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Litigation or Redress - what should abuse survivors do?

Is the National Redress Scheme for you?

Now that the new National Redress Scheme is officially open, many survivors of sexual abuse will have questions about the how the scheme will operate and whether it’s right for them.

In this article, we discuss how the National Redress Scheme will operate and most importantly, whether it is the right path for you in obtaining redress. Because fortunately the Redress Scheme is not the only option available for those who were sexually abused as children.

The fact is that, while the new National Redress Scheme has some benefits, it also has some very real limitations.

For example, payments from the Redress Scheme are capped at $150,000, although the average payment is expected to only half of that, whereas compensation available through civil litigation may extend from $200,000 to $500,000 and beyond.

In taking the path of civil litigation against institutions and perpetrators, the result in many cases will be far superior. It is a case of deciding what is best for you.

We here outline three basic pathways to justice for survivors of abuse who are seeking compensation from institutions and perpetrators. Download a full copy of this guide as a booklet here.

Each pathway has its own benefits and limitations, but the advantage for survivors is that they get to choose the option which best suits their situation.

In every case it is worth taking the time to discuss your claim carefully with your lawyer to find out which pathway will best suit your claim.

Ultimately, it’s your choice.

Option 1: Out of Court Settlement Conference Process

The Out of Court Settlement Conference Process has been developed by lawyers and institutions as a way to fast track claims instead of going through the Court Process. It is still possible to use the Court Process if settlement does not result from the Out of Court Settlement Process.

The underlying basis for claims using this process is that the institution has legal liability for the abuse occurring, because the institution was negligent in some way which allowed the abuse to occur. In some cases, simply proving that the institution employed the abuser is enough, as in these cases the institution may be held responsible as if it had in fact perpetrated the abuse.

Who this might suit

Anyone abused by a person associated with an institution – e.g. religious organisation, school, etc.

Compensation range

This will depend on the nature of the abuse, and the impact on the survivor. Typically claims settle in the range of $80,000 - $200,000, but each claim is different.

Key benefits

Low legal costs
Reasonably quick resolution
No court process
Survivors not exposed to risk of paying costs of defendant
Survivors can negotiate an apology from the institution.

Key pitfalls

Claims for earnings loss usually not settled through this mechanism
In some cases, may not deliver as good a result as the court process
Lacks the ability to force an institution to engage in the process
Legal costs payable out of your compensation.

How our firm operates an Out of Court Settlement Process

The conference is generally held at our offices. We arrange a safe room which we use to meet with you. There is no need for you to ever meet the other side or their lawyers.

The purpose of the Conference is to reach an agreed settlement of your claim. This may also include, if you want it, an apology or an explanation from the institution of the steps it has taken to ensure abuse will not occur in the future.

If your claim does not resolve at the conference, you still have the option of using the legal processes through court.

Option 2: Court Process

If the Out of Court Settlement Conference Process does not result in a satisfactory offer, the Court Process can still be used. Your lawyer can advise you when and whether to start this process.

Using the Court Process does not mean you are about to go to court. At least 95% of all court cases are settled well before anyone enters a court building or gives evidence, as there is compulsory mediation in all court cases.

The advantage of using the Court Process is that if your case is strong enough, you are likely to get a better settlement offer than if you used the Out of Court Settlement Conference Process.

Some institutions are not prepared to participate in the Out of Court Settlement Conference Process. In these cases, the only way to get a response is to start the Court Process, and show you mean business.

In some cases the Court Process can be slow. However, if your case has been well prepared, we can use the time limits of the process to force the defendant to discuss your claim at an early point.

Who this might suit

Survivors with a strong case who can show that an institution was negligent, or were abused by a perpetrator who has significant assets.

Compensation range

Dependent on the nature of the claim. However, a claim for loss of earnings will increase the claim considerably. Claims may settle for over $200,000, and there are examples of final court verdicts of over $500,000.

