all communication with the relevant authorities on your behalf.
You’ll always know what stage your claim is at, and we’ll ensure that you’re supported not only legally but emotionally throughout the process.
We work with survivors to:
Our support doesn’t end when your case does. We can help you access further emotional or practical support and guide you through any next steps once your claim is complete.
A detention centre abuse claim seeks to hold the authorities accountable for physical or sexual abuse that took place in youth detention facilities such as Medomsley and Eastwood Park.
These claims can cover:
Claims can be made under Ministry of Justice compensation schemes or through civil court action, depending on the type of abuse and when it took place.
Even if the events happened decades ago, it’s still possible to make a claim. Many survivors are now coming forward following recent convictions and the establishment of official redress schemes.
Medomsley Detention Centre in County Durham operated between 1967 and 1986 and became notorious for the severe abuse suffered by young detainees.
In 2003, officers Neville Husband and Leslie Johnson were convicted of sexually assaulting detainees. Further investigations led to five more former officers being convicted in 2018 and 2019, and another, Alexander Flavell, convicted in 2023.
Switalskis represents hundreds of men who suffered both physical and sexual abuse at Medomsley. Our work has helped secure compensation for survivors and contributed to a forthcoming public inquiry, to be led by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, examining how these abuses were allowed to happen.
The Ministry of Justice Medomsley Compensation Scheme provides financial redress for those who experienced physical abuse while detained:
We continue to pursue civil claims for sexual abuse, achieving five-figure settlements for many survivors.
Eastwood Park Detention Centre in Gloucestershire operated between 1964 and 1995. Many young men detained there were subjected to harsh and violent treatment by officers.
In 2023, former officer Patrick Devaney was convicted of abusing detainees, bringing long-awaited justice for some survivors.
Following sustained campaigning by Switalskis and survivors, the Ministry of Justice Eastwood Park Compensation Scheme is now open to those who were physically abused while detained.
You may be eligible if you:
Compensation awards range from £3,000 to £9,500, depending on the severity of the abuse.
Sexual abuse cases are not included in the scheme, but our solicitors can help you pursue these separately through the civil courts.
All legal fees are covered, and survivors receive 100% of their compensation.
“I’ve been fighting this for over 40 odd years for what I went through in the detention centre as a child. No one would listen to me, until I came across you and your team who have listened to me, fought for me, and got me an outcome for which I am very thankful and grateful.”
Detention centre client
Amy Clowrey and David Greenwood are standout lawyers. Just very client focused, efficient and work very well with experts. They are both respectful and appropriately challenging of cases. Ultimately, I know they have their clients’ interests firmly at the forefront of their work and this makes it very easy to work with them.
The Legal 500
From beginning to end, I was treated with dignity and respect. Any fears I had about discussing what had happened to me, or the fear of being judged, were firmly laid to rest by the solicitor in charge of my case, Amy Clowrey, who I felt went above and beyond in her approach and work. She was sensitive and thorough, and put me at ease from the outset.
Child Abuse Compensation Client
To speak to one of our specialist child sexual exploitation solicitors about your situation in confidence, call us on 0800 1380 458, or contact us through the website.
Taking legal action against a detention centre can be a complex and emotionally taxing journey. At Switalskis, we aim to simplify this process for you, by providing expert guidance at every turn and answering questions in clear terms. Here's a more detailed look at how we can assist you through the claims process, step by step:
The first step of your claim is a confidential, no-obligation consultation with Switalskis’ expert grooming gang solicitors. During this meeting, we'll listen to your story, answer any questions you may have, and outline your legal options. This initial conversation is about making sure you feel comfortable and informed, and there’s no pressure to proceed further unless you choose to.
We'll assess the strength and specifics of your case. This involves reviewing any evidence you may already have, such as digital records or correspondence, and advising on what additional information might be beneficial to support your claim. We'll also discuss the likelihood of achieving your desired outcomes, be it justice, compensation, or both.
In detention centre abuse cases, evidence is often the linchpin for success. We'll guide you through the process of gathering the necessary documents, digital records and witness statements. This may also involve working with technology experts to retrieve online data or consulting with psychologists for expert testimony.
Fewer than 1% of our cases need clients to go to court but, if needed, we'll prepare you and let you know what to expect. We'll present your case and aim for the best possible outcome. We'll also prepare you for the emotional and aspects of facing your abusers in court, offering support and guidance throughout.
A successful claim could result in various forms of justice, including financial compensation and the dismantling of the grooming gang involved. We'll guide you through what the outcome means and discuss any further steps you may wish to take, such as appeals or additional legal actions.
Our relationship doesn't end when the legal process does. We'll continue to offer support and guidance if you decide to take further action, and we can connect you with additional resources for ongoing emotional support if you need it.
