Mazzeo Lawyers is one of the leading Australian firms in sexual abuse claims. Mazzeo Lawyers has extensive experience in supporting both men and women who have experienced sexual abuse, including institutional abuse (i.e. abuse in an institutional setting such as a school, religious organisation or government institution).
We represent our client’s with sensitivity, confidentiality, compassion and respect. Our clients put their trust in us, and we recognise that in many instances, they have never disclosed their past experiences of abuse to anyone prior to contacting us.
We understand the difficulties that survivors of sexual abuse face in their everyday lives and that no amount of compensation can reverse the harm caused. We endeavour to make the legal process as simple as possible for our clients and that we adapt our processes to their individual needs.
We build strong relationships
We build strong relationships with each of our clients which remain over many years as we continue to support them after their cases are finalised. Our clients often refer us to their family and friends because they trust us and know we will fight for our clients and achieve results.
We have worked on high-profile cases involving institutions including Yeshivah College, Adass Israel School, Geelong Grammar School, the Catholic Church and Salesian College, as well as various other religious institutions, government institutions and prestigious schools.
We are highly experienced in accessing compensation through the Courts, the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal, the National Redress Scheme the Catholic Church-established redress schemes (such as Towards Healing and Melbourne Response) as well as negotiating Out-of-Court Settlements. We are experienced in advising clients in relation to overturning inadequate past settlements.
We endeavour to act as advocates for survivors of abuse and assist them in accessing justice, gaining acknowledgment for the harm that they have suffered and help them obtain compensation. We bring a highly effective approach to assessing damages and ensure that we maximise the compensation that our clients are entitled to.
We have achieved substantial settlements for our clients, but equally we will run matters to trial if it is appropriate.
Supreme Court of Victoria judgments
You are able to access and read two Supreme Court of Victoria judgments in which we have successfully represented our clients: –
- Erlich v Leifer [2015] VSC 499; which altered the landscape for sexual abuse claimants from both a legal and compensation perspective.
- Waks v Cyprys & Ors [2020] VSC 44; which provides a comprehensive overview of the damages and how they are claimed.
We can discuss your claim in a confidential conference and provide you with some preliminary advice as to your compensation entitlements.
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
I previously settled my sexual abuse claim and I believe it was inadequate, can I make a further claim?
How do I make a sexual abuse claim for compensation?
There are a number of different avenues available to claim compensation. These include:
- Civil claim (i.e. claim in Court)
- Section 85B Sentencing Act claim
- Redress Scheme claim
- Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal claim
Each type of claim has a unique process with different costs and time frames for resolution.
Talk with Nick, Tom or Luke to discuss which option is best for you.
What compensation can I claim in my sexual abuse claim?
Depending on the type of claim you make you may be able to claim the following: –
- General damages (i.e. Pain and Suffering damages)
- Loss of earnings or earning capacity
- Medical and like expenses
- Exemplary damages
- Aggravated damages
What are the time limits that apply to making a claim for sexual abuse?
In Victoria there are no longer time limits that apply to making a civil claim if you were abused when you were a child. This does not mean that you should delay in bringing a claim.
There are however time limits that apply to making a Section 85B Sentencing Act claim, Redress Scheme claim and a Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal claim.
Where can I find support?
Outside of the legal support we provide, we strongly encourage you to find support in the following areas:
- Your General Practitioner
- Centre Against Sexual Assault (i.e. CASA)
- Victoria Police sexual offences and child abuse investigation teams (i.e. SOCIT)
- Family and friends
In what circumstances have Mazzeo Lawyers represented people who have experienced sexual abuse?
Mazzeo lawyers have acted on behalf people in relation to:
- Schools
- Religious organisations
- Workplaces
- Sporting clubs
- Government operated institutions
What is the difference between a civil claim and a criminal case?
A criminal case is commenced by reporting the abuse to the police who then conduct an investigation into the allegations and collect evidence. The police will then determine whether to charge the offender with a crime. A criminal proceeding is then conducted by the Office of Public Prosecutions, with the intention of convicting the offender.
In contrast, a civil claim is usually pursued against the individual who perpetrated the abuse, and where appropriate any relevant institution or organisation that is legally responsible for the abuse. In civil claims, the remedy sought is monetary, but can sometime also include other remedies such as apologies.
Do I have to report the sexual abuse to the police in order to make a claim for compensation?
It is not a requirement for a survivor to report their allegations of abuse to the police in order to pursue a civil case. However, some avenues to compensation do require a report to the police being made, for example Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal claims and Section 85B Sentencing Act claims.
