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Abuse Law Queensland and WA

Coming to terms with abuse can be a very difficult process. While no amount of money can take away the harm the abuse may have caused, compensation may be available to help you access the care and support services you need.

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This page is written specifically for a Queensland or Western Australian audience. Restrictions in these states prohibited us from showing certain information regarding our legal services, so if you are located outside these states please click here for information on abuse law.

Abuse claim lawyers

At Shine Lawyers, we have a team of abuse law experts who are here to listen to your story, act on your behalf and help you access compensation for your harm. Our lawyers will do all they can to make sure the compensation process is as simple as possible and will strive to obtain the outcomes that truly matter to you and your loved ones.

With a strong understanding of the fragile state that many abuse survivors are in, our lawyers recognise the importance of ensuring that all litigation is run in a respectful and empathetic manner.

We have experience running a wide range of abuse claims, including where individuals were subjected to abuse within:

  • Church or Church-run institutions
  • Schools
  • Universities
  • Child care centres
  • After-school care centres
  • The workplace
  • Medical service centres and rooms
  • Public places
  • State and Federal Government Departments.
  • Juvenile detention centres

Sexual Harassment

According to the Australian Human Rights Commission, sexual harassment is any unwanted or unwelcome sexual behaviour which makes a person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated.

While most sexual harassment cases occur in the workplace, sexual harassment can also happen in public and private settings including school, university, sports teams, online or over the phone.

Sexual harassment may include physical or verbal acts such as inappropriate advances, intrusive questions, inappropriate comments, staring, touching, sexually explicit messages, requests for sex or unwanted date requests, physical assault, indecent exposure and stalking.

No Win No Fee

We believe that everyone has the right to stand up against injustice regardless of their financial situation. That's why we offer to work for you on a No Win No Fee* basis. You won’t pay any legal fees unless we are successful in getting you compensation.

*Conditions apply

For more information on what's involved in bringing a compensation claim, watch our step-by-step guide below.

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Our offer to you

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Obligation-free initial consultation to assess your case confidentially

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Claim assessment process where we will explain all of the options available to you

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We can come to you - if you can't make it into the office we're more than happy to come to you

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No Win No Fee arrangement

Common Questions

If you've been sexually abused or abused in any way, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation under Queensland or WA law.

Depending on the circumstances of the incident the law can be quite complex, which is why it's always best to seek legal advice to explain the process to you in a way that is easy to understand.

It's important you find a lawyer that's right for you, that shows compassion, respect and has a wealth of experience when it comes to sexual abuse claims.

Laws across that States and Territories of Australia vary and chance over time. Accordingly, the process of bringing a claim will vary widely depending upon the particular circumstances of the case.

The first step of the process is to make contact with a legal expert who has the appropriate experience in sexual and historical abuse matters.

Should you decide to proceed with Shine’s Survivor Litigation team, we will take into account all of the evidence required and provide you with guidance regarding your particular situation.

We will take the time required to fully explain the legal process to you and your family if necessary, so that you understand your rights and hopefully can regain some control through what can be an incredibly tough ordeal.

We will look at all the options that are available to you. These may include commencing civil litigation, or approaching the organisation concerned directly to engage in informal negotiations outside of the court process.

We work closely with survivors, their families, primary care providers and medical support to minimize inconvenience and stress throughout the claims process wherever possible.

When it comes to sexual abuse claims, there can be important time limits. The time limit to apply for compensation from the State or pursue a civil claim against the offender is 3 years from the date the offense took place under Queensland or WA law.

Claims can be made outside the prescribed time limits, so we recommend that you seek expert legal advice as soon as possible to ensure your right to a claim is not lost.

In Queensland, recent reforms have removed time limitations for cases involving victims of child sexual abuse. Individuals can now sue those responsible for the abuse regardless of how long ago the crime was committed.

The amount of compensation you are entitled to claim depends on many things specific to your situation. Once an expert lawyer has reviewed the facts of your situation they will be able to advise you and give you a good indication of how much compensation you can expect.

Abuse claims against individuals

The compensation that may be available in an abuse claim against an individual can include payments for medical expenses and loss of earnings should you be unable to work because of the injuries you’ve sustained.

Abuse and harassment claims against institutions and employers

If you have experienced sexual abuse or harassment in a school or orphanage, university, at work, in a taxi or nightclub you may be able to sue the institution or employer for compensation.

It's important you speak to a sexual abuse claims experts that can help you get the support you need during this difficult time.

Shine Lawyers have offices in the following locations in Queensland and WA. As part of our service offering, home or hospital appointments can be arranged at your convenience.

Shine Lawyers have expert No Win No Fee lawyers that can help you determine your rights and bring forward a claim on your behalf. The below links contain further information regarding your legal options.

Why you should choose Shine Lawyers

Hear from some of our clients

History of Shine Lawyers

The Shine Lawyers team

Shine Lawyers also have accredited specialists in personal injury law in Queensland:

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Accredited Specialists - Queensland

Simon Morrison
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
Brisbane, Queensland
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Jodie Willey
Chief Operating Officer
Brisbane, Queensland
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Melissa O'Neill
National Practice Leader | Superannuation & Disability Claims
Brisbane, Queensland
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Roger Singh
National Practice Leader - Asbestos and Dust Diseases
Brisbane, Queensland
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Bree Smith
Legal Practice Manager
Logan, Queensland
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Amanda Gilmour
Legal Practice Manager
Robina, Queensland
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