Connor Receives $485,000 Following Childhood Sexual Abuse at Sydney Private School
Institutional Abuse
$485,000 awarded to school abuse survivor for lasting harm.
Trigger Warning: This article contains content related to sexual assault that may be distressing or triggering for some individuals. Reader discretion is advised.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, please reach out to the following helpline in Australia: Full Stop Australia, NSW Sexual Violence Helpline (24/7). Phone: 1800 424 017
This image is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent our actual client.
Connor's Story
Pseudonyms are used to protect the client's identity.
Connor was sexually abused by three staff members at a private school in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.
The abuse occurred on school grounds and during school camps.
Connor had intended to complete his HSC. Instead, he left in Year 11. The abuse significantly disrupted his education and later affected his earning capacity.
When Connor approached Dormer Stanhope, we arranged a comprehensive psychiatric assessment to determine the full impact of the abuse.
The psychiatrist concluded:
The abuse caused a dramatic and sudden disruption to Connor’s development and overall functioning.
Connor suffers from severe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and is unlikely to fully recover.
He has been diagnosed with major depression, including episodes of self-harm.
In late adolescence and his early twenties, he began using alcohol, opiates and stimulants as a form of self-medication to manage PTSD symptoms.
He has also been diagnosed with schizophrenia.
The psychiatrist concluded that the abuse had a profound and destructive impact on Connor’s life. His education was interrupted. His career progression was significantly compromised.
Before the abuse, Connor was a happy and stable young person. He was engaged at school, had strong friendships, and excelled in sport.
He now requires ongoing and significant future treatment.
Connor has suffered a substantial loss of earning capacity and was entitled to damages for his economic loss.
One of the teachers pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault against three separate victims.
The school owed Connor a duty of care.
Connor received $485,000 in compensation for the abuse.
Our Approach
In Connor’s case, we took the time to listen carefully to his experience and to understand the full extent of the harm he had suffered.
We arranged a comprehensive psychiatric assessment to ensure that the long term psychological impact, including PTSD, major depression and schizophrenia, was properly documented and supported by expert evidence.
We gathered evidence about the interruption to his education, the effect on his career prospects and his ongoing need for treatment, and we clearly articulated the school’s breach of duty of care.
Our focus was to present a strong, evidence based claim that reflected both the profound personal impact of the abuse and Connor’s substantial economic loss, ultimately securing $485,000 in compensation to support his future care and stability.