Abuse victims to qualify for thousands in compensation
BY JAMES MONCUR HUNDREDS of historical abuse victims who fled to Scotland from Northern Ireland could be entitled to tens of thousands of pounds in compensation.
At least 5000 people may be eligible for the payouts after a “redress” bill was passed by the Westminster Government in November – but they may not know it.
It applies to anyone who was in care in Northern Ireland aged under 18 between 1922 and 1995.
The rules ringfence any compensation and prohibit legal firms from taking a percentage from payments that could range from £10,000 to £100,000.
Applications open on
March 31 but all those who may qualify have been urged to contact solicitors based in Northern Ireland to begin the process.
Cyril Green, boss of the Survivors Together charity, said: “We know of dozens and dozens of people who fled Northern Ireland after they were abused and many went to Scotland.
“If someone was in care in a state-run or private children’s home in Northern Ireland and they were abused, they will be entitled to compensation.”
Kincora Boys Home in Belfast was the scene of a horrific child abuse scandal in the 70s. In 1981, three of its former employees were jailed for abusing boys.
Dave Sharp, one of Scotland’s leading abuse campaigners, said: “It is very important to point out that no one who is eligible is denied legal aid and that survivors will get 100 per cent of their compensation and lawyers are not allowed to claim any of that money.”
Forms are available from the Historical Institutional Abuse office in Belfast on 028 9089 3977.
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