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Holding Churches Accountable for Historical Institutional Child Abuse

Compensation for Survivors of Clergy Abuse

While a breach of trust in religious institutions is deeply damaging, survivors can still find financial compensation and emotional closure, even decades after the trauma was endured. At Koffels Solicitors & Barristers, we specialize in out-of-court settlements against church organizations to help survivors get the recognition, apologies and compensation they fully deserve.

Abusive Church Denominations

We have run successful civil compensation claims against the Catholic Church, the Anglican Church, the Salesians, the Marist Brothers, Patrician Brothers, the Sisters of St Joseph, Marist Fathers and many, many more. We have represented many clients against the most aggregious offenders such as the Diocese of Maitland Newcastle and the Diocese of Lismore.

Resources


Learn How The Legal Process Works in civil compensation claims.

Patterns of Church Abuse

By far, the most prominent focus of abuse claims involves priests, brothers, and religious orders. Institutional denial and victim-blaming often deterred survivors from coming forward. Attempts to “move” offenders between parishes or dioceses without addressing the underlying allegations. Survivors often feel isolated within their communities, fearing ostracism for speaking out.

Koffels Client Stories

 “I was treated with sincerity and compassion.”

“34 years of pain and suppression were lifted off my shoulders.”

“The team are professional and supportive. Koffels fights to achieve maximum compensation. The no win no fee arrangement made the impossible possible.”

“Mediation was confronting, however the payout I received has restarted my life.”

Child Abuse at Kumanka Boys' Home

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