Abuse in the Scouts

The experts in abuse claims

The Scouts has existed for over 100 years. We think of the Scouts as an organisation for young people, aimed at encouraging physical and outdoor activities, teamwork and character building.

The reality, however, is that abuse in the Scouts and other youth groups is not uncommon. There have been a significant number of convictions for sexual abuse and assaults by Scout Masters and Leaders over the last few decades.

Why has there been so much abuse within Scouting?

There may be a number of reasons why those intent on abusing young people have been able to do so through being involved in Scouting. These may include:

• Lack of safeguarding measures – Historically it was very easy for adult abusers to be able to gain positions in the Scouts, especially in the days before CRB and other safeguarding checks.

• Increased opportunities to abuse – By the very nature of scouting activity, young people would be spending periods aways from their homes and families.

• Abuse of positions of trust – Parents would have expected their children to be safe with scouting leaders, entrusting their children into their care, leaving young people to be more open to grooming in this situation.

How do I claim for abuse in the Scouts?

Any claim for compensation will be brought against the Scout Association. The Scout Association has paid out many thousand of pounds in compensation already.

We are experienced in dealing with these claims and will be able to give you an accurate assessment of your chances of success at the outset.

I think that some of my friends who were also in the Scouts with me may have been abused in a similar way. Do I need to contact them to support my claim?

If the person who instigated the abused has been criminally convicted of offences against you, you will not need to prove the abuse so we won’t need to gather any additional witness evidence.

If the person who abused you has never been investigated or you have not reported the abuse before, then it may be useful to have witnesses who can confirm your account of what happened. As your solicitor we will gather evidence for you, including contacting any possible witnesses.

Will my claim be confidential?

There are strict legal rules when it comes to solicitor/client confidentiality and the other side in the case also has legal obligations in this respect.

If any court proceedings have to be issued we can apply to have the proceedings anonymised.

Also, If you are a victim of a sexual offence you are protected legally from the press or media publishing anything which may identify you without your consent.

How much money can I expect to receive if my claim against the Scouts is successful?

It is difficult to give you an exact figure at the outset, but once we have details of your claim including information about the type of abuse you suffered and the effect it has had on you, we will be able to give you an idea of what sort of sum you can expect to recover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer a free initial consultation?

We do not charge you for contacting us for advice or for any initial advice we give you. This is not time limited or limited to a certain number of calls or appointments.

Until we are able to confirm that we can accept your claim and until you confirm that you want us to proceed and act for you, we will not charge you and you will not receive a bill from us for this type of claim.

How does my solicitor get paid?

Once we agree that you have a claim that can be pursued, we can act under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). This is basically a ‘no-win, no-fee’ agreement.

If your claim is not successful, we do not get paid anything and we do not charge you for any of the work we have done.

If your case is successful and the other side agrees to pay you or is ordered to pay you compensation, they will also have to pay your legal costs (i.e. our fees).

Under a CFA, solicitors can charge clients a success fee which will be payable out of your damages, which can be no more than 25%.

So if you are successful and recover damages, you will keep at least 75% of your compensation. If you lose and don’t recover anything, you will not have to pay any legal fees at all.

How long will a claim take?

It is difficult to give an exact timescale in these claims. There are a lot of factors which can affect how long the case takes to conclude, including how long it takes to gather the evidence, how quickly your opponent responds to the claim and the steps we need to take to reach a position where we can settle your claim.

Generally, claims for compensation for sexual abuse and assault will take between 6-18 months to resolve.

If court proceedings need to be issued the claim may take longer, but the court will set its own timetable for the case, which the parties will need to comply with.

I want to pursue a claim, but I am concerned that I will find it stressful and am worried about the effect it may have on my mental health

It is not uncommon for our clients to be concerned about the case. Often, one of the reasons that people are late in coming forward and reporting abuse or taking legal action is the fear that it will affect them in a negative way.

As solicitors acting on your behalf, we do all the work for you. We will deal with all the difficult legal issues, and as your representatives we will gather all the evidence.

Each client is different. and having undertaken this type of work for may years we understand that some clients want to be more involved than others.

We are here to support you with your claim and achieve the outcome that is right for you. So many of our clients feel that bringing a claim is a way to get justice and obtain closure.

Why choose Oakwood Solicitors Ltd?

At Oakwood Solicitors, we have dedicated lawyers with over 20 years of experience, acting for survivors of sexual and physical abuse.

We understand how difficult it can be to bring a claim, and we are committed to dealing with your case in a sensitive way.

You will have a dedicated solicitor who will deal with your claim from start to finish, and who will be able to speak to you at times convenient to you – even if this is outside our normal office hours.

Welcomed and at ease

I was made to feel welcomed and at ease. Details taken swiftly and sympathetically. Then was given a positive response within a very short space of time.

- Satisfied Client

Quick and professional

Response was quick, and professional.

- Satisfied Client

Molly Frost - Abuse Claims Solicitor

Molly Frost joined the Firm in June 2024 and specializes in abuse compensation claims. Having over 20 years’ experience helping survivors recover compensation, she is considered an expert in her field. Molly has acted as lead Solicitor in several group litigation matters arising out of abuse in children’s homes, and has been involved in several high-profile cases.

0113 200 9720

enquiries@oakwoodsolicitors.co.uk

Have you been the victim of abuse?