Over 700 men have now reported instances of physical and sexual abuse by staff at HMP Kirklevington, a former detention centre for teenagers in Teesside. The allegations, which span from the 1960s to the 1990s, are currently being investigated by Cleveland Police, who launched their inquiry in 2014. This investigation is one of the largest ever undertaken by the force, involving hundreds of former inmates and witnesses from across the UK.

Seventeen former staff members, aged between 50 and 90, have been arrested or interviewed under caution in relation to these allegations, with one facing accusations from over 270 individuals. While some officers are accused of using excessive force, others face charges of both physical and sexual abuse. Reports suggest that some officers took satisfaction in violent acts, with former inmates describing incidents of sustained physical assaults, including being kicked, punched, and thrown against walls.

HMP Kirklevington was converted into a resettlement prison for adult male offenders in 1992, but the abuse allegedly took place during its time as a detention centre for teenagers. The investigation has involved checking tens of thousands of documents and conducting interviews with former inmates, many of which have spoken out about the culture of violence and fear that existed within the institution.

For those affected, there may be options for seeking justice and compensation. Legal claims relating to historical abuse can be complex, but specialist teams, such as Switalskis’ Abuse Claims Team, are experienced in dealing with such cases. These cases often involve establishing patterns of abusive behaviour, gathering evidence from historical records, and ensuring that survivors’ voices are heard.

If you or someone you know was affected by the abuse at HMP Kirklevington, it's essential to seek legal advice to understand your rights and the steps you can take. Support is available, and survivors of abuse are encouraged to come forward to access the justice and compensation they may be entitled to.

Navigating the legal maze of a child abuse claim can be tough, especially when you’re already dealing with emotional pain. That’s where we come in. At Switalskis, we’re not just experts in law – we’re people who genuinely care about your wellbeing.

From the moment you reach out to us, you’ll find a caring and confidential environment. We know how hard it is to talk about abuse, and we’re here to listen without judgement. Our team is led by David Greenwood and they are highly skilled in handling both recent and historical abuse claims. We’ll explain all your options in simple terms, so you know exactly what steps are available.

We’ll help you gather all the necessary evidence to make your case as strong as possible. This could include medical records, witness statements or any other documents that could help. We’ll make sure you’re well-prepared and understand what’s happening at every stage.

Legal fees can be a worry, but we’re upfront about costs from the start. We’ll discuss our fee structure clearly, so there are no surprises later on.

 We’re not just here for the legal process. We understand the emotional toll a child abuse claim can take, and we’re here to offer emotional support as well. Once your case is resolved, our support doesn’t just stop. Whether you secure child abuse compensation or achieve another form of justice, we’ll guide you through the next steps and any further actions you may want to take. 

At Switalskis, we’re more than just child abuse solicitors – we’re a team committed to helping you through one of the most challenging times of your life. We’re here to offer expert, compassionate support every step of the way.