Consultation on compensation for victims of historic child abuse launched

A consultation into financial compensation for victims of historic child abuse has been launched by the Centre for Excellence for Looked After Children in Scotland.

They want to hear from anyone who was abused at any of the care institutions at the centre of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry.

The views will be gathered and passed onto the Scottish Government in the hopes of giving more options to those who are affected.

A spokesperson said: “This consultation aims to find out what victims/survivors of abuse in care think about various options for a potential financial compensation/redress scheme for individuals who experienced any form of abuse in care in Scotland.

“If a financial compensation/redress scheme is set up, it may provide victims/survivors of abuse in care with an alternative way to seek justice and compensation.

“It may also provide tangible recognition of the harm caused to individuals. A scheme like this may provide an additional choice alongside more traditional routes, such as the civil courts.

“At the end of the consultation, an options paper will be produced for Scottish Government to consider. This will take into account the views expressed by those who choose to participate in the consultation, along with evidence from similar schemes which have been implemented in other countries.

“The options paper will include recommendations for Scottish Government to consider when making its decision on whether to establish a financial compensation/redress scheme.

“This consultation is not intended to gather information about your personal experience of abuse. Instead, it is about your views on a potential financial compensation/redress scheme in Scotland.

“The consultation is open to all victims/survivors of historical abuse in care as defined by the Terms of Reference of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry regardless of any formal or legal process that you may have previously been through.

“This may include, for example, people who consider themselves as pre1964 victims/survivors, child migrants, those who have previously been through criminal and civil court proceedings, and any individuals who have not been through any kind of formal process.

“CELCIS would like to hear from all victim/survivors who experienced any form of abuse in care in Scotland.

“We also hope that victim/survivor organisations, as well as individuals, will provide their views.

“The broader consultation will also gather information from other relevant people, but this questionnaire has been developed with victims/survivors, for victims/survivors.

“It is important that we hear the views and opinions of victims/survivors who may ultimately use any financial compensation/redress scheme that may be developed.