Australia's Largest Specialist Personal Injury Firm
No win, no fee
WINNER Personal Injury Law Firm of the Year

WINNER Personal Injury Law Firm of the Year

2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022

Institutional Abuse Lawyers in Melbourne and Victoria.

More personal, more compensation.

If you were abused through a church, school, children’s home, the foster system, or any other institution, you can call and speak to one of our discreet Victorian institutional abuse lawyers.

We’ll take time to listen to you and explain your legal options over the phone or in person.

Call for FREE advice
We’re rated 4.9 from 1441 reviews1.

No win no fee guarantee.

Find out where you stand.

Over 99% success rate.

Maximum compensation.

No win no fee guarantee.

Find out where you stand.

Over 99% success rate.

Maximum compensation.

School Classroom - Institutional Abuse
School Classroom - Institutional Abuse

How can I claim compensation for institutional abuse?

We understand that physical and sexual abuse can be incredibly difficult to discuss, regardless of how much time has passed. But if you’d like to make an institutional abuse claim for compensation, we’re here to help and support you.

Your Victorian Law Partners lawyer will listen to you and take time to understand what has happened to you and how it has impacted your life. If you decide to proceed with claiming compensation, your lawyer will take care of the whole process for you and gather all the evidence needed to support your claim. This could include documents and statements from doctors, other treatment providers, employers, the police, school friends, family and others.

Get FREE claim advice today.

A specialist lawyer will review your circumstances and tell you how much you can claim.

We all had one thing in common

I had no income so I was pretty stuck

Financial hardship as a result of serious injury is not only devastating to the individual but also their family. These people have managed to come out the other side and we’re honoured to have helped them on their journey.

We’ll get you the compensation you deserve.

Survivors of institutional abuse are all impacted in different ways, and self-harming, substance abuse, seeking risky situations, sexual risk, suicidal thinking, and actual suicide are not uncommon*. Many survivors find it difficult to sustain employment or relationships.

But your situation is unique, and the impact of abuse on your life needs to be considered carefully – your personal story should determine the amount of compensation you receive. We’ll take time to get to know you and your family personally, to understand all your issues and the impact they’ve had throughout your life. It’s through this thorough and personal approach that we’ll help you get all the compensation you’re entitled to and deserve.

*https://forgottenaustralians.org.au/


What institutional abuse can I claim for?

When you claim compensation, you’re claiming against the institution that was responsible for your care.

  • Institutional abuse
  • Catholic Church sexual abuse
  • Foster system abuse
  • Historical sex abuse
  • School-related abuse
  • Children’s home abuse

If you’re not sure if you can claim, you can call 131515 and speak to one of our discreet Victorian institutional abuse lawyers. There’s no cost for this service.


Getting started.

Tell us about your claim.

Speak with one of our local, friendly lawyers today and find out if you can claim. It’s a free service for you.

We’ll get to know you.

Your lawyer will ask more questions and get to know you personally to work out everything you’re entitled to.

We’ll offer to start your claim.

We’ll explain how we can claim all your compensation and give you our ‘no win no fee’ guarantee. The choice to proceed is all yours.

Call 13 15 15 or chat to us now for free advice

Chat now

Find out how much you can claim.

Get started

You’re in safe hands with Law Partners.

At Law Partners, your institutional abuse lawyer is backed by a team of specialists including paralegals, medico-legal experts, forensic accountants and barristers. So you’re in safe hands with Australia’s largest specialist personal injury firm.

Sheree Buchanan
NSW
VIC

Head of Abuse Law
NSW
VIC

I’m deeply dedicated to both my clients and my team. My clients’ stories are never ‘just business’, they’re personal to me. I’m driven to ensure every client gets the best possible outcome and the best possible service along the way.

Get to know Sheree

Shane Butcher is a Principal at Law Partners. He specialises in medical negligence, public liability and TPD.

Shane Butcher
NSW
VIC

Partner
NSW
VIC

With over 15 years’ experience in personal injury law on my side, I’ve had the privilege of helping thousands of injured people and their families claim all the compensation they’re entitled to.

Get to know Shane

Michael Pasarro is an Associate at Law Partners. He specialises in Medical Negligence and Public Liability.

Michael Passaro
VIC

Senior Managing Solicitor
VIC

The critical aspect of successfully managing cases is an understanding that no two are the same. I bring a well thought out strategy to every matter I engage with to make sure that I’m delivering the best outcomes for my clients.

