Who are we: 

We are three siblings now in our 50’s, who have spent the last 7 years putting together a legal action against Bristol City Council.

We are fighting a case of negligence, whereby Bristol City Council placed us in foster care with our maternal grandparents, where we were systematically abused sexually, physically and emotionally.  My siblings and I were subjected to on-going sexual assaults until we left home in our teens.

In addition, our grandfather would introduce us to many of his acquaintances, who also subjected us to sexual abuse. We have successfully identified one man who is still alive and in prison serving 20.5 years for child sexual assault and rape.  We were able to add an additional eight years to his sentence.  This case was a criminal case so there was no cost to us.  Our case against Bristol City Council is a civil case.  Hence all fees to bring the case need to be met by us.  

Our Case:

Our case against Bristol City Council is a civil case because it is against an organisation and not an individual. This is why so many victims are powerless against institutions and don't have the resources to pursue it.  We are committed to getting justice and for the Council to admit they failed in their duty to us.  For too long people have kept quiet about what has happened in their lives and in doing this we can support the sea change that is slowly taking place regarding the safeguarding of children and the terrible history of sexual abuse against children in organisations.

Bristol City Council has consistently rejected our efforts, putting one legal obstacle after another to prevent our action going forward.  

Having now provided more evidence and addressed complex legal argument we have a barrister, who having reviewed our case is ready to support us to take our case to the next stage.  We have also provided expert testimony.

Our case has the potential to pave the way in making it easier for victims of childhood sexual abuse to seek justice now and in the future.  

We will not give up and seek your help in supporting us and thereby supporting others.

Our aim at this stage is to raise £8,000.  I wish to point out that our solicitor has worked hard for the last 7 years in getting us this far without a single penny.  We are indebted to him for his belief in our case and in us as individuals.  Being believed has had a life changing impact on each of us already.

Breakdown

• A detailed statement of claim from our appointed barrister  = £5,000
• Expert psychological assessment reports = £3,000.

Once again, thank you for reading our page and for supporting us.  No amount is too small and we are so very grateful.