Personal Injury Institutional Abuse Lawyers
Are you a survivor of institutional abuse? Stacks Goudkamp’s experienced institutional abuse lawyers can help you understand your rights, explore your legal options and pursue the compensation, acknowledgement and support you may be entitled to.
INSTITUTIONAL ABUSE CLAIMS AT A GLANCE
Institutional abuse claims may be available to survivors who were abused in settings such as schools, homes, religious organisations, Defence, government institutions or other organisations responsible for their care. These claims may involve common law compensation, historical abuse, incomplete records, complex evidence and the National Redress Scheme. Stacks Goudkamp’s institutional abuse lawyers act on a No Win No Fee basis and use a trauma-informed approach to help survivors understand their options confidentially.
Stacks Goudkamp helps survivors of institutional abuse understand their rights, explore common law and redress options, and pursue compensation through a confidential, trauma-informed process.
INSTITUTIONAL ABUSE
Institutional abuse claims can help survivors seek compensation, acknowledgement and accountability from organisations that failed to protect people in their care.
At Stacks Goudkamp, we understand the dark foundation of abuse that exists in Australia. It has shaped the trajectory of many survivors’ lives and impacted people from all walks of life. Institutions were meant to protect our most vulnerable, yet they became a place of abuse, exploitation, and cruelty.
Whether you were a boarding or day student at a school, resident of a home, junior recruit of a branch of Defence or suffered at the hands of a State Government or the Commonwealth Government, then we can help. No amount of money is ever going to compensate a survivor of institutional abuse for the robbery of their life; however, financial compensation, acknowledgement of the abuse and an apology can assist with the process of healing.
We understand that sharing traumatic, personal and intimate details is difficult. We pride ourselves on using a trauma-informed approach and building a supportive relationship with survivors, so they feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. Our abuse lawyers at Stacks Goudkamp are not only good lawyers, but good people who are trustworthy and always advocating for the individual’s right to institutional abuse compensation.
We act on a No Win No Fee basis and work to help clients attain the best possible financial outcome. Our team has experience bringing common law institutional abuse cases in New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and South Australia.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by institutional abuse, then please contact Stacks Goudkamp for a free, no obligation and confidential meeting.
WHY CHOOSE STACKS GOUDKAMP FOR YOUR INSTITUTIONAL ABUSE CLAIM?
Stacks Goudkamp is a strong choice for institutional abuse claims because the team combines trauma-informed support, litigation experience, clear communication and a survivor-first approach to common law compensation claims.
The team at Stacks Goudkamp are advocates for survivors of institutional abuse and do so with compassion, persistence and clear communication. We work to have cases dealt with efficiently and to help survivors pursue damages according to law.
Our team has successfully litigated against religious, state and commonwealth run institutions in New South Wales, Victoria, the ACT, Tasmania, Western Australia, and South Australia. These institutions include churches, public schools, private day schools and boarding schools, public and privately-run detention centres, homes and education facilities as well as the scouts, the salvation army, and the Australian defence force.
Our team understand that every survivor of institutional abuse will respond differently to trauma. Each case is unique and techniques to assist survivors in a trauma informed practice are essential. At Stacks Goudkamp, we are proud to advocate for survivors from all walks of life.
COMMON LAW INSTITUTIONAL ABUSE CLAIMS
We carry the burden of your case and take the fear of litigation away
A common law institutional abuse claim allows a survivor to seek compensation from an institution for injuries caused by abuse, including psychological harm, economic loss, care needs, medical expenses and other damages recognised by law.
A common law claim may seem daunting and time consuming, but the team at Stacks Goudkamp are highly experienced and ensure that the work is done by them. As a survivor of institutional abuse, you are entitled to bring a common law claim against the institution for the injuries the abuse has caused. To bring a common law claim, proceedings will be issued in the relevant Court and damages can be sought for pain and suffering, economic loss, loss of earning capacity, domestic care and assistance, medical expenses, and aggravated damages.
A common law claim allows a survivor of institutional abuse to obtain the financial compensation and recognition that they are entitled to. Our highly experienced team navigate this process in a trauma informed practice, ensuring the best possible outcome for each case.
If you or a loved one have been impacted by institutional abuse and would like advice about your common law rights, please do not hesitate to contact Stacks Goudkamp for a free, no obligation confidential conversation
I just want to thank Ali and the additional team members for the help they have provided me over the past three years with a case that was recently settled.