Get to know Michael

Ashleigh Kemp
VIC

Senior Managing Solicitor
VIC

I strive to give my clients confidence in leaving the legal aspects of their claim to me, so they can focus on their recovery amid the stress of injury and compensation.

Get to know Ashleigh

Catie Norman
VIC

Senior Managing Solicitor
VIC

I treat every case like it’s personal. Because for my clients, it is. I’m here to uncover every detail, challenge every assumption, and stand by them every step of the way.

Get to know Catie

Antonela Josipovic
NSW
VIC

Senior Associate
NSW
VIC

My philosophy is simple, no two clients are ever the same, which is why it’s so imperative to take the time to listen and understand each client’s story. Without doing so, it’s almost impossible to achieve an optimal outcome – which is what every client deserves.

Get to know Antonela

Juliana Mickoska
VIC

Senior Associate
VIC

I strive to achieve the best possible outcome for each of my clients, treating them with the care and empathy they deserve.

Get to know Juliana

Cassandra Pimentel
VIC

Law Clerk
VIC

My guiding priority is to always act with my client’s best interest at heart, which I believe helps to achieve the positive outcomes they deserve.

Get to know Cassandra

Gerald Fong
VIC

Senior TPD Specialist
VIC

I believe in prioritising client needs and well-being above all else, providing compassionate and comprehensive representation throughout the claim process.

Get to know Gerald

Jacob van der Heyden
VIC

Associate
VIC

I strive to empower individuals to seek justice when they need it. In this way, justice can be such a powerful tool in creating positive change within our community.

Get to know Jacob

Jade Di Micco
VIC

Practice Specialist
VIC

Through constructive communication, it’s my job to ensure our clients know that they have a reliable, honest and extremely capable legal team who are always available to them.

Get to know Jade

Renee McCarthy
VIC

Solicitor
VIC

I never undervalue the impact of kindness, patience and courtesy – it’s vital for ensuring clients have a sense of stability and trust in their solicitor during times of uncertainty.

Get to know Renee

Prue Crawford
VIC

Senior Paralegal
VIC

I strive to be authentic, approachable and accessible for my clients to give them the best service possible.

Get to know Prue

Samantha Green
VIC

Solicitor
VIC

I aspire to work closely with my clients to ensure they feel heard, understood, and supported in pursuit of a fair outcome for their claim.

Get to know Samantha

David Lewis
VIC

Law Graduate
VIC

I believe in first seeking to understand before seeking to be understood. Gaining clarity on what a client aims to achieve is crucial, as it allows me to tailor my advice and strategy to meet their specific needs.

Get to know David

Sia Lewis
VIC

Paralegal
VIC

I take a highly personalised approach to every case, recognising that each client has unique needs and circumstances.

Get to know Sia

Katelyn Vanderkolk
VIC

Managing TPD Specialist
VIC

I try to simplify the legal process for my clients as much as possible and keep them updated throughout their claim. It’s very important to me that my clients have peace of mind knowing their legal team is with them every step of the way.

Get to know Katelyn


Why should I choose Law Partners in Victoria?

Caring for our clients drives everything we do – that’s why thousands of Australians every year choose Law Partners.

We’ll match you with an expert lawyer who specialises in institutional abuse compensation claims like yours.

We’ll build a personal relationship with you and your family to make sure we understand the true impact abuse has had on your life.

Your legal team will check in with you regularly and always keep you up to date with your case.

We win over 99% of our cases and pride ourselves in winning more compensation.

Do I have a case?

Our senior lawyers will assess your case for free1.


We’re rated 4.9 from 1441 reviews on Google.

I would like to thank Gerald and Emily at Law Partners Melbourne for their great service. They explained and kept me informed throughout the process. It took less than 3 months to finalise my claim. I would recommend Law Partners to anyone seeking assistance on their TPD claim.

Waisale Nawaqatabu gave Law Partners a
review on Google

Thank you so much Gerald Fong and Emily at Law Partners, I can’t recommend them highly enough. Gerald was incredibly patient with me throughout the entire process, taking the time to answer all my questions and explain everything in a way that I could understand when he was helping me . His calm and understanding approach helped me feel at ease, even during the more stressful moments of my claim. Both he and Emily were always professional, compassionate, and responsive, making sure I felt supported and informed every step of the way. I’m truly grateful for the care and expertise they provided. If you’re looking for a legal team that genuinely cares about their clients, Gerald, Emily, and the team at Law Partners are exceptional. Thank you for everything Josh

Josh Tawake gave Law Partners a
review on Google

I was honored to work with Law Partners and to have met Ajla. She helped me with previous employment issues that were very stressful. She was very generous with her time and was always caring and compassionate. And she really strived to get us the end result we desired and had thought was near impossible. She and Law Partners renewed our faith in the Legal System and humanity in general. Thank you Ajla.

