Best Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Aberdeen

About Sexual Abuse Law in Aberdeen, United Kingdom

Sexual abuse is any sexual activity or contact that happens without free and informed consent. In Aberdeen, cases are investigated by Police Scotland and prosecuted under Scots law in the sheriff court or the High Court of Justiciary. Most criminal rules relevant to sexual abuse are the same across Scotland. The key statute is the Sexual Offences Scotland Act 2009, which defines consent and sets out offences such as rape, sexual assault, coercion, and sexual exposure. Other important laws cover image-based abuse, domestic abuse, and protections for victims and witnesses.

People affected by sexual abuse can choose different routes. You can report to the police for a criminal investigation. You can seek a forensic medical examination through the NHS, even if you are not ready to speak to the police. You may be able to bring a civil claim for damages, make a claim to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, or seek protective court orders to increase your safety. Specialist support services in Aberdeen can provide confidential help alongside any legal steps.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can explain your rights, protect your privacy, and help you make informed choices. You may want legal help to decide whether and how to report to the police, to prepare for an interview, or to understand likely timelines and outcomes.

If you need protection, a lawyer can advise on non-harassment orders, interdicts, and bail conditions, and can liaise with the police or prosecutor about safety concerns and special measures in court.

For compensation, a lawyer can assess civil claims against individuals or institutions and guide you through a CICA application. They can explain time limits and gather evidence to prove harm and losses.

At work or in education, a lawyer can help with grievances, disciplinary processes, Equality Act 2010 sexual harassment claims, and confidentiality issues around non-disclosure agreements. They can also assist with housing, immigration, and family law issues that often intersect with abuse.

Survivors of childhood abuse may need advice on the Limitation Childhood Abuse Scotland Act 2017 and how it affects time limits for civil claims. A lawyer can assess historic cases and whether a fair trial is still possible.

Local Laws Overview

Definition of consent. Scottish law defines consent as free agreement. Consent can be withdrawn at any time. A person cannot consent if they are asleep, unconscious, drugged, or coerced. The age of consent is 16 in Scotland.

Main offences. The Sexual Offences Scotland Act 2009 covers rape, sexual assault, sexual coercion, sexual exposure, offences against children and vulnerable people, and offences involving abuse of trust. The Abusive Behaviour and Sexual Harm Scotland Act 2016 created a specific offence for sharing or threatening to share intimate images without consent image-based abuse.

Domestic abuse. The Domestic Abuse Scotland Act 2018 criminalises a course of abusive behaviour towards a partner or ex-partner, including sexual control, threats, and coercion.

Forensic medical examination. Under the Forensic Medical Services Victims of Sexual Offences Scotland Act 2021, you can self-refer for a confidential forensic medical examination without reporting to the police. In Aberdeen this service is delivered by NHS Grampian through Scotland’s Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service. You can access it by calling NHS 24 on 111.

Criminal process. Reports are made to Police Scotland North East Division. If there is sufficient evidence, the case is referred to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service COPFS. Trials take place at Aberdeen Sheriff Court or the High Court. Scotland applies the corroboration rule, so key facts generally need support from two independent sources of evidence, which can be circumstantial for example forensic results and digital records.

Victim and witness measures. Special measures can help you give evidence, such as screens, live video link, a supporter, and pre-recorded evidence for children and some vulnerable witnesses. You can request these through the prosecutor.

Privacy and media. Scotland does not currently provide automatic statutory lifelong anonymity for complainers in sexual offence cases. Courts can restrict publication to protect identities, and the media follows strict rules. Ask your lawyer or the prosecutor about anonymity and reporting restrictions in your case.

Protective orders. Courts can grant non-harassment orders and interdicts. Police and courts can set bail conditions to prevent contact. Sexual Harm Prevention Orders and Sexual Risk Orders can restrict those who pose a risk.

Civil claims and time limits. In general personal injury claims have a 3-year time limit from the date of the incident or from when you became aware of the harm. For survivors of childhood abuse, the Limitation Childhood Abuse Scotland Act 2017 disapplies the 3-year limit for abuse that took place when the survivor was under 18, subject to fairness tests for the defender. Employment Tribunal claims for sexual harassment under the Equality Act 2010 usually must be started within 3 months less one day, and you must begin ACAS Early Conciliation before the deadline.

Compensation. You may be eligible to claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority CICA for violent crime including sexual offences. The usual time limit is 2 years, with some exceptions for children and exceptional circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as sexual abuse under Scottish law

Sexual abuse includes any sexual act without free agreement, grooming, coercion, unwanted sexual touching, rape, threats to obtain sexual activity, sexual exploitation, image-based abuse, and offences involving children or adults who cannot consent. Abuse can be physical, verbal, psychological, or online.

Do I have to report immediately, and can I report historic abuse

No. You can report at any time. There is no statute of limitations for prosecuting serious sexual offences in Scotland. Police Scotland routinely investigates non-recent abuse. If you are not ready to report, you can still seek healthcare and support now.

