National Redress Scheme

About the National Redress Scheme

  • The National Redress Scheme provides acknowledgement and support to people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse. 
  • The Scheme started on 1 July 2018 and will run for 10 years
  • Redress is available to survivors who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse, if the institution involved has joined the Scheme
  • Redress is an alternative to seeking compensation through the courts

The Redress Scheme was created in response to the recommendations by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which estimated that 60,000 people experienced institutional child sexual abuse in Australia. The National Redress Scheme can provide three things: 

  • access to counselling 
  • a Redress payment up to $150,000
  • a direct personal response from the institution (for example, an apology) for people who want one.

For more detailed information about Redress, you can listen to episode 7 of our STRONGER podcast.

How can SAMSN help? 

SAMSN is a funded Redress Support Service provider. We offer free, confidential, face to face and
telephone support to any male survivor residing in NSW, or where the abuse occurred in NSW and
you now reside in another state or territory and are considering applying to the National Redress
Scheme. 

The support includes: 

  • help to understand the scheme and if you are eligible 
  • assistance with filling out the application form and getting relevant paperwork and documents 
  • supporting you and your family through the process of applying, and afterwards 
  • referral to free specialist legal and financial support services where needed 
  • a consistent SAMSN support worker who can prioritise your needs and wellbeing.

How can SAMSN help? 

SAMSN is a Redress Support Service provider. We offer free, confidential, face to face and telephone support to any male survivor residing in NSW, or where the abuse occurred in NSW and you now reside in another state or territory, considering applying to the National Redress Scheme. 

The support includes: 

  • help to understand the scheme and if you are eligible 
  • assistance with filling out the application form and getting relevant paperwork and documents 
  • supporting you and your family through the process of applying, and afterwards 
  • referral to free specialist legal and financial support services where needed 
  • a consistent SAMSN support worker who can prioritise your needs and wellbeing.

For more information on the National Redress Scheme: 

If I take the civil claims pathway, what will that look like? 

Always speak to your lawyer or a lawyer at knowmore on 1800 605 762 about your options. knowmore is a free national legal service giving specialist legal advice in child sexual abuse claims. 

Factsheet – Civil Litigation 
Process Map – Civil Litigation