Woman reveals abuse by step father

The BBC reports how a Portland woman sexually abused by her step father for five years has revealed her story. The man has now been jailed for four and a half years following 24 sexual offences. The abuse began when the woman was 14 years of age.

Abuse by family members is all too common. One of the options for the woman who spoke out would be to make a civil claim against her step father, although given her age she would need to take prompt action. See the case of A v Hoare 2008. However there would be little point in suing him unless he had substantial assets to pay the resulting judgment.  She would also have a good claim to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

See BBC News