Council agrees out of court settlement over abuse at children’s home
A woman who was sexually abused while living in a council-run children’s home is to receive an undisclosed out of court settlement.
The local authority, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, did not admit liability.
The woman, Josie, who has waived her right to anonymity, was placed into the care of the council as a young girl. She spent time at a number of different establishments, including Whalley New Road Children’s Home.
From the age of 10, Josie spent nearly five years at Whalley New Road Children’s Home, on and off. In that period, she and other girls suffered abuse from paedophiles, said law firm Irwin Mitchell.
After some time, she discussed her experiences with staff at the care home. A police investigation was launched, leading to convictions being secured many years later in August 2007.
In May 2011, the abusers were deported to Pakistan.
After instructing lawyers from Irwin Mitchell, her legal team and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council agreed an undisclosed out of court settlement.
Jemma Small, specialist lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who represented the claimant, said: “This is sadly yet another devastating case where a vulnerable child has suffered unimaginable abuse.
“While it’s many years since the abuse, it still affects Josie to this day. No amount of money will ever make up for the trauma she’s been through, but we’re pleased to have been able to secure her this settlement which will allow her to access the specialist support she requires as she attempts to move forward with her life.
“We also applaud Josie’s bravery in sharing her experiences in an aim of helping others. Survivors of abuse need not suffer in silence as help and support is available.”
Cllr Julie Gunn, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said: “It’s always brave to speak out about abuse.
“This is a historical case and it’s important to acknowledge the long-term impact of abuse. There are strict legal rules around sharing information about individual cases however we can speak direct to people involved and this will happen.
“Safeguarding is taken very seriously, and we have prioritised tackling child sexual exploitation to protect young people at risk of harm. Tough action is taken to deal with offenders and lots of support is available for those who are vulnerable or have been affected.”
Following concerns of child sexual exploitation, Blackburn with Darwen’s response was a joint Police and Children's Services operation called 'Operation Engage' that went on to become its multi-agency Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Team, the council noted.
The Engage Team was established in 2008 under the direction of the Blackburn with Darwen Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB).
Lottie Winson
