Millions of pounds paid out to people abused in the Scouts.

Millions of pounds paid out in the last ten years to people abused in the Scouts.

BBC Radio 4, for their File on 4 programme, contacted 13 law firms who specialise in child abuse claims, including Biscoes Solicitors, which revealed more than £6m has been paid out in compensation in the last decade.

The BBC’s enquiries with specialist lawyers revealed, during this time, 166 cases were settled and showed that more female survivors are now coming forward to report abuse. There are also a number of cases currently ongoing against the Scout Association.  The Scout Association said it was "deeply sorry" for anyone who has suffered abuse within their organisation.

It comes as two women,  Sheanna Patelmaster, and Lucy Pincott, who both say they were abused in the Scouts, have started a campaign – Yours in Scouting – whose aim is to get the Scout Association to change its safeguarding policy.

If you wish to listen to the programme it will air on BBC Radio 4 on 13 June 2023 at 20.00 and can be accessed here: File on 4 'Scout's Honour?  and on BBC Sounds.

If you are interested in supporting Yours in Scouting, you can follow this link : Home - Yours In Scouting

David Hawkins, a specialist in Child and Adult Abuse Compensation Law with Biscoes Solicitors said ”The issue with abuse in the Scouts is not just a historic one and I have spoken to people, and increasingly women, who say they were abused in relatively recent times.  Speaking as a former Scout, I believe The Scouting Association has more work to do if it is to promote a culture where children are able to be safe from people who abuse their position of trust.”         

If you, or a loved one, have been affected by these issues, please do not hesitate to contact our experienced team who will advise you in complete confidence as to your legal rights.