It takes great strength and courage to report abuse, no matter the type of abuse or the circumstances in which it took place. Some people feel able to report abuse straight away, while for others, it can take a long time to come to terms with the experience or to see a need to come forward.

Thankfully, there are options for adult survivors to report their experiences that are still available even many years later. Long after the abuse happened, its effects can linger, but it's not too late for survivors to take legal action. Sometimes, it's possible to achieve a conviction against a person who abused you or to receive compensation for historical abuse you experienced as a young person. By speaking up about what happened to you, you may also be able to protect other children from similar experiences in the future.

Here, the expert child abuse solicitors at Switalskis explain what the process of reporting historic abuse might look like, what to expect, and how to access the resources you might need to come to terms with your experiences. If you experienced abuse as a young person and need support in taking action, we're here to help.

How to report abuse

There are several different ways that survivors of historical abuse can report their experiences. You don't always need to report abuse to the police, and you shouldn't necessarily worry about reporting to the "right" authority. The most important thing is that you feel ready to talk.

The avenues through which survivors can report non-recent abuse include:

• The police: If you feel ready and able, you can make a report by contacting the police. Even if the abuse happened long ago, legal options may still be available. The UK does not impose a statute of limitations on serious crimes, including child abuse, which means that prosecution is possible even years after the offence occurred. Local police stations or dedicated units like the Child Protection Unit can take reports and provide information on the steps involved. They have a trained team ready to help and advise you about the best course of action.
• NSPCC: If you don't feel able to contact the police, you can contact the NSPCC and speak to one of their advisors. The NSPCC offers a confidential helpline for anyone affected by child abuse, including historical cases. Trained professionals provide support and advice and can report the abuse to the authorities on your behalf. You can reach the helpline on 0808 800 5000.
• Survivors Trust: This is a UK-wide national agency for over 130 specialist organisations dedicated to supporting survivors of rape, sexual violence, and childhood sexual abuse. They can put you in touch with local services that provide direct support.
• Legal action: You may wish to seek legal advice about the options available from the team at Switalskis. If we believe there is the possibility of pursuing a conviction, we can help you to take your case to the authorities. We can also advise you on the possibility of pursuing a claim for compensation against your abuser or the institution where the abuse occurred. Our solicitors specialise in abuse cases and can offer a confidential discussion in which you can talk about your experiences. From there, we can guide you on your legal rights and the process you can expect if you decide to pursue justice.
• Medical professionals: Reporting that you have experienced historical abuse to a doctor or mental health professional is a vital way to access the support services you may need. Many adult survivors of child sexual offences or other types of abuse develop mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Your GP can refer you to a counsellor or therapist to help you overcome these challenges and may also offer medication or other treatment forms if necessary.
• Support groups: Joining a support group where survivors share experiences and coping strategies can be helpful. Support groups are less about reporting your experience of abuse and more about learning to feel more comfortable talking about it. Discussing abuse with the police can be a complicated process, and it's good to make sure you feel prepared. Sharing with other survivors can be a vital element of the healing process and help you to recognise the validity of your feelings when it comes time to talk with the authorities.

Before you report the abuse you experienced, write down as many details of the abuse as you can. Include dates, locations, and descriptions of what happened if you remember them. Reporting abuse can be helpful for both personal healing and any potential legal actions you decide to take. If you make a compensation claim, your memories will form the basis of your case..

What to expect after reporting abuse

Depending on the nature of the abuse you report and the evidence you provide, documenting your experience may lead the police to open up an investigation. This will also dependon whether or not the authorities think it will be possible to secure a conviction against an abuser, which is not always easy. As time passes, it can become more difficult to gather evidence to support a case of historical abuse. Physical evidence may no longer exist, and witness memories may fade or witnesses may no longer be around, making constructing a strong legal case challenging. Fortunately, the standards for conviction and compensation are different, meaning that one option may still be available even if the other is not.

Engaging in a legal battle can be emotionally taxing, especially for survivors of abuse. If the police decide to investigate, you may be asked to give a statement or attend an interview to describe your experiences in more detail. Reliving traumatic experiences during the legal process can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, and re-traumatisation, so it's essential to make sure you have the correct support by your side.

The team at Switalskis has worked with many survivors over the years, and we know that the emotional impact of reporting childhood sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse or neglect can be challenging. We do everything we can to make you as comfortable as possible. In most cases, you won't need to face your abuser in court, and we'll always keep anything you say to us completely confidential. We take on the bulk of the legal responsibility for your case to take the pressure off you throughout the process.

There is no guarantee of a positive outcome when taking legal action. The uncertainty of the legal process and the risk that you won't get the justice you deserve can be a significant source of stress, especially if you work with the wrong legal team. At Switalskis, we prioritise communication and ensure you always understand what to expect from the legal process and the likely outcomes at each step. That way, you can be prepared and confidently make decisions about your case.

If you're considering taking legal action or want to know more about what to expect when reporting abuse, speak to a member of the Switalskis team today. Call us today at 0800 138 0458 or contact us through our website .