Abuse Law Services for Survivors Across Australia
Abuse Law Services for Survivors Across Australia
Abuse is never just a legal problem. It affects safety, identity and trust. When you decide to speak with a lawyer you deserve a team that understands this reality and knows how to work with the law in a way that protects you as much as possible.
At Donaldson Law we act for people who have experienced sexual or physical abuse, institutional abuse, abuse during service in the ADF, serious mistreatment in sporting environments and other violations of personal integrity. Many of our clients have carried their experiences for years before they feel ready to talk about legal options.
Our team focuses on abuse law, ADF entitlements, personal integrity violations and reparation pathways. We guide clients through civil claims, redress and reparation schemes plus other processes that can lead to recognition, accountability and financial compensation where appropriate. We take a trauma informed approach and we are prepared to use formal litigation where that is needed to properly hold institutions to account.
How Abuse Law Can Help?
Abuse law brings together principles from negligence, intentional torts, institutional liability, statutory schemes and human rights. The goal is to help you understand your rights then design a pathway that fits your safety and your goals.
In practice our work often involves:
- explaining your legal rights after abuse in settings such as schools, sporting bodies, religious organisations, community organisations, state agencies, Commonwealth agencies or the ADF
- identifying the institution or organisation that may be legally responsible then gathering records to support your account
- advising you on options such as civil claims, participation in schemes like the National Redress Scheme and internal apology or restorative processes
- negotiating with institutions, government bodies or insurers to seek outcomes that reflect both the impact of what you experienced and what is realistically achievable in law
- representing you in court or tribunal proceedings where negotiation or redress processes are not enough
Throughout this work we aim to minimise unnecessary conflict, reduce the need for repeated retelling of your story and keep you informed so you can make decisions with confidence.
Types Of Abuse Matters We Act In
Every person and every matter is different. To make it easier to see how the law may apply in your situation our Abuse Law content is grouped into key areas.
Elite Athletes
We understand high performance systems, sporting governance and the additional pressures that come with competing at an elite level. Our team is recognised as a leading Australian firm in this space and we are regularly asked to advise on complex, multi party matters involving sporting bodies and regulators.
Institutional Abuse
That includes:
• education facilities such as schools and boarding houses
• state departments and statutory institutions
• Commonwealth departments and statutory institutions
• religious institutions
• community organisations and youth or support services
Our role is to help identify the institution responsible, explain the legal pathways and support you through processes that may involve redress schemes, negotiation or formal claims.
ADF Servicemen and Servicewomen
National Redress Scheme (NRS)
Workplace Harassment and Discrimination
We will help you work out which firm is the best fit for your situation. In some matters there is overlap between workplace issues and abuse or integrity violations. Where that happens we can collaborate closely with Enterprise Legal so that you receive joined up advice instead of feeling caught between firms.
Why Choose Donaldson Law For Abuse Law Matters
Abuse work is different from other kinds of compensation work. It needs a Firm that understands trauma, institutional power and the long shadow that these events can cast.
Clients choose Donaldson Law because:
- This is our focus
We do not run a high volume motor vehicle or WorkCover style practice. Our team concentrates on abuse law, ADF entitlements and related integrity issues so our systems and experience are built for this work. - Trauma informed in practice
We plan meetings and evidence taking carefully. We minimise unnecessary retelling. We encourage support persons. We respect cultural, family and community contexts. - Collaborative where possible, prepared for litigation where needed
We look for negotiated or restorative options that protect your safety and wellbeing. When those options are not enough we are prepared to use formal court processes and other robust strategies to advance your interests. - Team based support
You have a primary lawyer plus a small team who know your matter. That gives you more than one point of contact and allows us to keep your matter moving even when individual staff members are away. - Clear costs information
We know that cost uncertainty can create stress. We provide written costs information in plain language before you engage us then update you about costs as the matter progresses.
Discuss Your Options
Abuse Law FAQs
If you feel ready to talk about what has happened and about your options, contact our team today.
