Church abuse lawyers
Religious abuse claims:
Your rights, our fight
At GMP Law, we understand the profound and lasting impact of abuse within the Catholic Church and other religious institutions. Our dedicated team of lawyers is committed to providing compassionate, confidential, and expert legal support to survivors.
We understand that coming forward takes immense courage and our approach is centred on your wellbeing. We’re here to help you seek justice, find healing, and hold responsible parties accountable.
Why Choose Gerard Malouf & Partners
Understanding religious abuse claims
Catholic Church abuse can take many forms and occur in various settings. It’s important to recognise that abuse is never the victim’s fault, and there are legal pathways to seek justice.
Common situations where abuse may occur include:
- Schools run by Catholic orders
- Parish churches and youth groups
- Orphanages and children’s homes
- Confessionals
- Church-run camps or retreats.
Types of abuse may include:
- Sexual abuse
- Physical abuse
- Emotional or psychological abuse
- Neglect
- Spiritual abuse.
It’s also important to note that the Catholic Church may be held responsible through vicarious liability for the actions of its clergy and employees.
We're here to help.
Eligibility for religious abuse compensation
Survivors of Catholic Church abuse may be eligible for compensation if:
- The abuse occurred while under the care of a Catholic institution
- The abuser was a member of the clergy, a church employee, or volunteer
- The Church failed in its duty of care to protect you
- You’ve suffered physical, psychological, or financial harm as a result of the abuse.
In most states and territories there is no time for bringing a claim. This recognises the time it often takes for survivors to come forward.
If you’re interested in pursuing justice for your abuse, our compassionate team of catholic church abuse lawyers offer a free initial consultation so you can explore your options.
Factors affecting compensation
The factors that can influence the compensation you could receive in a religious abuse case include:
- The nature and duration of the abuse
- The impact on your life, including psychological trauma
- Loss of earnings or earning capacity
- Costs of ongoing therapy or medical treatment
- The Church’s knowledge or negligence regarding the abuser
- Your age at the time of the abuse.
At GMP Law, we carefully consider all factors to build the strongest case possible for your compensation.
No Win No Fee
Fee transparency that you can trust
At GMP Law, we’re committed to ensuring you have nothing to lose.
If we don’t win your case, you won’t pay a cent for our services. This means you can focus on healing without worrying about legal costs.
How it works
No upfront costs
No contingency fee
We’ll only charge you if we win.
We maintain integrity by carefully evaluating each case. If we believe it’s unlikely to result in compensation or if the costs outweigh the benefits, we won’t take it on.
This commitment to our client’s best interests, as well as fee transparency, sets us apart from other law firms.
With a 98% success rate and over $4 billion in settlements, we’re dedicated to delivering exceptional results for our clients.
Frequently asked questions about Church abuse claims
Can I sue the Catholic Church?
Yes, you can sue the Catholic Church for abuse committed by clergy, employees, or volunteers. The Church can be held responsible through vicarious liability or for negligence in protecting those under its care.
What is the difference between an institutional abuse claim and the National Redress Scheme?
Both institutional abuse claims and the National Redress Scheme are designed to provide compensation and support to survivors of institutional child sexual abuse in Australia. However, there are some key differences:
- Scope: Institutional abuse claims, or civil claims, can be filed against any institution where the abuse occurred, regardless of whether the institution is registered with the National Redress Scheme. On the other hand, the National Redress Scheme is limited to institutions that are registered with the scheme.
- Compensation: Institutional abuse claims can result in higher compensation amounts than the National Redress Scheme.Â
- Process: The process for filing an institutional abuse claim can be more complex and time-consuming than applying for redress through the scheme.
If you are a survivor of historical Church abuse, it is important to consult with an institutional abuse lawyer to explore your options.
Is there a time limit for making a claim?
Many states and territories have removed statutes of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims, recognising it often takes time for survivors to come forward. However, it’s best to seek legal advice as soon as you feel able to do so.
Will I have to go to court?
Many cases are settled out of court. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to represent you in court. We’ll support you every step of the way.
What if my abuser has passed away?
Permanent stay applications can be filed in response to institutional abuse claims on the basis that the alleged perpetrator has passed away and that sufficient evidence is nonexistent, thus rendering further proceedings futile and unjust.Â
You may still have a valid claim against the Church, even if the individual abuser has passed away. The institution can still be held responsible for its role in enabling or covering up abuse.Â
Learn more about permanent stay applications.
Justice for survivors of Catholic Church abuse
At GMP Law, we’ve successfully represented clients from various walks of life, securing substantial compensation for survivors of institutional abuse.
$420,000 compensation for sexual abuse at Western Sydney Catholic school
Background
Our client was abused by a Brother who was the school principal and sports coach teacher at Western Sydney Catholic School. The abuse occurred both inside and outside of school grounds over 30 years ago.
The challenge
Records of the abuse were destroyed due to the passage of time. The perpetrator passed away over 10 years ago, and the school argued there were no contemporaneous records to prove the abuse occurred during the subject period.
GMP Law’s approach
- Conducted thorough research to identify several prior matters against the perpetrator
- Argued the school’s failure in protecting our client and breach of duty of care
- Persevered with the claim despite the lack of contemporary records
- Negotiated effectively to secure fair compensation.
We successfully settled the case for $420,000 in abuse compensation, providing our client with the means to seek psychological help and start a university degree to turn his life around.
$350,000 compensation for historical abuse at Sydney-based Catholic school
Background
Our client was a victim of grooming and sexual abuse from year 5 to year 10 while attending a Catholic school in Sydney during the 1970s.
The challenge
The abuse occurred decades ago, making it difficult to provide concrete evidence. The defendant argued there was no evidence to prove that our client was abused during the subject period by the perpetrator.
GMP Law’s approach
Established the school’s prior knowledge or complaints against the perpetrator
Demonstrated the school’s breach of duty of care in allowing the perpetrator contact with students
Argued the long-term negative impact of abuse on our client’s ability to work and maintain relationships
Persevered with the claim despite the historical nature of the abuse
Negotiated effectively to secure a fair compensation.
We successfully settled the case for $350,000, helping our client find a sense of closure and acknowledgement of the wrongs he suffered.
Real cases, real results
The compensation claim process: Your journey with GMP Law
Initial consultation
Evidence gathering
Claim submission
Negotiation
Court representation
Ongoing support
Our promise to you
Why trust GMP Law with religious institutional abuse claim?
At GMP Law, we handle your claim so you can concentrate on what matters most: your recovery.
We commit to
Clear, straightforward communication
Regular updates on your case as it progresses
A personal injury lawyer who understands your unique situation
Vigorous negotiation to maximise your compensation
Empathetic support throughout your journey
Specialised knowledge
Our accredited personal injury lawyers have years of experience in accident injury claims, giving us deep insight into the nuances of these claims.
Proven track record
Difficult case policy
Australia-wide assistance
With lawyers across the country, we’re here to help, wherever you are.
Meet the institutional abuse team
Meet some of the diverse and dynamic compensation lawyers who support our clients with their medical negligence claims.
We're here to help maximise your compensation
Book your free, confidential consultation with one of our religious abuse lawyers using the form below, or simply call us 1800 004 878.
