Testimonials
My experience as a client working with the team at Mazzeo Lawyers made a prolonged, complex and sensitive case more bearable to endure. Throughout the process, I felt I had an outstanding team behind me. At times, they went above and beyond. Despite the many challenges, their professionalism and expertise ultimately provided me with an excellent outcome. I will forever be grateful to Nick Mazzeo and his talented team.
Sexual Abuse Claims
FAQ’s
What is sexual assault?
Our sexual assault solicitors have dealt with countless cases of sexual abuse through the years, and the laws on sexual assault are very clear. A sexual assault can include rape, incest, child abuse, or unwanted sexual behaviour, including non-consensual kissing and touching. Sexual assault can also include sexual behaviour that does not involve physical contact. An example of this would be forcing an individual to look at pornography. Masturbation is also considered sexual assault. A Melbourne sex crime lawyer will regularly work on cases of sexual assault where the offence carries prison sentences. It can be extremely challenging for victims of assault to know what to do or where to turn in the aftermath of being abused. But a sexual assault solicitor in Melbourne will be able to advise you on getting the help you need and the compensation and justice you deserve.
How do I claim compensation for sexual assault in Victoria?
If you have been the victim of a sexual assault and want justice and seek to receive the compensation you are entitled to, you need to speak with a Melbourne sexual offence lawyer. By having a consultation with a sex crimes solicitor, you’ll be able to move forward and make your claim for a settlement. It is essential that you find a Melbourne sexual assault lawyer that you feel comfortable with and that has a proven track record of successfully claiming compensation following incidents of abuse. Mazzeo Lawyers is a leading sexual assault law firm in Victoria.
How much sexual abuse compensation am I entitled to under Australian law?
Unfortunately, people of all ages get sexually abused worldwide, including in Australia. It is a crime that affects men, women, young children, and teenagers. Abuse survivors need to address the emotional damage caused by a sexual assault and can do so through several avenues. As part of seeking justice, victims can also claim sexual assault compensation. You will undoubtedly need the help of a sexual assault lawyer to guide you through the process, as this can be a difficult and challenging path to navigate. Compensation payouts in sexual assault cases can also depend on so many variables. In 2018, the Australian government launched the national compensation scheme (also know as the National Redress Scheme) for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse, where victims could claim compensation of up to $150,000 each.
Can I claim institutional abuse compensation with Mazzeo Lawyers?
Australia’s government established the National Redress Scheme on July 1st 2018, and it was developed to support survivors of historical sexual abuse. It’s a devastating reality that many children were sexually abused while attending or residing in several of the country’s institutions, and those institutions must be held accountable. The scheme also provides those affected by institutional abuse access to counselling, a direct personal response, and a Redress payment. A sexual assault solicitor in Melbourne from Mazzeo Lawyers will gladly represent you and fight for your right to justice. Winning an abuse case can be challenging, but our sexual assault lawyers are experienced in these matters and will help you claim the compensation you deserve.
What compensation can I claim in my sexual abuse claim?
Every compensation claim is unique to the individual case. A sex crimes lawyer will regularly see compensation claims made for the pain and suffering caused as a result of abuse. Also, compensation claims get made for treatment costs for both the past and future. These costs may include doctor, psychologist, and psychiatrist appointments and medication. Loss of income is also something that an indecent assault lawyer could ask for in a compensation package to cover the past, future, and superannuation.
What are the time limits that apply to making a claim for indecent assault?
There are numerous factors that can affect the statute of limitations concerning sexual assault in Australia. The limits may vary depending on where the victim of the assault lives, their age at the time of the sexual assault, whether it was a single incident of abuse or a recurring situation, whether a family member, stranger, or acquaintance committed the offence or offences, or in an institution such as a place of education, religion, children’s home etc. Common law personal injury against the offender must be made within three years of the offence being committed, although there can often be mitigating circumstances. Every case and claim is unique, so seeking advice from a sexual assault lawyer would be the best place to begin any process. Mazzeo Lawyers will be able to provide you with a Melbourne sex crime lawyer who will look at the specific details of your case and advise on the best way to move forward.
In what circumstances have Mazzeo Lawyers represented people who have experienced sexual abuse?
Mazzeo Lawyers have represented clients in sexual assault cases for almost 30 years. We have a highly experienced and dedicated team of sexual assault lawyers who have won many cases and compensation payouts. Our sexual offence solicitors have been placed in the public spotlight on more than one occasion, and we have been highly successful in those cases. One of the most high-profile cases our sexual offence lawyers in Melbourne were involved in was Erlich v Leifer 2015.
Do I have to report the sexual offence to the police in order to make a claim for compensation through the Victims of Crimes Assistance Tribunal also know as VOCAT?
To be eligible for sexual assault compensation through Victims of Crimes Assistance Tribunal also know as VOCAT, Under the VOCAT guide to lodging an application it states “It is not necessary for the alleged offender to be prosecuted or convicted of the crime before lodging an application for assistance. However, the criminal act that caused the injury must be serious enough to be punishable by imprisonment.” . A sexual abuse lawyer from Mazzeo Lawyers will help guide you through this delicate process. Our sexual abuse lawyers are compassionate and sensitive to the needs of the abuse victims they represent and want to make the compensation claims process as straightforward and worry-free as possible.