What Is Abuse?
At AX Compensation Lawyers, we help survivors understand their legal rights and explore pathways to justice. If you have experienced abuse, or you’re unsure if your experience qualifies, this page may help you understand what abuse is, how it may impact you and when civil legal action may be possible.
Defining Abuse
Abuse refers to behaviour that causes harm, injury, or distress to another person. It may involve physical acts, sexual misconduct, deliberate neglect, or the misuse of power or control. Abuse often occurs in environments where someone is expected to provide care or protection — such as in schools, institutions, religious settings or private homes.
Abuse is commonly used to describe:
While abuse is not always clearly defined in law as a single concept, the term is commonly used to describe situations involving:
- A breach of trust or responsibility
- Harm that is intentional or sustained over time
- A significant power imbalance between the victim and the abuser
Everyone Deserves Access to Justice
We believe that financial barriers should never stand between a survivor and the support they deserve. Our No Win, No Fee legal services are here to help survivors take the next step when they feel ready. With no upfront costs and no pressure.
Types of Abuse That May Lead to a Civil Claim
Abuse can occur in many settings and take various forms. In Queensland, civil claims can be made in cases where abuse has caused lasting physical, psychological, or emotional harm — particularly when it occurred in a context where a duty of care existed.
The following types of abuse may give rise to a civil claim:
Institutional Abuse
Institutional abuse occurs when a person is harmed while under the care of an organisation or institution that had a responsibility to protect them. This includes schools, religious institutions, foster care providers, detention centres, sports clubs, and other places where authority figures hold power over vulnerable individuals.
In many cases, the institution itself may be legally responsible for the abuse, even if it was committed by an employee, volunteer, or representative.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse involves the use of force or violence that causes bodily harm. It may include hitting, slapping, shaking, or other forms of physical punishment or restraint. When physical abuse occurs in a setting where the abuser had a duty of care, such as a school, care facility, or home, it may be the basis for a civil claim.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse includes any unwanted or non-consensual sexual behaviour, particularly when there is an imbalance of power, coercion, or manipulation. This may include assault, molestation, or being forced to participate in or witness sexual acts. Civil claims can be brought whether the abuse occurred within an institution or was committed by an individual in a position of trust.
Psychological Harm Resulting from Abuse
Abuse doesn’t always leave visible scars. In many cases, the most profound and lasting impacts are psychological. Survivors of physical, sexual, or institutional abuse often experience long-term emotional and mental health challenges that can affect every aspect of their lives.
Abuse can deeply impact a person’s sense of safety, trust, identity and wellbeing. For many, these effects are felt for years — sometimes surfacing long after the abuse has ended. The trauma may affect daily functioning, relationships, career opportunities, and overall quality of life.
These impacts may include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and depression
- Difficulty maintaining relationships or employment
Such psychological injuries are a direct consequence of abuse. Civil claims are often based on the profound emotional and psychiatric harm caused by physical, sexual, or institutional abuse — even where physical injuries may no longer be visible.
In such cases, the psychological harm forms an important part of the civil claim, particularly when supported by medical and therapeutic evidence.
Where Abuse Can Happen
Abuse can happen anywhere — but it most often occurs in settings where someone is meant to be protected, cared for, or supported. In many cases, it is committed by someone in a position of trust or authority, such as a teacher, carer, coach, religious leader, or institutional staff member.
Common environments where abuse may occur include:
- Religious institutions and church-run facilities
- Public or private schools and universities
- Childcare centres and early education settings
- Foster care or group homes
- Juvenile detention or correctional facilities
- Sports clubs and youth programs
- Aged care or disability support services
- Medical or psychiatric care facilities
- Private homes
You’re Not Alone We’re Here to Help
Experiencing abuse can leave you feeling isolated, especially if it happened long ago or was never acknowledged. But you’re not alone. Thousands of people across Queensland and Australia have come forward to share their stories and seek justice, often after carrying the burden in silence for years.
