Higgins abused boys over a period of 25 years while working as a youth football coach for clubs like Southampton FC.
Using his position as a ‘star maker’ Higgins was able to gain access to his young victims who believed he could make their dreams of becoming a professional footballer come true.
Following his conviction on 45 counts of indecent assault involving 24 victims, the Football Association is set to conclude its review into child sex abuse allegations throughout the game.
Elizabeth was asked about her work helping victims of sexual abuse in football and other walks of life recover compensation for the impact it has had on their lives. She explained that while compensation cannot turn back the clock it does help people achieve closure and can fund private therapies to aid recovery. She told the BBC that where an abuser had already been convicted in the criminal courts, as in the case of Higgins, the legal process was reasonably straightforward.
Asked whether abuse was a particular problem for football, Elizabeth said that her own practice suggested it was a problem across all sport and was not confined to football alone.
Commenting on the issue of legal costs, Elizabeth explained that she is always happy to chat with people free of charge and if there is a valid compensation claim to be made she is able to work on a No Win, No Fee basis. So worries about funding legal costs should not prevent any victim of abuse from seeking justice.
If you wish to discuss sexual abuse in football or making an abuse compensation claim with Elizabeth then you can call her on 01823 354545 or email her at [email protected]
