The BBC last month conducted a study into claims of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse against the Scouts Association.

13 law firms that specialise in child abuse claims were contacted. The results from the eight that responded reveal that more than £6 million had been paid out in compensation in the last decade for survivors of sexual, physical, and mental abuse.

Abuse within the scouts is not only an issue from the 60s, 70s and 80s. The abuse has continued in the 2000’s, 2010’s, and now 2020’s. Many children have endured horrific sexual abuse at the hands of scout leaders and those in positions of responsibility whilst being a member of the Scout Association, whose programmes include Squirrels, Beavers, Cub Scouts, as well as Scouts and Explorer Scouts for older children.

It has become clear over recent years the sheer extent of the abuse that has occurred within the scouts with very minimal safeguarding measures in place historically to prevent it.

The campaign, called ‘Yours in Scouting’ wants to amplify the voices of people with lived experience of child abuse in the Scout Association by creating a space in which victims can share their experiences of abuse in the Scout Association and thereafter take action. To learn more about the campaign and share your story please click the following link; Home – Yours In Scouting

We are currently acting and have previously acted for a number of clients that have suffered abuse in the scouts; including but not limited to people subject to abuse by:

  • John Michael Creagh, who was sentenced to four years in jail for historical sex abuse crimes particularly relating to the 37th Ormskirk St Anne’s Scout Group in the 1970’s

  • John Edward Bates who was sentenced to 20 years in jail for sex abuse crimes during his time as a scout leader between 1972 and 1989.

  • Kenneth Alan Fawcett, who was sentenced to four years imprisonment for abusing boys in Barnoldswick and West Craven, whilst working as a scout leader for Barrowford Scout Group

Please read this case study for more information about one of these cases.

If you are a survivor of abuse that arose as a result of your attendance at scouts, you are not alone. We are leading specialist experts in abuse law, with more than 20 years of experience in seeking justice for our clients in such cases.

If you or a loved one have experienced abuse at the hands of a scout leader, we are here to help. No matter how long it has been since the abuse occurred, we’ll be able to arrange a meeting between you and a specialist abuse claims solicitor here at Farleys, so we can look at the best ways to get justice and closure for you. Contact us on our dedicated abuse line to discuss your case in confidence on 0330 134 6430, by email, or through the online chat below.