Government Must Turn Words into Action – Deliver a National Redress Scheme Now

Rising Need for Support and Recognition

Simpson Millar, which represents hundreds of survivors of abuse, says the need for action has never been more urgent.

Since the start of the year, the firm has received enquiries from alleged abuse survivors, including a number of people who say they were victims of grooming gangs.

The firm believes numbers will rise sharply as investigations are re-opened and more survivors come forward.

Ensuring Real Change for All Survivors

“The publicity relating to the Casey Report has been important, but for many it has also most likely been deeply retraumatising,” said Liam Goggin, Head of Abuse Claims at Simpson Millar.

“People are reaching out because they’ve heard the Government say, loudly and clearly, that the authorities failed. A redress scheme would not only provide financial support – it would allow survivors to access the justice they deserve.

“Crucially though, it would also give them formal recognition that what happened to them should never have been allowed to happen.”

The firm says redress must be available to all survivors of child sexual abuse in state institutions, including those abused in schools, care homes, and other settings – not just those targeted by grooming gangs.

It also stresses that survivors should not be forced into lengthy or adversarial legal processes to access basic support and compensation.

“We have been here before,” added Liam. “After IICSA, powerful recommendations were made – including a redress scheme – but very few were followed through. If we are to ask people to come forward again, to give their evidence again, to relive their trauma again, then this time the promises must be kept.”

Commitment to Survivor-Focused Reform

Simpson Millar says it will continue working alongside survivors and charities to ensure that the Casey Report leads to real, lasting and survivor-focused change – and not just another inquiry that fades from view.