Ali’s help was second to none. She was transparent, honest, and very reassuring throughout the whole process. Additionally, she was very comforting in my time of need.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
INSTITUTIONAL ABUSE CLAIMS
Are there time limits to make a claim for institutional child abuse?
In NSW, there is generally no limitation period for civil claims arising from child abuse, including institutional child sexual abuse. This means survivors may still be able to bring a claim even if the abuse happened many years ago.
There is no time limit for institutional child sexual abuse cases. The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse removed the limitation period in all jurisdictions in Australia.
Even where time limits are not the barrier, older claims can still involve evidence, record and witness challenges, so it is important to obtain legal advice.
How much abuse compensation can I claim?
The amount of institutional abuse compensation depends on the impact the abuse has had on your life, health, work, relationships, care needs and future wellbeing. In some cases, exemplary and aggravated damages are available. These are “Special Damages” that are designed to punish the offender or institution for their conduct.
What are damages
Damages are the sum of money a person is entitled to if it can be proven that another party has caused them harm. In an institutional abuse case, you will be seeking damages from the institution for the harm that the abuser has caused you.
How much will it cost me to have a common law claim?
Stacks Goudkamp act on a no win, no fee basis. We pride ourselves on having experienced staff who work efficiently to achieve the best possible financial outcome for our clients. Unlike most law firms who offer a no win no fee conditional costs agreement, we do not charge an uplift or success fee. There is no pay as you go for disbursements and no litigation lenders.
How long will my compensation claim take?
It is difficult to provide an exact timeframe as each institutional abuse claim is unique and brings its own individual facts and issues. Most cases take 12-18 months to get to a mediation or settlement conference. If your case does not settle at mediation, we expect it to take a further 12-24 months.
Should I apply for the National Redress Scheme?
Survivors should obtain legal advice before applying for or accepting an offer from the National Redress Scheme, because redress and common law compensation are different pathways and accepting an offer may affect future rights.
You should always speak to a solicitor at Stacks Goudkamp before applying or accepting an offer from the National Redress Scheme. If our advice is that you make an application to the National Redress Scheme, then we can refer you to knowmore https://knowmore.org.au/, who can assist with that application, free of charge.
What if I settled my case and signed a Deed of Release?
A previous settlement or Deed of Release does not always mean there are no further options, but it must be reviewed carefully by an institutional abuse lawyer.
Legislation has been introduced in some States that may allow you to revisit your settlement. If you settled your case before the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse or for under $100,000.00 then you should speak to a lawyer at Stacks Goudkamp about the possibility of re-opening your case.
Do I have an institutional abuse claim if I am not sure who was legally at fault?
You may still have an institutional abuse claim even if you are not sure who was legally at fault. A lawyer can investigate which institution was responsible, whether negligence or vicarious liability may apply, what evidence is available and which legal pathway is most appropriate for your circumstances.
What documents do I need before contacting an institutional abuse lawyer?
You do not need every document before contacting an institutional abuse lawyer. Helpful information may include the name of the institution, approximate dates, names of people involved, any complaint records, school or care records, medical or counselling records, police material, previous settlement documents, National Redress Scheme documents and notes about how the abuse has affected your life.
Can I still claim if the abuse happened many years ago or records are incomplete?
Yes, you may still be able to bring an institutional abuse claim even if the abuse happened many years ago or records are incomplete. Historical abuse claims often require careful investigation, including identifying the responsible institution, reviewing available records, considering witness evidence and assessing whether negligence or vicarious liability can be proven.
How do I choose the best institutional abuse lawyer in NSW?
Look for an institutional abuse lawyer with experience in historical abuse claims, common law compensation, trauma-informed practice, institutional liability, National Redress Scheme issues and previously settled claims. You should also ask how legal costs work, who will manage your claim and how you will be supported and updated throughout the process.
MEET THE TEAM
Alessandra Pettit
Special Counsel
Alessandra Pettit (Ali) has joined the team at Stacks Goudkamp in Sydney NSW as a specialist in institutional sexual abuse law. With her comes tenacity
Connor Hempenstall
Lawyer
Connor was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 2026. He is passionate about advocating for plaintiffs in personal injury matters. He is committed to achieving meaningful outcomes for clients and ensuring they feel supported throughout the legal process.
