John received compensation after a traumatic assault by members of his own family. His older brothers had teased him continuously after he came out as gay as a young teenager. The taunts were upsetting but they had never touched him until an incident took place at home around Christmas time.

John, being the youngest brother, was still living at home and his siblings had moved out. They were back home visiting over the holiday period and had been drinking heavily. John’s mum went out and it was just the three of them in the house. His brothers started yelling and pinned him down face first on the sofa. They forced his trousers down then inserted an object into his rectum laughing all the while and taking photos. They left the house the next day and John called the police.

John suffered physically and had to see a doctor for the direct injury caused. He also suffered with his mental health after the incident, and his GP referred him to a mental health specialist.

The mental and emotional impact of the attack got worse over time, even though his physical injury healed up quickly. He was referred to counselling and saw a specialist. The court case was also distressing but the guilty verdict gave him a sense of validation, of being listened to, which helped.

John made a claim for compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme using a specialist solicitor. They were able to secure him an award which considered the severity of the mental injury he had suffered as well as the nature of the crime itself. The solicitors obtained the medical evidence needed and worked with his mental health team to get reports and documents into the best format for the claim to be successful.