Recent reports of horrific abuse perpetrated by a Scout volunteer, Matt Ellett, in Somerset, have once again highlighted the devastating harm that can be inflicted on children by people entrusted with their care and protection. Ellett, 32 from Taunton, was found unanimously guilty and criminally convicted of 19 offences against five children following a trial in August 2026.

The Cornell University case has sparked wider discussion about sexual assault at universities, victim blaming, misogynistic attitudes and the sharing of sexualised images, highlighting concerns that extend beyond the US to UK higher education. In this blog, Josie Clarke explores the prevalence and impact of sexual violence against students, the potential legal consequences for perpetrators and the legal options available to survivors seeking compensation.

Recent reports of alleged rape, sexual assault and harassment at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate have once again raised serious concerns in the media recently about the safety of young recruits and the responsibility of military institutions to protect those in their care.

One of the most distressing aspects of child sexual abuse cases is when offenders avoid facing justice altogether. A recent case highlighted by the BBC shows how an alleged and convicted abuser was able to leave the UK before standing trial or serving his sentences.

The recent case involving a junior doctor at Royal Stoke University Hospital highlights an important issue: what happens when someone reports sexual harassment or sexual abuse at work, but feels that the organisation responsible for protecting them has failed them?

ITV’s The Blame explores sexual abuse by a figure skating coach and abuse of power by police officers, highlighting the grooming, control and victim-blaming survivors can experience. Our specialist abuse solicitors explain the law around abuse by people in positions of trust, potential civil claims for compensation and when organisations may be legally responsible.

Switalskis’ are appealing for witnesses following the recent conviction of Dr Rolando Tayag who was a senior doctor at Maidstone Hospital.

This week, it was revealed that up to 98 child sexual exploitation investigations are currently under way in Birmingham, with six believed to involve groups of offenders. More than 140 children are known to be at risk of, or experiencing, child sexual exploitation in the city.