Forthcoming English Redress Scheme –
Compensation for Survivors
of child sexual abuse

As a result of Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, the government announced in May 2023 that a redress scheme for survivors of such abuse is to be launched in England, recognising the trauma victims have suffered.

It also pledged to:

• look at ways to improve access to therapeutic support for victims and survivors
• improve the way police collect data on child sexual abuse to better understand the scale and nature of the crime
• drive forward the Online Safety Bill, which will place clear legal duties on companies to remove child sexual abuse material and keep children safe on their services
• reform the child protection system to make sure children are better protected
• look at options to extend the list of people barred from working with children

The redress scheme is in the process of being set up, in consultation with victims, survivors and charities representing them with regard to who the scheme should support, how best to help them and how non-state institutions should be involved.

The Church of England Redress Scheme

Currently in development, the Church of England is launching a redress scheme to acknowledge and address any form of abuse suffered at the hands of clergy, staff or Church volunteers.

Eligible applicants may receive financial redress, therapeutic, spiritual and emotional support, acknowledgement of wrongdoing on the part of the Church, apology and other forms of bespoke redress.

While the scheme has been approved by the General Synod, it must pass through the final parliamentary stage before any applications for claims can be submitted, and no opening date has yet been set.