Whilst it would seem unthinkable that people would use their positions of authority to take advantage of minors, in recent years, the number of claims against scouting organisations has increased significantly, with the sad reality that Scout leaders have used their positions within the Scout Association to abuse children.
Many youth organisations now have strict safeguarding procedures in order to protect children who attend youth organisations and clubs, including the Scouts. These safeguarding measures have not always been in the case and as child abuse specialist solicitors we have dealt with, and continue to deal with cases where clients have been abused when attending such groups.
The trauma of abuse can cause permanent emotional and psychological damage as victims struggle to process what has happened. If you or a loved one has been the victim of sexual abuse committed by a Scout leader, that person has abused their position of trust and power and it is essential you contact a specialist abuse claims solicitor.
For further information or to speak to a member of our specialist abuse team contact Farleys on 0330 134 6430. Alternatively please complete an online enquiry form.
Pursuing a claim against the Scouts
If you or a loved one have been the victim of sexual abuse at the hands of a scout leader, you may be able to bring a claim against the person who abused you, against the Scout Association or both, depending on the circumstances of your case. Farleys Solicitors can support you through this difficult period, securing you the valuable resources need to move forward with your life.
Our highly skilled solicitors realise the suffering caused by instances of abuse never truly goes away, but pursing a claim often helps in providing victims with a much needed sense of closure over their past ordeals.
Current Cases
We are currently acting for a number of clients who have suffered abuse in the Scouts, including:
- Victims of 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
- Victims of 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.
- Victims of 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
