Abuse victims have demanded quicker compensation payouts to help pay for lifesaving therapy. Stephen Findleton and Joanne Peacher are among hundreds of victims due payouts after abuse at care homes in Scotland.
But they need payouts quickly to cover the cost of counselling and therapy.
Stephen’s abuse nightmare began when he was seven and continued until he left a Quarrier’s children’s home at 13.
Joanne, 53, was raped by a priest in a children’s home when she was eight – weeks after being sexually assaulted by a female member of staff.
Stephen, now 64 and a grandad with five kids, has had flashbacks and post-traumatic stress. He had to give up his job as a carpet fitter and hasn’t worked since. He said: “It has ruined my life.”
Stephen applied for the redress scheme in April but has not received any word.
Joanne, who was abused in Nazareth House, Glasgow, has learning difficulties and her mental health has suffered since her abuse.
She told how after her mother had confronted a female member of staff who had hit her, her attacker brutally sexually assaulted her with a stick and just weeks later she was raped by a priest.
For years, she told no one. She said: “I think I was too scared. I wanted it to go away and not come back. Then I started getting flashbacks.”
She is desperate for compensation money to pay for intensive therapy.
Scotland’s Redress Scheme makes payments to people who were abused while in care as children before December 1, 2004.
Scottish Labour’s deputy leader Jackie Baillie has already called on the government to speed up payments. She said: “These delays add insult to injury.
“The SNP Government must urgently ensure the resources are in place to deal with the backlog and to settle claims.”
Joanna McCreadie, CEO of Redress Scotland, said: “Since launching in December, the scheme has seen a high volume of inquiries and applications which has led to delays in how quickly completed applications can be passed on by Scottish Government case workers for consideration by the independent Redress Scotland panel.”
Once a complete application is received by Redress Scotland, the average time for determination is 21 working days.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said the operating model for the scheme has improved.
Priority is given to over-68s or those who have a terminal illness. Applicants can call the Redress Emotional Support Helpline on 0800 211 8403
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