Criminal Defence When Accused of Institutional or Organisational Abuse
In recent years, claims of institutional abuse have increased, and as a result, this area of law is constantly evolving. Our team specialises in defending both individuals and organisations against these claims, whether they involve vicarious liability, abuse in foster care, residential placements, or deficiencies in social care.
If you find yourself facing criminal proceedings of this nature, please reach out to one of our experienced defence solicitors as soon as possible, as finding the right legal team to manage your case is crucial. At Draycott Browne, we have a proven track record in complex, high-profile sexual offence cases. Handling these claims often involves extensive documentation, which can sometimes span many years; we frequently provide guidance on intricate disclosure and data protection matters, and we are recognised for our robust, thorough and sensitive responses.
High-profile claims can attract significant media attention. With our experience, our team excel at managing reputational concerns for clients and their employees, while also acknowledging the impact on claimants and ensuring that all claims are handled responsibly and sensitively.
Why choose Draycott Browne?
At Draycott Browne, our extensive experience and dedicated support means that we are well-placed to assist you if you are facing allegations of institutional abuse. If you are charged, your defence options will depend on the specifics of your case. If the allegations against you are false, a strong defence is crucial, and we will analyse all of the evidence to identify any flaws, discrepancies or mitigating circumstances.
If you admit to the offence, we can guide you on the best approach for making a guilty plea, and we will explore any mitigating factors that may have a bearing on your case. In the face of such serious charges, having the right solicitor with the necessary experience and knowledge is vital for achieving the fairest outcome. If you are facing allegations of institutional abuse, contact us immediately for expert legal advice and representation. We will work tirelessly on your behalf, handling your case with the utmost sensitivity.
Dedicated expertise for defending all allegations of historical sexual offences.
Our Institutional Abuse OFFENCES Team
What is institutional abuse?
Institutional abuse occurs when individuals are mistreated by people or systems put in place to care for them. This mistreatment can happen in various settings, such as children’s homes, boarding schools, hospitals, care homes, or even in one's own home. The Care Act defines institutional abuse, also known as organisational abuse, as one of the ten types of harm, encompassing neglect and poor care practices within a specific care setting.
Institutional abuse can cover a diverse range of acts, including physical or sexual attacks, neglect, or even through the enforcement of rigid routines that strip individuals of their autonomy. Examples include enforcing inflexible schedules, inappropriate use of power or control, confinement, restraint or restriction, lack of choice in food, decor, or other environmental aspects, lack of personal clothing or possessions, financial abuse, and physical or verbal abuse.
There are a variety of factors that can contribute to institutional abuse, such as poorly trained staff, inadequate management, a closed culture, and abusive individuals in positions of power. It can occur as a one-off incident or as part of an ongoing culture of ill-treatment, resulting from the structure, policies, processes, and practices within an organisation.
The care act 2014
The Care Act 2014, which came into effect in April 2015, replaced most previous laws regarding carers and those being cared for. Representing the most significant change to adult social care in over 60 years, the Care Act provides a comprehensive framework for how local authorities should manage and deliver care.
The Care Act outlines the following key areas:
- Carers' Assessments and Needs Assessments: How local authorities should carry out assessments for both carers and those they care for
- Charging for Care: Guidelines on how local authorities should charge for residential and community care
- Carer Support Charges: Regulations on whether local authorities should charge for carer support
- Local Authority Obligations: Duties of local authorities in providing care and support
The Care Act gives individuals greater control over the support they receive and in all activities undertaken by local authorities, there is an obligation to consider how to protect individuals from abuse or neglect. Organisations or individuals who breach any of the guidelines set out in the Care Act may find themselves facing criminal charges – please reach out to our team at Draycott Browne if you have any questions about the Act or your actions in relation to it.
Penalties
The penalties for institutional abuse charges can vary widely due to the diverse nature of these offences. These are serious allegations, and the consequences reflect the severity of the charges. If you have specific concerns, it is crucial to consult with one of our experienced defence solicitors. They will thoroughly review your case and provide tailored advice based on your unique circumstances. Contact us today for expert legal guidance and representation.
Specialist Institutional Abuse Offence Lawyers
- 24/7 Availability
- Proven Success in High Profile Cases
- Non-Judgemental Representation Tailored to Your Situation
Protect your future with trusted, expert legal defence—contact Draycott Browne’s Institutional Abuse Solicitors today.
Causes of institutional abuse
The root causes of institutional abuse often stem from systemic issues within the organisation, such as:
- Inadequate Training: Staff may lack the necessary skills to provide appropriate care.
- Poor Supervision: Insufficient oversight can lead to unchecked abusive behaviours.
- Closed Culture: Environments that discourage external scrutiny or feedback can perpetuate abuse.
- Lack of Resources: Insufficient staffing and support can lead to neglect and mistreatment.
Signs of institutional abuse
Recognising institutional abuse can be challenging, but some indicators include:
- Unsafe or unsanitary living conditions.
- Strict, inflexible routines that disregard individual preferences.
- Lack of respect for personal dignity and privacy.
- Withdrawal from social interactions or community involvement.
- Physical signs of harm, such as bruises or injuries
24 hour availability
Arrests are rarely anticipated, which is why we are available around the clock, seven days a week, 365 days of the year, to assist you at the police station, whenever you need us.
Legal aid
Legal fees can be an unexpected cost that you may struggle to afford. By applying for legal aid, you can relieve financial stress during your case, leaving you to focus on what matters. Our solicitors can advise you on your eligibility and will guide you through the process of applying for legal aid, giving you the best chance of a successful application.
Related Areas
Contact our Insitutional Abuse Solicitors
If you have been faced with accusation of institutional abuse, we know how stressful this can be, and it is crucial to seek the best legal services available to you.
Contact our expert criminal defence solicitors in Manchester today by calling or filling out our online enquiry form, and we will be in touch at our earliest convenience.
The Sexual Offence Solicitors at Draycott Browne are nationally recognised and are noted for always delivering positive outcomes. Our solicitors possess a wealth of technical knowledge across the range of considerations applied to institutional abuse investigations that will provide you with the expertise required when facing such sensitive allegations.
When expert legal representation by one of the UK's leading Criminal Law Firms is needed, we regularly act for clients in London and throughout England, Wales, and the North West, including Manchester and Liverpool, in institutional sexual offence cases. By entrusting your case to us, you can be sure that you will have support from a team of highly skilled and experienced sexual offence solicitors with a comprehensive understanding of the law.
Our legal team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you or somebody you know has been arrested and needs expert legal representation, call Draycott Browne today or complete our contact form for the very best defence to allegations of institutional abuse.