West Yorkshire Police detectives are actively investigating non-recent child sexual abuse allegations in Bradford, which have led to three arrests.
The investigation focuses on abuse reported by victims who were housed in local authority children’s care homes between the 1970s and 1990s.
Key Developments and Arrests
Three individuals were arrested on November 18th in Cumbria and Kent: two men (aged 83 and 86) and one woman (aged 83).
All three have been bailed pending further enquiries.
The investigation stems from reports by eight victims detailing cruelty and sexual abuse committed against them when they were aged between 5 and 17.
The reported incidents occurred at two now-closed facilities, Burley in Wharfedale Assessment Centre (Station Road), also historically known as Cathedine and Blackwood and Brunswick Road Children’s Care Home (Brunswick Road).
Police Appeal and Commitment
Detective Chief Inspector Vicky Greenbank of Bradford District Police emphasised the commitment of West Yorkshire Police to safeguarding children and investigating both current and non-recent sexual offences.
“Protecting and safeguarding children is a top priority for West Yorkshire Police, and this operation forms part of our ongoing commitment to investigate both current and non-recent sexual offences against children.”
Police urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse, regardless of when or where it occurred, to report it, assuring victims they will be listened to and believed.
Understanding Abuse in Children’s Homes
The investigation highlights the wider issue of historic abuse within children’s care settings. Children’s homes have provided accommodation for minors for centuries, but they have also been the site of widespread abuse.
Across England and Wales, there has been an increase in reports of historic abuse in children’s homes, leading to numerous police investigations, criminal prosecutions, and significant civil group action cases involving former residents who suffered sexual and physical abuse at the hands of staff.
What is a ‘Children’s Care Home’?
According to the Care Standards Act 2000, an establishment is a children’s home if it “provides care and accommodation wholly or mostly for children” (those under 18, though some young adults may be accommodated). They are intended to offer a safe environment for children unable to live with their own families due to reasons such as:
- Family breakdown
- Abuse and neglect
- Behavioural difficulties
- Risk of going missing
- Unaccompanied minors (refugees)
Types of Care Institutions
Institutional care has evolved since the 1500s, with Local Authorities becoming involved from 1908. Compensation for historic abuse has been recovered from various types of homes, including:
- Local Authority Care Homes
- Family Group Homes
- Cottage Homes
- Community Homes
- Approved Schools
- Remand Homes
- Secure Units
- Residential Special Schools
- Short-Break Children’s Homes
- Youth Custody
Every year an estimated 473,000 people are the victims of sexual abuse in the UK
Of this 473,000 – 85,000 women and 12,000 men are the victims of rape, assault by penetration or attempted rape. That’s according to the Official Statistics bulletin produced by the Ministry of Justice, Home Office, and the Office for National Statistics in 2013 (An Overview of Sexual Offending in England and Wales).
While no-one should ever have to experience such traumatic experiences, the sad reality is that an increasing number of sexual violence-related incidents are being reported to the police each year.
The Crime Survey for England and Wales estimated that approximately 700,000 adults aged 16 to 59 years had experienced sexual abuse or assault in the year ending March 2018. That’s a figure equivalent to 2.1% of the population (aged 16 to 59 years).
If you been a victim of sexual violence, you may be entitled to payment from the Criminal Injury Compensation Authority (CICA). This is a government-funded scheme created with the intention of compensating blameless victims of violent crimes. For a more detailed overview of a CICA claim, please see our guide.
Where to get more information and support?
Information Appeal: Anyone with information regarding incidents at these locations is asked to contact police via 101 or the live chat option, quoting reference 13170106973.
Specially trained officers are available to provide support and investigate these types of offences. Further information is available on the West Yorkshire Police website under “What to do if you have been sexually assaulted or raped.”
Frequently asked questions:
What is the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)?
The CICA is a government-funded authority that aims to compensate blameless victims of an assault or other violent crimes.
It was originally formed in 1996 with the sole purpose of providing compensation to blameless victims of violent crime. The value of compensation that it offers for a single injury can vary from £1,000 up to £250,000, with a maximum total payment of £500,000 being available for a CICA claim.
A physical assault is the most common form of claim that is submitted to the CICA. They can often involve unprovoked attacks, sometimes with the suspect using a weapon to inflict the injuries.
Will I be eligible to claim from the CICA after a criminal assault?
If you have been the victim of a physical assault, then you will have satisfied the first CICA eligibility branch of suffering a ‘crime of violence’.
Usually, the assault must have taken place in the past 2 years, although there are exceptions to this rule, and the assault must have been reported to the police as soon as reasonably practicable.
If the person who suffered abuse is under 18, the claim can be brought by a parent or close relative. Similarly, if the person who was abused is unable to speak to us due to old age or disability, a close family member can seek advice for them.
For further details on eligibility, please see our in-depth guide on CICA claims.
How much will CICA offer me for an assault claim?
Upon their formation, the CICA introduced a statutory Scheme in 1996, which has seen several amendments over time, containing a tariff of injuries. This tariff provides compensation for many common injuries that increase in value with severity and the ongoing recovery a victim is undertaking.
Victims of physical assaults can claim not only for their physical injuries but also, the psychological effects that an incident has had on them. The compensation offered by the CICA for such injuries is again dependent on the severity.
How long will the CICA take to complete a sexual assault claim?
The CICA advises that, from the date that they receive an application, it aims to take around twelve-eighteen months to make its initial decision on a claim.
This timescale can vary depending on the circumstances of the assault, the severity of injuries, and the complexity of the overall claim.
Learn the CICA claim timescales and Further information today. https://www.oakwoodsolicitors.co.uk/knowledge/cica-claims-and-timescales/
Why choose Oakwood Solicitors Ltd to make my CICA claim?
After sustaining an assault, we understand that the last thing an individual wants to do is progress down a stressful claims experience. At Oakwood Solicitors, we want to take away the stress of progressing with an assault claim while also helping you obtain the compensation you are entitled to.
Our file handlers have experience with dealing with traumatic incidents and have received training in dealing with vulnerable people.
We will agree to work on your CICA claim on a ‘no-win, no-fee’ basis. The only time we will receive any money after an assault claim is if we bring your claim to a successful conclusion at which point we will take a pre-agreed percentage of your compensation. If your CICA claim is unsuccessful, you will not be expected to pay us a penny.
This arrangement obviously means that we are incentivised to try and obtain the maximum amount of compensation for your assault claim.
Further information:
Arrests into Non-Recent Child Sexual Abuse, Bradford.
Sexual Abuse/Domestic Abuse Claims.
Historic Abuse Claims.
Abuse in Children’s Homes.
WHAT TO DO NEXT:
We agree to take on such claims on a ‘no-win, no-fee’ basis, ensuring that our staff are motivated to maximise compensation for your abuse or assault case.
Get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation. Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page or call us on 0113 323 2211 to find out how we can help.
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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 fie…
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