Institutional Abuse Lawyers in Victoria
Supporting survivors with care, respect and determination
If you have experienced abuse while in the care of an institution, you may be entitled to justice and compensation. At Bastion Legal, we act with compassion and strength to hold institutions accountable and help survivors move forward with dignity.
Institution Types
Abuse in institutions such as churches, schools, foster care, and state-run homes
Abuse Covered
Includes physical, sexual, psychological abuse and neglect
Time Limits
Claims available even if abuse occurred decades ago
How We Help
Free consultation, no win no fee, costs covered upfront
Understanding institutional abuse
Institutional abuse refers to abuse that occurred while a person was under the care, supervision or authority of an institution. Sadly, many survivors were children at the time and have carried the effects of this abuse into adulthood.
This can include physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or psychological harm caused by employees, clergy, carers, teachers, or volunteers. Institutions where abuse often occurred include religious organisations, private and state schools, government-run homes and orphanages, foster care providers, youth detention centres, and sporting or community clubs.
We know these cases are deeply personal and confronting. Our role is to help you feel supported, informed, and empowered throughout the legal process.
Who can make a claim?
You may be able to make a claim if you were abused or mistreated in an institution, or by someone connected with one. Most claims involve survivors who were children or dependants at the time of the abuse.
Compensation may be available if the abuse has caused you psychological harm, physical injury, or financial loss such as loss of income or opportunities. Even if the abuse occurred many years ago, you may still have rights to seek justice today.
FAQ
-
You can still make a claim even if the abuse occurred many decades ago. Time limits for bringing claims have been removed in many cases to allow survivors more time to come forward.
-
Depending on your circumstances, compensation may be available for:
Pain and suffering
Psychological injury
Past and future medical treatment and counselling
Past and future loss of income
Loss of earning capacity
Cost of care and assistance
Compensation amounts vary depending on the nature and impact of the abuse, and whether the matter is resolved through a settlement, civil claim or redress scheme.
-
Survivors of institutional abuse may seek compensation through:
Civil litigation against the institution or associated body
The National Redress Scheme
Alternative dispute resolution such as confidential settlements
Applications to the Financial Assistance Scheme
We help you choose the most appropriate path based on your goals, eligibility and circumstances. In many cases, survivors can pursue civil compensation or redress payments depending on the nature of the claim.
-
We take care to prepare your claim with the right support and evidence, including:
Personal statements and timelines
Medical or psychological records
Reports from treating psychologists and psychiatrists
Historical documentation or records from the institution
Statements from witnesses or other survivors, if available
Supporting materials such as police reports or prior complaints
You are not required to have made a formal report to the police before seeking legal advice. We understand how difficult it can be to revisit these experiences and support you through the process with empathy and discretion.
-
Not always. Many claims are resolved through confidential settlements or redress schemes without going to trial.
-
Compensation can often still be pursued through insurers, successor bodies, or government-backed schemes.
How we can help…
At Bastion Legal, we stand beside survivors with compassion and determination. We will:
Explain your legal options in clear, simple terms
Handle the legal process from start to finish so you can focus on healing
Cover the costs of medical reports and expert evidence upfront
Act on a no win, no fee basis. You only pay if your claim succeeds
Ensure your matter is managed by an experienced lawyer who treats your case with discretion and respect
Our goal is to secure recognition, justice, and fair compensation, while making the process as supportive and stress-free as possible.
“Extremely professional and compassionate. Highly recommend…”
- Tom
Contact us
If you have experienced institutional abuse, you are not alone and it is never too late to seek justice. We are here to help you understand your options and pursue compensation in a safe and supported way.
Contact Bastion Legal today for a confidential and free consultation. You deserve to be heard, and we are ready to stand with you.
