Abuse Lawyers
We know that compensation can't erase your pain. But it can help you access support and care. Our Abuse Law team can help you right wrong and fight for the justice you deserve.
No Win, No Fee* if your claim is unsuccessful.
Shine Lawyers’ Abuse Law Team
Our Abuse Law team can help you seek justice and right wrong if you’re a survivor of:
Childhood sexual abuse
Forced adoption as a child
Mental, physical or sexual abuse as an adult
Our experienced and trauma-informed Abuse Law Team will work with you to get the best possible sexual abuse compensation outcome while minimising stress that may arise during your claim.
How sexual abuses compensation can help
Financial compensation won't erase the memory of your abuse. But it can help you with expenses you’ve incurred or may incur, because of your abuse, including:
Treatment and support, such as medical costs and counselling
Pain and suffering
Lost past and future income
Whether you are seeking compensation for sexual abuse, have an historical abuse claim or have more recently survived abuse, we can help you to access the compensation you deserve.
Where abuse can occur
Our trusted abuse lawyers, sexual abuse lawyers and institutional abuse lawyers are experienced in helping survivors of abuse in, for example:
A church-run or government-run institution
A school or other educational facility
Childcare facilities
Sporting teams and sporting clubs
Residential facilities
Out-of-home care facilities
Youth training camps on Australian Defence Force facilities
Juvenile or youth detention facilities
Sexual abuse by a medical professional
Shine Lawyers can help you understand your abuse or sexual abuse compensation options, and what’s involved in making an abuse claim.
Why choose Shine’s Abuse Lawyers to help you
At Shine Lawyers, we understand your courage in sharing your story and seeking justice and compensation
The experienced abuse lawyers and sexual abuse lawyers in our Abuse Law team have undertaken trauma-informed training. In addition to their legal knowledge and experience, our Abuse Law team members are empathetic and compassionate, and will guide you or your loved one through each step in the legal process.
We have helped thousands of Australians right wrong and access more than $1 billion per year in entitlements and compensation through our expert services.
95% of the cases we represent are settled without the stress of going to court.
We offer our Abuse Law services and legal advice on a No Win, No Fee* basis, because legal fees shouldn’t be a barrier in seeking compensation.
Get in touch with our Abuse Law team for an obligation-free initial consultation so you can understand your rights and know where you stand.
*Conditions apply
If you’re a survivor of abuse, our team can help you seek justice and acknowledgment for your harm. We recognise your bravery in reaching out.
Our Abuse Law team is carefully selected and trained in a trauma-informed approach. We collaborate closely with survivors and families to gently guide you through the legal process. We work to reduce stress and inconvenience wherever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions about Abuse law
If my abuse happened more than ten years ago, can I still make a claim?
If my abuse happened more than ten years ago, can I still make a claim?
It can take survivors of abuse many years – sometimes decades – to report and make a historical abuse claim.
If you were sexually abused as a child more than ten years ago, you can still make a claim.
However, depending on your state or territory, there may be time limits for non-sexual childhood abuse, or if you suffered abuse as an adult.
We encourage you to seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines. Get in touch today to understand how Shine Lawyers can help you.
Are there abuse lawyers or sexual abuse lawyers near me?
Are there abuse lawyers or sexual abuse lawyers near me?
With over 40 locations and 1000+ team members across Australia, location is no barrier when it comes to getting the abuse law advice and support you need.
Get in touch to arrange an obligation-free first appointment. A member of our Abuse Law team can meet with you to hear your story and give you advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
No matter where in Australia you live, we can meet with you online, in person or by telephone. If you can’t get to one of our branches, we can arrange to meet with you in a location that’s convenient and comfortable to you.
What is the National Redress Scheme payment?
What is the National Redress Scheme payment?
The National Redress Scheme was created in 2018 in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. It is for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse (such as in a church, school, detention centre or sporting club).
You can apply to the National Redress Scheme here (until 30 June 2027). Its payments are detailed here.
Please note:
If you or your loved one accepts a National Redress Scheme payment, you forego your right to bring a common law claim for abuse (and there’s a significant difference in quantum between the two potential payments)
We encourage you to seek legal advice from our Abuse Law team before seeking or accepting a National Redress Scheme payment
Shine Lawyers doesn’t represent clients in their applications to National Redress Scheme
Support for survivors of abuse
Support for survivors of abuse
For ongoing professional support for you or your loved one, we suggest contacting any of the following organisations:
Bravehearts free call 1800 272 831 (if you were sexually abused as a child)
1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732 (sexual assault, domestic and family violence)
13YARN 139 276 (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support)
Blue Knot 1300 657 380 (information and support for complex trauma due to abuse, neglect or violence)
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 (mental health information and support)
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (free, confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling for young people aged 5 to 25)
Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention)
MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78 (telephone and online counselling for Australian men)
Can I represent myself, or do I need an abuse lawyer or a sexual abuse lawyer?
Can I represent myself, or do I need an abuse lawyer or a sexual abuse lawyer?
It’s possible to represent yourself when making an abuse claim or sexual abuse compensation claim. However, through a challenging and complex time, successfully doing to will likely require:
A thorough understanding of the law
Knowlege of your legal rights, relevant time limits and entitlements
A commitment to actively pursuing your case to move it forwards
Shine Lawyers’ experienced, trauma-informed abuse lawyers and sexual abuse lawyers have the knowledge, compassion and empathy required to help guide your claim to a successful outcome.
