Coming forward about sexual abuse takes extraordinary strength. Whether the trauma occurred in childhood or adulthood, speaking out is never easy, and seeking justice can feel even harder.
Carbone Lawyers recognise the pain that abuse causes and understand the hesitation many people feel when considering legal action. Our role is to support you with empathy, respect, and clarity. You have rights, you may be entitled to compensation, and you don’t have to face this alone. We have experience helping survivors of sexual abuse navigate legal claims. With a no win, no fee policy and a trauma-informed approach, we support people across Victoria in pursuing the justice they deserve.
What Is Sexual Abuse Compensation
Sexual abuse compensation is a legal right that allows survivors to receive financial compensation for the harm they have suffered. This includes emotional and psychological injury, economic loss, and the impact on overall quality of life. It applies to abuse that occurred in both childhood and adulthood, whether recent or decades ago.
Importantly, compensation is available even if no criminal charges have been laid, or if the person responsible is deceased. Survivors have the right to seek justice through civil proceedings or statutory schemes designed to support them. Legal pathways include:
- Civil claims against individuals or institutions
- The National Redress Scheme*, for institutional child sexual abuse
- VOCAT (Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal)* in Victoria, for victims of violent crime
*Carbone Lawyers advise you to not make an application independently. We can help identify the most appropriate option for your circumstances.
Who Can Make a Claim
Anyone who has experienced sexual abuse may be eligible to make a claim, including:
- Adult and child survivors
- People abused in institutional settings
- Individuals abused in the workplace by someone in a position of authority
- Family members, in limited cases involving secondary psychological trauma or where the survivor has passed away
Even if the abuse occurred a long time ago, or if you’re unsure whether you qualify, it’s important to speak to a lawyer. Many survivors delay reporting due to trauma. That does not invalidate your right to seek justice.
Where Did the Abuse Happen
Sexual abuse can occur in a range of environments, and institutions can be held legally responsible for the actions of their employees, volunteers, or representatives.
You may be able to make a claim if the abuse happened:
- At a school, university or childcare centre
- Within a religious institution such as a church or affiliated organisation
- In foster care, group homes or other out-of-home care environments
- In a workplace, where the abuse occurred under employer supervision
- Within a sporting association or organisation, at a stadium or recreational facility
Institutional accountability is a key part of modern compensation law. Carbone Lawyers has experience in holding institutions to account.
Legal Pathways for Survivors
There are several legal options for pursuing sexual abuse compensation. Each has different timeframes, processes and outcomes.
| Legal Pathway | Who It’s For | Max Compensation | Typical Timeframe | Court Required? |
| Civil Claim | Anyone abused by a person or organisation | Variable (can be significant) | Often 12+ months | Sometimes |
| National Redress Scheme | Institutional child abuse survivors | Up to $150,000 (Guides to Social Policy Law: National Redress Guide) | 6–12 months | No |
| VOCAT (in Victoria) | Victims of violent crime | Up to $60,000 (Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal, PDF) | 6–12 months | No |
- Civil Claims can result in substantial compensation, but may involve more complex legal steps.
- The National Redress Scheme* is designed to be simpler and faster but provides capped payments.
- VOCAT (Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal)* provides financial assistance for counselling, lost income, safety-related expenses and more.
*Carbone Lawyers advise you to not make an application independently. We can advise on which path is most appropriate for your needs.
Learn more about maximum compensation for institutional abuse.
What Compensation Can You Claim
Survivors may be eligible for compensation covering a wide range of impacts:
- Pain and suffering
- Past and future medical or psychological treatment
- Loss of income and future earning capacity
- Care or support services related to psychological injury
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Every case is different so we take the time to understand your experience and pursue the full range of entitlements available to you.
If the abuse has affected your ability to work long-term, you may also be eligible to access superannuation and permanent disability benefits.
Time Limits on Sexual Abuse Claims
One of the most common concerns survivors have is whether it’s too late to make a claim. In Victoria, that concern is often unfounded.
The law has changed, as there are now no time limits for claims related to childhood sexual abuse. This reflects a broader understanding of how trauma impacts memory and disclosure.
Even for adult survivors, extensions can often be granted depending on the circumstances. You do not need to have reported the abuse at the time it occurred to pursue legal options.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility, we encourage you to speak with one of our lawyers in confidence.
How Carbone Lawyers Can Support You
Carbone Lawyers has a long-standing commitment to supporting survivors of sexual abuse through the legal system. What sets us apart:
- A trauma-informed and survivor-centred approach
- Strict confidentiality and discretion throughout the process
- A proven track record in sensitive and high-profile cases
- No win, no fee policy on most personal injury matters
We understand this process is deeply personal. You set the pace, and we provide the support and legal expertise to help you move forward.
You Are Not Alone, Contact Us Today
If you’ve experienced sexual abuse, you deserve support, understanding, and access to justice. Our team is here to offer a safe, confidential space to explore your options.There’s no cost to speak with us, and no pressure to proceed. We’re here to listen and to help. Contact us today.