Dana Gibbs
Paralegal
Dana is a highly dedicated Paralegal at Stacks Goudkamp, known for her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. She plays an essential role in supporting Ali Pettit with institutional abuse claims, ensuring that every case is handled with the utmost care and precision.
Chelsey Winks
Paralegal
With a strong commitment to making a difference in the lives of others, Chelsey plays a crucial role in assisting Ali Pettit in handling institutional abuse claims.
WHAT COMPENSATION CAN I CLAIM FOR INSTITUTIONAL ABUSE?
Institutional abuse compensation may include damages for pain and suffering, psychological injury, economic loss, loss of earning capacity, treatment expenses, care and assistance, and in some cases aggravated or exemplary damages.
In most circumstances, sexual abuse has a severe impact on your mental health, ability to lead a normal life and your financial position. It impacts your family, your friends and alters the trajectory of your life. If you have been sexually abused as a child in an institution, then you may be entitled to claim compensation for the impact of that abuse.
Sexual abuse law is a complicated and developing area of law. In institutional abuse claims, common law cases are brought against the institution for negligence and vicarious liability.
To bring a common law case in negligence, we must prove that the institution was aware or ought to have been aware that the abuser was a risk.
To bring a common law case in vicarious liability, we must prove that the abuser was employed by the institution and that the abuse took place, in the course of that employment.
It may seem simple, however, finding evidence to support a claim in negligence and or vicarious liability in an institutional abuse case takes experience. Often, compromise and negotiation is required in cases of this nature because of these difficult legal arguments.
Damages in legal terms means money…
The range of damages for each case will vary…
- General damages or non-economic loss damages…
- Past and future economic loss is an amount of money…
- Past and future out-of-pocket expenses includes…
- Domestic Care and Assistance damages encompass…
- Aggravated and exemplary damages are “Special Damages”…
Such as:
The Stacks Goudkamp way
We are dedicated and the leading No Win, No Fee personal injury lawyers in NSW. For over 40 years, Stacks Goudkamp has been helping injured Australians to receive the compensation they need and deserve.
We are dedicated and the leading No Win, No Fee personal injury lawyers in NSW. For
over 40 years, Stacks Goudkamp has been helping injured Australians to receive the
compensation they need and deserve.
Reach Out
Call or Email us to start the process and to receive expert legal advice for personal injury or compensation claims. Seek the professional support you deserve on (02) 4058 2715 or enquire online through our website.
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We are just a call or email away. Do not struggle with complex personal injury claims processes and in dealing with insurance companies on your own. We are here to listen and to help you to get the compensation you deserve.
Free Initial Consultation
We will not charge you for a comprehensive initial consultation where we will listen to your needs and provide you with free detailed advice. Compassion is what drives us. You can be sure that your questions will be answered.
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Here, we will explain the next steps and what it takes to achieve the best possible outcome.
No Win, No Fee
We will not require you to pay our legal fees, or any expenses (disbursements), unless we win your personal injury claim i.e you receive compensation. We know that being injured can result in terrible financial pressures.
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We pride ourselves on giving every injured Australian the peace of mind that we will look after them by acting on a no win no fee basis for their compensation claims.
CONTACT US
Contact your local team for a free consultation to find out if you are eligible for compensation
Our Office Locations
- Sydney CBD
Institutional Abuse Lawyers - Liverpool
Institutional Abuse Lawyers - Parramatta
Institutional Abuse Lawyers - Rockdale
Institutional Abuse Lawyers - Blacktown
Institutional Abuse Lawyers - Sutherland Shire
Institutional Abuse Lawyers - Wollongong
Institutional Abuse Lawyers - Central Coast
Institutional Abuse Lawyers - Newcastle
Institutional Abuse Lawyers - Canberra
Institutional Abuse Lawyers - Dubbo
Institutional Abuse Lawyers
I could write a book as to how the last 4 years would have been different if not for Tom and his team.
The support, assistance, advice from the first conversation till even after the settlement was second to none from the team at Stacks Goudkamp.
Four years on and after many downs, my children and I have our lives back.
We are unable to THANK YOU enough, but know that you have changed our lives for the better in so many ways since the accident.