How do I report sexual abuse in Aberdeen

If you are in immediate danger, call 999. For non-emergencies, call Police Scotland on 101 or attend your local police station in Aberdeen. You can ask a support worker or lawyer to attend with you. You can also speak to a GP or a specialist support service for help with reporting.

Can I get a forensic medical exam without speaking to the police

Yes. In Scotland you can self-refer to the Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service through NHS 24 on 111. A forensic nurse or doctor can provide healthcare, emergency contraception, STI care, and collect evidence that can be stored while you decide whether to make a police report. Evidence is often best collected as soon as possible, but you can still be examined later.

What happens after I make a police report

Police Scotland will take a statement and may arrange medical care or a forensic examination. Officers will gather corroborating evidence such as messages, CCTV, forensics, and witness accounts. If there is enough evidence, the case goes to the Procurator Fiscal, who decides on charges and court. You will be kept informed and may be offered support from the Victim Information and Advice service.

Will I have to go to court and face the accused

Many cases resolve without a trial, but some go to court. Special measures can help you give evidence, such as a screen, live video link, a supporter, or pre-recorded testimony. Tell the police, prosecutor, or your lawyer about your needs as early as possible so applications can be made.

Will my name be kept private

There is not yet automatic statutory anonymity in Scotland. Courts can make orders restricting publication, and the media follows contempt of court rules that protect the integrity of proceedings. Speak to the police, prosecutor, or your lawyer about steps to reduce the risk of identification and to request reporting restrictions.

Can I claim compensation

Yes. You may apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. You may also have a civil claim against the perpetrator or an institution that failed to protect you. A lawyer can assess the best route, evidence needs, time limits, and potential awards for pain, suffering, therapy costs, and loss of earnings.

What if the abuse happened at work or in education

You can make an internal report and grievance, and there may be safeguarding duties on your employer or university. Unwanted conduct of a sexual nature can be unlawful harassment under the Equality Act 2010. Tribunal claims have short deadlines, so take advice quickly. You can also report criminal behaviour to the police.

How can a lawyer help, and is legal aid available

A lawyer can advise on reporting, protective orders, privacy, evidence, compensation, employment, and complaints to institutions. Legal Aid may be available in Scotland depending on your case type and your financial situation. Ask a solicitor about eligibility and alternatives such as no-win-no-fee for some civil claims.

Additional Resources

Police Scotland. Emergency 999. Non-emergency 101. North East Division covers Aberdeen and coordinates with specialist Public Protection Units.

NHS 24 on 111. 24-hour access to healthcare advice and self-referral to Scotland’s Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service for forensic medical examination and support.

NHS Grampian Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service. Provides healthcare, forensic examination, and support coordination for the Aberdeen area.

Rape Crisis Scotland Helpline. Confidential national helpline for anyone affected by sexual violence, with access to local services.

Rape and Abuse Support Aberdeen and North East. Local specialist support for survivors in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and Moray.

Victim Support Scotland. Practical and emotional support after crime, including help with court and compensation processes.

Scottish Women’s Rights Centre. Free legal information and clinics for women affected by gender-based violence, including sexual offences.

Law Society of Scotland. Find a solicitor who specialises in criminal law, personal injury, or employment law in Aberdeen.

Scottish Legal Aid Board. Information on civil and criminal legal aid eligibility and how to apply through a solicitor.

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. Compensation scheme for victims of violent crime including sexual offences.

Aberdeen City Council Adult Protection and Child Protection services. Safeguarding and social work support where there are protection concerns.

Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Victim Information and Advice. Information and support for victims and witnesses in criminal cases.

Next Steps

Your safety comes first. If you are in danger, call 999. If safe, consider seeing a healthcare professional or calling NHS 24 on 111 for medical care and forensic options. Avoid washing or changing clothes if you want evidence preserved, but do not delay care if you need it.

Write down what you remember, keep messages and photos, and note any witnesses. Store everything in one place. These steps can help whether you report to the police or pursue a civil claim later.

Decide how you want to proceed. You can report to Police Scotland now, self-refer for a forensic exam, contact a support service, or speak to a solicitor first. There is no single right order. Choose what feels safest and most informed for you.

Consult a solicitor in Aberdeen with experience in sexual offences or abuse cases. Ask about privacy, special measures, protective orders, compensation routes CICA and civil claims, and likely timelines. Check eligibility for Legal Aid and any time limits that may apply, especially for Employment Tribunal claims.

Lean on specialist support. Engage with a local service in Aberdeen for emotional support, advocacy with the police and courts, and practical help with housing, work, and benefits.

Keep communicating. Let your lawyer, the police, or support worker know about any safety concerns, changes in circumstances, or new evidence. You are entitled to be treated with dignity, respect, and sensitivity throughout.