Solicitors specialising in claims for sexual abuse in the military.
At Slee Blackwell, we are proud of our longstanding reputation as a leader in representing victims of sexual assault. We are Legal 500 recommended for abuse law and have a track record of success in dealing with a range of cases, including claims for sexual abuse in the military.
We specialise in helping members of our armed forces with legal issues and are proud to have received the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme Bronze Award.
Case study of a successful military abuse compensation claim
While serving as a private in the Army and stationed in north Wales, our client was sexually assaulted by a Sergeant Major following a social gathering at the barracks. The assault caused long lasting psychological issues for our client, who suffered anxiety and depression afterwards. She was later diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and ultimately medically discharged from the Army.
We assessed the case and confirmed that she had grounds for taking legal action. We took on her case and agreed to deal with the compensation claim on a No Win No Fee basis.
A Letter of Claim was sent to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in which we set out the legal basis of the case and holding the MOD ‘vicariously liable’ for the sexual offence committed by the Sergeant Major. Vicarious liability is a legal principle which makes an employer responsible in law for the acts of its employees if they are carried out “in the course of employment”, which we said was the case in this instance.
The claim was initially defended by the MOD. Our team therefore issued formal court proceedings. This resulted in an out of court settlement being reached. The five-figure compensation allowed our client to rebuild her life and receive specialist psychological treatment for her PTSD.
How we can help with claims for sexual abuse in the military
Our specialist abuse department, led by partner Elizabeth Duncan, has built a national reputation for its compassionate, caring approach, ensuring vulnerable clients receive the support they need throughout the legal process. Elizabeth’s ability to establish rapport and provide a safe space for abuse survivors is consistently highlighted in the Legal 500 – the client’s guide to the best law firms in the UK.
We are known for handling complex sexual abuse cases, including those involving military personnel, with great sensitivity. Elizabeth and the other lawyers in her team recognise the huge impact that psychological harm in particular can cause to an individual’s ability to continue to serve, and the impact it can have on their career.
Our team is available to offer you a free consultation by phone or email. They will listen to your story, carry out a confidential case assessment, and provide you with details of No Win, No Fee funding.
So, if you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault or abuse while serving in the armed forces, please do not hesitate to contact us for expert legal advice and support.
Call us on 0333 888 0404 or send an email to [email protected]
