Abuse lawyer Elizabeth Duncan has won compensation for a man who was sexually abused at school in the 1990s.
Elizabeth’s client (who we will call L for privacy) was a very shy child. He was homesick at boarding school and was also being bullied.
He was offered a form of sanctuary by one of his teachers, who provided him with a safe haven to spend time between lessons and after lessons had finished for the day. He protected L from the bullies.
Unfortunately, the teacher’s motives were far from innocent, and the sanctuary was conditional. L was obliged to look at adult materials, listen to lectures about puberty and masturbation, be subjected to questioning about his own body and feelings, and told to do various sexual acts to himself and then tell the teacher all about them. The teacher also took students for swimming lessons where he paraded nude in front of L and stared intently at his private parts while he was changing.
L found this profoundly distressing, but given the bullying he was being subjected to, felt that he had no choice but to continue spending large periods of time with this teacher.
Leaving school and growing up, L continued to be troubled by the teacher’s actions, which had a profound impact on his confidence and own intimate relationships. He wondered whether the teacher may have done the same to others, or even escalated to physical acts of abuse.
He reported what had happened to the police and made a statement. They investigated but ultimately took no further action. He spoke to the current leadership at the school but felt entirely disregarded and as if everything was being swept under the carpet.
Desperate to do something to make the school show that they had changed and to accept some accountability, L contacted our specialist abuse team, led by Elizabeth Duncan, who offered to help on a No Win No Fee basis.
A letter of claim was sent to the school, but they denied that anything untoward had happened and said even if it had that L was too late in bringing his claim. Strictly speaking, claims arising from events in childhood should be made before the person turns 21 years old. However, it is often not straightforward given the impact such conduct can have on a person’s life.
Our abuse team was hopeful that they could convince a judge that L was unable to make the claim sooner and that the claim should still be allowed to proceed. Court proceedings were therefore issued.
After many months of complying with court directions in terms of witness and medical evidence, and with a trial having been listed, an out of court settlement was finally achieved, showing that tenacity in the face of robust adversity can win through.
L was delighted with the outcome, which he said felt like justice and accountability. He hoped that the action had been a vehicle for change at the school. He said:
“I genuinely could not have hoped for a better, kinder group on my side. You have all been consistently kind, compassionate, understanding, and, in my opinion, exceptional at what you do. Anyone would be fortunate to have you fighting on their behalf.”
How we can help with your teacher abuse claim
If you have been affected by teacher abuse, contact our experienced team for a free case assessment.
Our team of abuse compensation lawyers has recovered compensation for many clients who suffered abuse at school.
Whilst compensation does not undo the damage caused by the abuse, for many victims making a claim can act as recognition for the failings and wrongdoing of others, and provide much needed closure.
We offer a free consultation service and can work on a no win, no fee basis