Key benefits

Claim can include loss of earnings
Compensation likely to be higher than if Out of Court Settlement Conference Process is used
Legal process puts pressure on a defendant to take steps in a timely manner
Defendant is liable for part of the survivor’s legal costs at settlement.

Key pitfalls

Survivors may have to give evidence in court
Survivors exposed to risk of paying legal costs of defendant if unsuccessful
Court Process likely take a longer time to reach settlement than the Out of Court Settlement Conference Process.

Option 3: Redress Scheme

The Redress Scheme is limited. It is recommended for those survivors who previously settled their claims and now wish to have their claim re-assessed. It is also suitable for those people who have difficult claims, or do not wish to engage directly with an institution.

The Redress Scheme has been created and will be run by the Commonwealth, but it is funded by those institutions which sign up to the Scheme.

The Scheme has a lower threshold of proof than most legal claims require. The Scheme operator must only be satisfied there is a “reasonable likelihood” that the abuse occurred. There is no requirement to establish fault on the part of the institution – instead, the institution must be “responsible” for the abuser having contact with the survivor.

The application process is to be simple and bureaucratic. There is no need for you to speak to anyone, you just fill in a form with details of your claim. Funding has been provided for organisations to help you with the process, as this is not a process where lawyers are encouraged.

There is a cap of $150,000 on payments, although most payments will be much less than this. Assessments will be made by officers in the Redress Scheme, using a “matrix” which sets out dollar amounts for particular kinds of abuse.

Claims can only be made for:

Child sexual abuse, and physical abuse which is connected to that sexual abuse
Abuse which occurred where an institution which has joined the Scheme, is responsible.

There are exclusions – a survivor of abuse who has at some time been convicted of a serious crime to five years or more in jail, may not make a claim, except in exceptional circumstances.

Prior settlement

Where the claimant has received a settlement in the past in respect of the abuse, an application for a “top-up” may be made. An assessment will be made under the Redress Scheme, and a further paymentmay be made if the assessment exceeds the original payment, which will be indexed. A formula sets out how the original payment is to be indexed.

A claimant may request a direct personal response from the institution, and counselling also is available, but only once the claimant is found to be entitled to redress.

Only one claim for the same abuse can be made to the Redress Scheme. Further, a claimant will be required to sign a legal document giving up their right to sue the institution, and potentially any institution associated with it. This is a significant step which will require legal advice.

Who this might suit

Survivors who settled their claim some time ago and are unhappy with their settlement
Survivors who have weaker claims, for example those who do not know the name of the perpetrator.

Compensation range

Average claim expected to be about $76,000. There is a cap of $150,000.

Key benefits

Claims process is simple (according to Commonwealth government)
The standard of proof required to prove a claim is easier than other options
Claimants deal directly with the Redress Scheme, not the institution
Payments are made to claimants directly by the Commonwealth government (which then seeks reimbursement from the institution)
Claims for a “top up” can be made by survivors who have previously settled a claim
Claimants can ask for counselling, up to a maximum of $5,000, and/or an apology.

Key pitfalls

Redress paid is in general likely to be less than the amounts claimants can receive through the Out of Court Settlement Conference Process or through court
Claims limited to sexual abuse only (and any physical abuse associated with the sexual abuse)
Claims can be made for abuse suffered as a child only
Limited to abuse occurring before 1 July 2018
Claims can only be made against institutions which have joined the Redress Scheme
Only one claim can be made
A final release, ending all claims against the institution, must be signed before payment can be received
No legal costs are paid, although claimants may seek advice from Know More.

Do you need to talk to somebody?

Making a decision may be difficult. If you need to talk with someone, you are welcome to call us for an appointment where we can explain these options to you and help you make the choice that best suits your circumstances.

For a free and confidential appointment call 1300 366 441.

Download a full copy of Pathways to Justice for Survivors of Abuse here.

The new national Redress Scheme website https://www.nationalredress.gov.au.