School Abuse
Lawyers
Schools should be safe environments where children learn, grow, and develop. Not places where they experience sexual abuse by those entrusted with their education and care. When educational institutions fail to protect students from sexual abuse, our experienced school sexual abuse lawyers are here to help survivors seek accountability and justice.
We have extensive experience representing survivors of institutional abuse in schools, including government, private, boarding, and other educational settings. Our team works to ensure your voice is heard and that compensation reflects the profound betrayal caused when educators or school systems fail in their duty of care.
Recognised in Doyle’s Guide 2025 as a Leading Firm for Institutional Abuse Compensation
Am I eligible to make a school sexual abuse claim?
If you experienced sexual abuse while attending school, you may be entitled to seek compensation. We understand how difficult it can be to revisit these experiences, and our goal is to help you understand your options and pursue justice. Whether you experienced sexual abuse in boarding schools, public schools, or private schools, you may be eligible if certain criteria are met.
These three questions can help you determine your eligibility.
1. Were you a student at the school when the abuse occurred?
You must have been enrolled as a student or under the school’s supervision during classes, camps, excursions, sporting events, or other school-related activities when the abuse took place.
2. Did a teacher, staff member, or school-associated person abuse you?
The abuse could have been committed by teachers, coaches, counsellors, principals, volunteers, visiting instructors, or other adults in positions of authority, or even by other students if the school failed to protect you.
3. Did the school fail in its duty to protect you?
The school must have neglected to supervise staff properly, screen employees, respond to complaints or warning signs, implement safeguarding policies, or take action to protect you when they knew—or should have known—you were at risk.
School sexual abuse claims:
Your rights, our fight
Sexual abuse in schools—including sexual abuse in private schools and sexual abuse in public schools—occurs across various contexts and institutional settings. These cases fall under institutional abuse claims, and understanding your specific situation is essential to determining the right legal pathway.
Sexual abuse by teachers
Abuse perpetrated by classroom teachers, tutors, or educational staff who exploited their authority and access to students for sexual purposes.
Abuse by coaches and sports staff
Sexual abuse by sports coaches, physical education teachers, or sports program staff in private schools, public schools, or school sporting programs.
Boarding school sexual abuse
Sexual abuse in boarding schools by residential staff, housemasters, or other adults with unsupervised access to students in residential settings where vulnerability is heightened.
Sexual abuse in private schools
Abuse in independent, Catholic, Anglican, or other private schools where institutions prioritised reputation over student safety or failed to implement adequate safeguarding.
Sexual abuse in public schools
Abuse in government schools where departments failed to properly screen teachers, respond to complaints, or remove known risks from contact with students.
Institutional neglect
Cases where schools knew about abuse, moved perpetrators to different schools, settled matters quietly, or actively concealed misconduct to protect institutional reputation.
Peer sexual abuse
Sexual assault or abuse by other students where schools failed to provide adequate supervision, respond to bullying or concerning behaviour, or protect vulnerable students.
Grooming
Systematic grooming by teachers or staff that schools ignored despite warning signs, including inappropriate relationships and boundary violations.
Speak with a school abuse lawyer now.
Start with a free consultation and get your case reviewed within minutes.
Why Choose Gerard Malouf & Partners
School sexual abuse compensation: What can you claim?
Compensation for school sexual abuse recognises both the harm you suffered and the profound failure of the educational institution to protect you during your formative years. Unlike the capped National Redress Scheme, civil compensation can more fully reflect your experience, covering economic losses as well as non-economic losses such as pain, suffering, and the lasting impact on your life.
Our school abuse lawyers work with care and understanding to ensure every aspect of your experience is properly valued and recognised.
Economic losses
- Past and future medical expenses (therapy, psychiatric treatment, trauma counselling)
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Educational disadvantage (interrupted schooling, tutoring, alternative education)
- Rehabilitation and support costs (vocational programs, ongoing therapy).
Non-economic losses
- Pain and suffering (trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, shame)
- Loss of educational experience (missed school life, disrupted friendships, psychological burden)
- Betrayal of trust (abuse by educators, school prioritising reputation over safety).
Claims against multiple parties
School sexual abuse claims may involve multiple responsible parties, including:
- Individual perpetrators (teachers, coaches, staff)
- The school itself (private schools or church-operated schools)
- Government education departments (for public schools)
- Third-party organisations providing services to schools.
Family member claims
Family members who have witnessed or been involved in the aftermath of school sexual abuse—such as a parent reporting their child’s abuse—may be entitled to compensation. This can cover the emotional toll, loss of relationship, and disruption to their own life and wellbeing, referred to as ‘nervous shock.’
Our Unique Fee Reduction Guarantee
Satisfaction first:
Fees second
If our service fails to meet the high standards we set, we’ll reduce our fees. We are the only Australian firm that backs our service with a written cost reduction promise, giving you total confidence in your claim.