Jordan Paul gave Law Partners a
review on Google

I Toni Bailey would highly recommend law partners to any one wishing to make a compensation claim I dealt with Jacob who got the very best outcome for my case. From start to finish he was a pleasure to work with and made it easy for me to make my claim for the maximum amount.

Toni Bailey gave Law Partners a
review on Google

Dealing with law partners has been a pleasure. I asked them if I had a TPD claim and we went through the process and they found an Income Protection claim in the process and as professional as they are they were both approved. Now my standard of living has improved for many years to come and I could not recommend Katelyn and Sia enough. I am one very happy client 5 star performance thank you!

Patrick gave Law Partners a
review on Google

I was dealing with Ajla and Courtney they could not have been more helpful they were so professional and helpful and made everything so easy to deal with can not thank them enough for thier help and support Thank you again

Kathy Darmanin gave Law Partners a
review on Google

Believe me when I say I normally have alot to complain about however my experience with law partners was nothing short of amazing. My claim was successful in 8 months. It has given me a chance at life. A massive thank you to Katelyn Vanderkolk and Anita Pellizzon for their outstanding expertise and relentless efforts. This would not have been possible without them. If you’re thinking about going for a TPD claim then this is the place to call. Don’t hesitate or get nervous and prolong your suffering, I’ve been there I know that feeling. Call Lawpartners – you’ll get the help you need here.
Thank you guys again. I’ll never forget.

Gem Sam gave Law Partners a
review on Google

I had the pleasure of working with Katelyn and Sia in regards to my claim. Iam extremely grateful for their dedication and hard work during the process of my claim. Their persistence, professionalism and calm demeanour provided me reassurance and made the process much more smoother than expected. Couldn’t he more happier with the outcome.

Highly recommend them to anyone . Thank you again Katelyn & SIA

Eric Burra gave Law Partners a
review on Google

I am deeply grateful to Rhiannon, Tahnee, and the entire team at Law Partners for their exceptional service. From the beginning, they were prompt and honest, guiding me through the entire process with transparency and dedication. Great job guys

Onna A.K gave Law Partners a
review on Google

Words cannot describe the work ethics demonstrated by the staff at Law Partners towards their clients. They are very professional, thorough, knowledgeable, informative and empathetic ensuring you receive what you deserve for the personal injury you have sustained. The staff provides step by step information and constant communication leaving ‘no stone unturned’ to ensure you understand the claim process. To this end, I very highly recommend Law Partners for your personal injury claim.

Sam Mangano gave Law Partners a
review on Google

Thanks so much to the Law Partners team getting me a very favourable result and a lot more than I expected!

Andrew Johnson gave Law Partners a
review on Google

I had the pleasure of working with Rhiannon Templeton when she represented me for a work cover compensation claim. Her level of knowledge and professionalism were both outstanding. She was extremely supportive throughout the whole process and made me feel very comfortable and completely in the loop through each stage. The outcome was beyond my expectations and I would highly recommend seeking her legal advice for any work cover related advice or representation.

Emma Fernandes gave Law Partners a
review on Google

Michael Passaro is a professional who spent a good amount of time listening and asking the right questions. The genuine intention of supporting and being transparent!

Anonymous gave Law Partners a
review on Google

I was walking to work when a car ran a red light and crashed into me. I would have been lost without my solicitor to guide me through the claims process and help me uncover all my entitlements that I may have missed out on. I’m so grateful I had my claim checked!

Natalie Wong gave Law Partners a
review on Google

What can I say? Absolutely amazing support and results from Lydia and her team at Law Partners. Dealing with an accident claim since 2019 and have had nothing but the best service.

I’d like to thank Lydia and the team for going above and beyond through the whole process of the claim. This will definitely help with the process of getting back on track with life after a traumatic accident.

Thank you again.

Lukas Havlic gave Law Partners a
review on Google

Choose Empathy

As a personal injury law firm, we see first-hand every day the psychological damage that a lack of empathy can cause. So we’re committed to promoting more empathy in the world, and sharing stories of the positive impact it can have.

Meet some of the people whose stories inspire us
Father Chris Riley's Youth off the streets.