A common refrain is to question why the victims did not report the abuse at the the time. This is, perhaps, the stupidest and at the same time the most of unempthatic of questions, and when put to me, I point out, in answer who exactly was the child suppose to to report to? Moreover when the questioner is asked what would they have done had they been abused he/she usually has no answer, and duly tries to change the subject.

Another line is to say that the victims should not dwell on the past, but it is all very well for the non-abused to say that. A serious wrong can never be put right simply by ignoring it, and why should a victim be deprived of justice because their raising their plight is inconvenient?

In my experience any attempt to downplay the tragedy of Haut de la Garenne will only serve to invigorate those who are now seeking justice for the abuse suffered.

Alan Collins

First of all is the victim prepared to give a full account of what happened? If not then it is going to be difficult to prove the abuse. Victims understandably are often reluctant to discuss the horror of the abuse that they suffered, and so what I try to do is to get them explain in their own time and in their own way what happened.

If the victim has already given a statement to the police we might just need to obtain a copy.

We need to know what happened to the victim so that we can advise as to whether they have a case and how it to be pursued.

Assuming that the victim is gives an account we need to evalaute their chances of success in pursuing a claim. We need to see if there is any supporting evidence, for example, witnesses or other victims.

Are there any criminal convictions which are excellent pieces of evidence?

So we are looking at being in a position of being able to prove what the victims says. The stronger the case the better the chances of success.

The victim’s evidence alone may be enough, but in deciding whether this is the case we are looking at that chance of success.

Alan Collins

If you would like to speak with me please get in touch.

My telephone number is 023 92 492472

e-mail: alc@dyerburdett.com

Alan Collins

You need a specialist solicitor who will know how to guide you through the legal obstacles that are often in the way of victims trying to obtain compensation.

By all means come to us at Dyer Burdett & Co. We represent victims bringing claims who are scattered all round the world. But if you do n’t want to come to us then a good place to try and find a solicitor is be contacting ACAL (association of Child Abuse Lawyers) or APIL (Association of Personal Injury Lawyers) who maintain lists of lawyers who specialise in this area of work. We are members of both organisations.

The allegations go back to the 1960’s, with the abuse primarily being committed in dormitories.

I have settled two claims, and am now working on a third, and so if you have information please contact me.

Alan Collins

02392492472

Alan Collins

02392492472

I can only speak from my experience acting for abuse victims seeking redress from the Catholic church, and so far they have faced an uphill struggle. I have not found a willingness to say “sorry” to victims, or an acceptance that compensation should be paid.

Alan Collins

Contrary to the “apology” every trick in the book seems to be deployed to avoid accepting responsibility for the abuse committed, and so I wait with interest to see if this tiger has changed its spots.

I have clients who say that they were abused there, and will be trying to obtain compensation for them on their behalf. As part of the process I am trying to understand how the home functioned, who worked there, who supervised and managed, and this will, hopefully, enable me to understand how the abuse could possibly have happened.

If you are willing to talk to me, in confidence if you wish, then I would be pleased to hear from you.

My ‘phone number is (023) 92 492472 to speak to us as the Jersey abuse lawyers.

Alan Collins

Abuse victims need to understand what their legal rights are.

Victims who wait too long before claiming compensation are sometimes barred from doing so. This could be very unjust, and so the risk of this occuring needs to be minimised. Get legal advice, and we would be pleased to talk to you.