The compensation claim process: Your journey with GMP Law
Initial consultation
Evidence gathering
Claim submission
Negotiation
We’ll advocate fiercely on your behalf, aiming for a fair settlement that truly reflects your needs.
Court representation
Ongoing support
Why choose our school abuse lawyers?
Our No Win No Fee institutional abuse lawyers specialise in handling some of the most complex and challenging cases. With deep expertise in personal injury and compensation law, we understand the unique difficulties these claims present and know how to navigate them effectively.
Key benefits include:
98% success rate
Australia-wide coverage.
Expert abuse lawyer support in every state
Free initial consultation
to assess your claim
Award-winning lawyers
Proudly recognised by Doyles Guide 2025 for excellence in personal injury legal services
No Win No Fee.
No Win No Fee
Fee transparency that you can trust
At GMP Law, we’re committed to ensuring you have nothing to lose with our No Win No Fee service.
How our No Win No Fee system works:
No upfront costs
Start your claim without any financial risk
No contingency fees.
We don’t take a percentage of your settlement
Fair hourly rates.
When you win, we charge transparent hourly rates
Careful case evaluation.
We only take cases we believe can succeed
Our commitment. If we don’t believe your case will result in compensation or if costs outweigh benefits, we won’t take it on. This dedication to our clients’ best interests sets our No Win No Fee school sexual abuse lawyers apart.
Proven results: Abuse in schools compensation case studies
At GMP Law, we compassionately support clients from all backgrounds in pursuing justice and payouts for child sexual abuse at school. We have extensive experience handling claims for all types of harm suffered as a result of sexual or other abuse in educational settings.
Case 1: Youth group sexual abuse
Background
In the 1980s, our client participated in a local youth group with midweek, weekend, and occasional camp activities.
Abuse
During this time, our client was groomed and sexually abused by a group leader, resulting in long-lasting psychological injuries.
GMP Law’s approach
Our client sought advice on his rights to compensation. We gathered evidence, briefed an expert barrister, and arranged a psychiatric assessment confirming PTSD, Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), and significant stress and anxiety. We then negotiated a resolution through mediation.
Outcome
A settlement of $435,000 was secured, providing recognition and compensation for the abuse and its lifelong impacts.
Case 2: Sexual abuse in a private school
Background
In the late 1980s, our client attended a prestigious private school in the inner west of Sydney.
Abuse
While in Year 6, he was frequently abused by a teacher known as the “shirt tucker,” who exploited students under the pretence of tucking in shirts. Reports to staff were ignored. The abuse caused long-term impacts, including distrust of authority, disrupted education, career limitations, and reliance on substances.
GMP Law’s approach
We filed proceedings in the District Court of NSW, arguing breach of duty of care, vicarious liability, and failure to act on repeated complaints. When the school’s insurer attempted to permanently stay proceedings, we challenged the motion, arranged a psychiatric assessment to document the profound impact, and engaged in mediation.
Outcome
A settlement of $325,000 was achieved, recognising the abuse and its lifelong effects. The client viewed the outcome as a symbolic step in his healing and accountability for the staff member’s wrongdoing.
Case 3: Regional school sexual abuse
Background
Our client experienced abuse as a child between 10 to 12 years of age at a small regional school.
Abuse
Our client was groomed by a male teacher and told he was in a “special” relationship. He was abused in and outside of school during extracurricular activities before and after school, and on weekends.
The abuse caused social withdrawal, guilt, anxiety, and long-term psychological effects.
GMP Law’s approach
We advised the client on his rights to compensation, gathered evidence, and documented the profound impact of the abuse on his personal, educational, and work life.
Outcome
$350,000 in compensation was secured, recognising the abuse, breach of trust, and lifelong impact on our client.
Case 4: Sexual abuse in a private Catholic school
Background
While just 11–12 years old, our client endured a year of abuse at the hands of her Year 6 teacher at a Catholic primary school.
Abuse
The teacher carried out repeated assaults both during school hours and beyond, and investigations showed he had victimised several other students. He was ultimately charged, convicted, and sentenced for his crimes.
GMP Law’s approach
We pursued legal action against the Diocese, demonstrating that the teacher should never have been employed given his prior complaints, criminal history, and use of multiple aliases. A child abuse psychiatrist documented the profound effects on our client, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, flashbacks, and disruption to her education. Through mediation with the Diocese, we achieved a resolution that prioritised her wellbeing and best interests.
Outcome
The court approved a compensation settlement, offering recognition and validation of the harm she endured, and a measure of closure, even though it cannot erase the trauma.
What our clients say:
These are genuine reviews from real clients on Google, sharing their experiences with our school abuse lawyers.
