Redress for Historical Institutional Abuse

On 10 December 2024 the State of Victoria rolled out its redress scheme for children who had adverse experiences in Victorian institutions prior to 1990.  To be eligible for a payment under the Victorian scheme, an applicant must have lived in a Victorian institution, whether as a ward of the state or as a private placement, for a total of at least 6 months in childhood, prior to 1990, and have experienced physical, psychological, or emotional abuse and neglect in the Victorian institution. The Victorian scheme offers a redress payment of up to $20,000, a personal acknowledgement and apology, and counselling.

The Victorian Scheme differs from the National Redress Scheme (which offers redress payments of up to $150,000 to survivors of childhood sexual abuse in participating institutions) in that it will accept applications pertaining only to physical, psychological, or emotional abuse and neglect in Victorian out-of-home institutions.

The Victorian scheme currently does not require an applicant to sign a release upon receipt of the redress payment. Accordingly, even if a claimant has previously settled a claim for damages against the State or accepted a payment via the National Redress Schee, it should not prevent an applicant making a claim on the Victorian scheme. Similarly, accepting a Victorian Redress payment will not be a barrier to pursuing a common law claim for the same subject abuse. Notwithstanding this, the State of Victoria may consider the redress payment in calculating damages in the context of further common law claims. As the scheme is still in infancy, the State of Victoria’s litigation attitude in light of Victorian redress payments has yet to be tested.

Whether or not you make a claim on the Victorian Scheme, Angela Sdrinis Legal can provide free preliminary advice before you take any steps with regard to your abuse claim.

Application forms can be accessed here: Redress for Historical Institutional Abuse - application form - DFFH Services