Many survivors have carried the impact of detention centre abuse for decades. Making a claim isn’t just about compensation – it’s about being believed, finding closure, and holding institutions accountable.
For some, the process brings a sense of justice. For others, it helps ensure that what happened to them can never happen again.
Even if you’re unsure whether your experience qualifies, we can talk through your situation in confidence and help you decide on the best next steps.
You can make a claim if you were detained at Medomsley, Eastwood Park, or another detention facility and suffered physical or sexual abuse.
In some cases, relatives or representatives may be able to make a claim on behalf of someone who has passed away or is unable to do so themselves.
While there are time limits in law, courts often allow claims relating to historic abuse to proceed, especially when the survivor has only recently been able to talk about what happened. It’s best to speak with a specialist solicitor as soon as you can to understand your options.
Compensation can reflect the physical and impact of the abuse, as well as loss of earnings or the effect on relationships and life opportunities. Every case is different, and an experienced solicitor can advise on the likely value of your claim.
A solicitor can guide you through every stage of your claim, from gathering evidence and witness statements to applying to any available redress scheme. At Switalskis, our team also connects survivors with specialist support services for their emotional wellbeing.
You’re in control of the process. Speaking to a solicitor doesn’t mean you have to make a formal claim right away. Our team offers confidential, no-obligation conversations so you can explore your options when you’re ready.
No. Your identity is protected and claims are handled with complete confidentiality. You can remain anonymous in any legal proceedings or media coverage if you wish.
Survivors can access specialist organisations such as NAPAC, The Survivors Trust, and Victim Support for emotional help. Switalskis can also connect clients with counselling and therapeutic services experienced in supporting survivors of institutional abuse.
People experience abuse in lots of different ways, and everyone heals differently. If you’re concerned about a friend or loved one, or want support in your own healing journey, it can help to understand how childhood abuse might affect you in the present.
If you’ve been harmed by child sexual abuse it can take a long time to terms with what happened and feel ready to talk to someone about it. It’s hard, but there are support services available and we recommend you contact them as one of your first steps.
The Data Protection Act 2018 has given all UK care leavers the right to request a copy of any personal data that an organisation holds about them, including councils/local authorities.
At Switalskis, our team regularly provides support to people making subject access requests for social services records.
At Switalskis, we want to break down those barriers and tackle misconceptions about PTSD symptoms and causes, to make sure everyone can get the help they need. This is important for us because of our work supporting survivors of child abuse. Many people develop PTSD in response to physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse.
The abuse suffered by thousands of boys at Medomsley Detention Centre has recently been recognised as one of the most shocking institutional abuse scandals in Britain. Yet, despite the scale and seriousness of what happened, many survivors spent decades waiting to be heard.
Survivors of Medomsley Detention Centre continue to seek full acknowledgement of the abuse they suffered. Learn how decades of trauma, investigations and compensation efforts have shaped the ongoing fight for truth and justice.
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.
David Greenwood, Head of Abuse at Switalskis, exposes the shocking abuse in UK detention centres and questions how it was allowed to persist.
To speak to one of our specialist abuse solicitors about your situation in confidence, call us on 0800 1380 458, or contact us through the website.
When you're facing the complexities of a legal case, especially one touching on such sensitive subjects as detention centres and abuse, you need more than just a solicitor. You need a team that embodies values you can trust. Here's why Switalskis should be your first choice:
Legal matters are often complicated, filled with jargon and paperwork that can feel overwhelming. At Switalskis, we pride ourselves on making the complex clear. We break down each step of the legal process and the relevant terms into straightforward language, making sure you're fully informed and never left in the dark. Our aim is to simplify what can be a daunting experience, making your journey towards justice as smooth and stress-free as possible.
From your first consultation to the final resolution of your case, you'll find that the team at Switalskis is deeply committed to your emotional wellbeing. We understand the courage it takes to come forward, and we're here to offer a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on, and a hand to hold. Our approach is rooted in empathy, making sure you feel supported at every step.
Our team is highly skilled in this specific area of law, bringing years of experience and a track record of successful outcomes to underpin your claim. But our expertise goes beyond just legal knowledge; we're also experts in handling sensitive issues with the care and confidentiality they demand. When you choose Switalskis, you're choosing a team that combines legal expertise with a deep understanding of the emotional nuances involved.
At the heart of our practice is a commitment to championing your rights. Whether you're seeking justice, compensation, or both, we’ll work to advocate for you tirelessly. We're your supporters in this journey, and we’re committed to fighting for the best possible outcome for you. Our focus is always on what's in your best interest, making sure your voice is heard and your rights are upheld.
We're committed to providing expert, compassionate legal support for survivors of detention centre employees. If you're ready to take the first step, we're here for a confidential, no-obligation chat.
Reach out to us by calling 0800 138 0458 or by contacting us through the website.