At AX Compensation Lawyers, we understand the courage it takes to speak up. Whether you’re ready to take legal steps or simply want to understand your options, we’re here to listen and support you — with compassion, confidentiality, and respect.
Many survivors also find strength in connecting with trusted support services or professional counsellors. If you’re not ready to talk to a lawyer, speaking with a mental health professional or support organisation can be an important first step.
Our Help Pages
If you’re seeking more clarity about abuse, your rights, or the legal process, the following pages may help:
Third Party Support Pages
You may wish to connect with a support organisation. These services provide confidential, free assistance and can be an important step in healing:
Lifeline
13 11 14 | www.lifeline.org.au
Lifeline provides free, 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services for anyone in Australia. Their trained crisis supporters are available to talk at any time, day or night.
Beyond Blue
1300 22 4636 | www.beyondblue.org.au
Beyond Blue offers support for people experiencing anxiety, depression, or emotional distress. Free telephone counselling is available 24/7, and online chat with a mental health professional is available daily from 3pm to 12am.
MensLine Australia
1300 789 978 | www.mensline.org.au
MensLine is a confidential counselling service for men dealing with emotional health or relationship challenges. Support is available 24/7 by phone and online.
Headspace
1800 650 890 | www.headspace.org.au
Headspace provides mental health support for young people aged 12 to 25, along with resources and counselling for their families and carers.
Kids Helpline
1800 55 1800 | www.kidshelpline.com.au
Kids Helpline is a free, confidential 24/7 counselling service for children and young people aged 5 to 25. Support is available via phone, email, and webchat.
1800RESPECT
1800 737 732 | www.1800respect.org.au
A national service providing 24/7 confidential counselling and support for people impacted by sexual assault, family, or domestic violence.
Bravehearts
1800 272 831 | www.bravehearts.org.au
Bravehearts offers specialist support for survivors of child sexual abuse, including counselling, advocacy, and education. Family members and carers can also access support.
Blue Knot Foundation
1300 657 380 | www.blueknot.org.au
Blue Knot supports adult survivors of childhood trauma. Services include trauma-informed counselling, referrals, and self-help resources.
Thinking About Reaching Out?
You don’t need to have all the answers — and you don’t need to decide anything right away. If you’ve experienced abuse, or you’re unsure whether what happened to you may give rise to a claim, we’re here to listen and help you understand your options.
Your enquiry will be handled with care, confidentiality, and respect. There’s no obligation to proceed — just a chance to speak with someone who understands.
Frequently Asked Questions About Abuse And Legal Rights
What counts as abuse for a civil claim?
Abuse refers to behaviour that causes harm, injury, or distress. In civil law, claims often arise from physical, sexual, emotional, or institutional abuse — particularly where there was a duty of care. If the abuse has caused lasting physical, psychological, or emotional harm, it may give rise to a civil claim.
Does abuse have to involve physical violence?
No. While physical violence is a form of abuse, many survivors experience psychological, emotional, or sexual abuse without visible injuries. Psychological harm, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression, can be just as serious and form the basis of a civil claim.
Can I still take legal action if the abuse happened a long time ago?
Yes. In Queensland, laws have been changed to remove limitation periods for child sexual abuse claims, and extensions can sometimes be granted for other types of abuse. It’s important to seek legal advice to understand your options based on your specific circumstances.
What if the abuser has died or the institution no longer exists?
You may still be able to bring a claim. In many cases, claims can be made against organisations, insurers, or successor entities. Our team can assess your situation and help determine the best path forward.
Will I have to go to court?
Many abuse claims are resolved through negotiated settlements without going to court. If court proceedings become necessary, we will guide and support you every step of the way to ensure you feel as comfortable and informed as possible.
Ready to Discuss Your Claim?
At AX Compensation Lawyers, we provide compassionate support and expert legal representation to individuals injured in accidents across Queensland. Our dedicated team is committed to helping clients navigate the personal injury claims process with confidence and peace of mind.