Turning injuries into justice, transforming lives through compensation
At GMP Law, we’re not just fighting for compensation, we’re fighting for your right to recover, rebuild, and reclaim your life after abuse. Read our case studies:
Historical Abuse Survivor Awarded $950k In Damages
Case Overview Our client is a survivor of historical abuse which dates back to 1988. Having been made a ward of
Man received $350,000 after being sexual abused by teacher
Case Overview Our client experienced abuse as a child between 10-12 years of age. Abuse occurred in and outside of school
15 year old sexual abuse survivor receives over $450,000 from individual perpetrator for abuse when she was 12
Case Overview Miss H, while in Year 6 at Primary School, was the victim of a gross breach of trust when
Man settles claim for $315,000 for sexual abuse perpetrated in New South Wales
Case Overview The plaintiff alleged that he suffered sexual abuse on one occasion during an extended admission at the juvenile detention
$300,000 settlement for juvenile detention centre sexual abuse in the 1970s
Case Overview Our client was sexually abused while at a juvenile detention centre in the mid-1970s. The defendant argued that there
Man settles sexual abuse case for $200,000 perpetrated at a Sydney-based juvenile detention centre
Case Overview Our client suffered childhood sexual abuse while in the custody of a juvenile detention centre. We argued that the
Meet our school abuse lawyers
Meet our compassionate team of institutional abuse lawyers, supporting survivors of school sexual abuse nationwide. With extensive experience, we focus on achieving justice and securing compensation, helping survivors recover and find recognition for the profound trauma caused by institutional failures.
Frequently asked questions about school sexual abuse claims
How much compensation can I receive for school sexual abuse?
School sexual abuse compensation varies based on the severity and duration of abuse, its impact on your education and life trajectory, and the extent of institutional failures. Cases involving sexual abuse by teachers typically settle for more than $200,000 to $600,000. Severe cases with prolonged abuse, multiple perpetrators, institutional cover-ups, or significant life impacts can reach $700,000 to over $1 million.
Our school sexual abuse lawyers assess your individual circumstances, including how the abuse affected your education and development, to determine appropriate compensation levels and ensure all impacts are properly valued.
What is the time limit for a school sexual abuse claim?
Following Royal Commission reforms, most Australian states removed time limits for child sexual abuse claims, including sexual abuse in boarding schools, private schools, and public schools. This means survivors can pursue legal action decades after abuse occurred, recognising that many survivors require years before feeling able to confront these experiences.
The removal of limitation periods acknowledges that childhood sexual abuse, particularly in educational settings, often involves grooming, manipulation, and psychological dynamics that prevent disclosure. Many survivors don’t process or fully understand the abuse until adulthood, often after significant life events or therapy.
Can I claim against government schools or only private schools?
Yes, you can pursue school sexual abuse claims against both government (public) schools and private schools.
For sexual abuse in public schools, claims are typically brought against state education departments that employed teachers and had responsibility for student safety. For sexual abuse in private schools, claims are brought against the school itself, the religious organisation operating the school, or associated entities.
Government schools and education departments can be held liable for failing to properly screen teachers, respond to complaints, supervise staff, or remove known risks. The legal process varies slightly between government and private institutions, but both can be held accountable when they fail to protect students. Our school abuse lawyer team has extensive experience with both sectors across all Australian states.
What if the school claims they didn't know about the abuse?
Schools have a legal duty not just to respond to known abuse but to implement proper safeguarding systems that identify and prevent abuse. Even if a school claims ignorance, they can be held liable for systemic failures, including:
- Inadequate background checks
- Poor supervision policies
- Failure to train staff on recognising warning signs
- Lack of proper complaint mechanisms
- Failure to respond to red flags that should have alerted them to risks.
Additionally, our investigations often uncover evidence that schools knew more than they admitted. This can be in the form of internal documents, complaints from other students or parents, or warnings that were ignored.
What about abuse that occurred during school camps, excursions, or sporting events?
Schools remain responsible for student safety during all school-related activities, including camps, excursions, sporting events, field trips, and extracurricular programs. Sexual abuse occurring during these activities falls within the school’s duty of care, and schools can be held liable for failing to provide adequate supervision, properly screen volunteers or external instructors, or implement appropriate safeguarding during overnight stays.
Boarding school sexual abuse cases often involve heightened duty of care because schools assume parental responsibilities for residential students. Similarly, abuse during school-organised activities demonstrates institutional failures in supervision and risk management.
What about abuse at a childcare centre or daycare?
Children have the right to be safe in childcare or daycare settings. If your child experiences abuse—whether physical, emotional, or sexual—while in the care of a centre, the staff and operators can be held legally responsible.You may be entitled to compensation for the harm caused, and it’s important to seek advice from childcare negligence lawyers to understand your options.
My child was injured at school. Can I take legal action?
Yes, schools have a duty of care to keep children safe. If your child was injured due to negligence, lack of supervision, unsafe equipment, or failure to follow safety procedures, you may be able to make a compensation claim.
Learn more: If my child is injured at school can I sue?
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