Slee Blackwell lawyer interviewed by LBC about the growing problem of staff and patients suffering sexual assault in hospital.
The LBC interview
Abuse lawyer Elizabeth Duncan was recently interviewed on LBC about the concerning increase in the number of sexual assaults being reported in NHS hospitals.
You can see details of the interview (including a link to listen) here:
https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/12-000-sexual-assaults-reported-nhs-hospitals-5HjdRXb_2/
Data has been obtained from 75 NHS trusts across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland between 2020 and 2025. It shows a 75 per cent increase in reports of sexual assaults in hospitals. More than 12,000 alleged sexual assaults have been reported, with many incidents involving hospital staff.
Lawyers experienced in dealing with hospital assault claims
Sexual abuse in the NHS is a subject close to Elizabeth’s heart, and she has previously spoken with the British Medical Journal about the problem.
Elizabeth and her colleagues in our specialist abuse team have represented many clients who have experienced abuse in NHS hospitals, achieving a number of notable successes.
Hospital abuse cases often involve complex legal issues. Proving an assault happened can be challenging, as it is relatively unusual in our experience for these assaults to result in police investigation or a criminal prosecution of the perpetrator. The legal principle of ‘Vicarious Liability’ can also be problematic. Vicarious Liability means that employers such as the NHS can be held legally responsible for the acts of its employees – but we must be able to prove that those acts were committed “in the course of their employment” and were “closely connected” to their employment.
How we can help you claim compensation for sexual assault in hospital
Our friendly award-winning, legal 500 recommended lawyers will be happy to provide guidance on the options open to you, and explain how our popular no win, no fee funding scheme works.
So, if you have suffered sexual abuse or assault while in hospital, please contact us for a free, confidential consultation about claiming compensation.
