Between 1995 and 2003, three girls were targeted in the Dewsbury and Batley area, where they suffered horrific abuse at the hands of 20 individuals. The abuse took place in the Kirklees, where the survivors of the abuse were young, with one of them being only 12 years old when the abuse began.
The abuse was investigated by West Yorkshire Police, and sentences were handed down between 2024 and 2025. Due to reporting restrictions, it has only recently been possible for the offenders to be named.
Many of the perpetrators were sentenced for multiple counts, including rape, supply of class A drugs, controlling prostitution, and indecent assault. DCI Rob Stevens has commended the bravery and courage of the survivors, who worked hard with the Police throughout the investigation.
DCI Stevens also commented that these are “very significant jail terms” which “speaks volumes about the depravity” of the abuse the girls experienced.
For many survivors of abuse, securing a conviction for an offender is only a small part in getting justice for what they have been through. And for most survivors of abuse, a criminal conviction is not always possible.
Farleys have significant experience in bringing claims for compensation for survivors of historic abuse. We can assist in bringing claims against Local Authorities or other organisations who have failed to protect children from abuse. We also regularly assist in bringing Criminal Injury Compensation Authority claims, where individuals have experienced abuse or violent crimes.
Compensation is an important and necessary element in securing justice for abuse survivors. Many experience significant mental health injuries, which often cannot be adequately managed by the public health service. Many have suffered loss of earnings due to poor mental health or other injuries, and find that they are unable to work in the future due to the abuse they have experienced.
Farleys recognise that survivors of abuse deserve to be compensated for their experience. We work diligently to review evidence, such as social services and medical records. We often obtain advice from leading Barristers in this area, and (where necessary) arrange for psychiatric assessments for clients, which can reveal the full impact of the abuse.
If you have survived historic sexual abuse and wish to discuss bringing a claim for compensation, please contact the Abuse Team. Your enquiry will be handled confidentially and with sensitivity, whilst we assess if there is merit to your claim. Either call us on 01254 606008, or contact us through our online chat below.
