WOMEN FIGHT EX GP WHO ABUSED THEM AS CHILDREN

Women have come forward to allege being sexually abused as a child over a number of years by a West Yorkshire GP.

The women have both named former Halifax GP Dr Thomas Cairns as their abuser, from when he ran his own surgery in the town in the 70’s and 80’s. Dr Cairns retired in 1996 and died 10 years later.

They both kept the abuse secret for decades until one of the pair detailed what had happened to her friend – only to find she had suffered in the same way.

Our Client said:

“These incidents took place out of hours when only the doctor was in the surgery, I was told to come round the back of the surgery down a narrow cobbled street. I trusted the doctor and thought this was normal. Doctors were respected and there was a fear that I would not be believed, I was only a young girl at the time.

I was relieved each time the examination was over and that I could put it to the back of my mind, now I feel ashamed that I didn’t tell anyone at the time. I finally had the courage to talk to my friend, I was glad I finally spoke out but felt awful that this had also happened to her.

We decided to go to the police together, the constable and colleague were fantastic and put me at ease straight away. I have no doubt at all that I was believed but as the GP had died the only thing that could be done was to record the complaint. I have lived with this for years and whilst this has taken a great deal of courage and determination to talk about this now, given that this has happened to me and my best friend, we feel there must be more people that have been affected.”

Victoria Neale, Deputy Head of Dispute Resolution at Pepperells Solicitors said

“In my career I have dealt with similar cases, where after a first victim had been brave enough to speak out, many others then came forward, who each independently gave accounts of almost identical abuse happening to them. We’d like to hear from anybody else who suffered in a similar way.”

“With cases such as this, people have spent so long with this secret and when an award of compensation is made, it is the acceptance from clients which means so much. The second case is currently awaiting psychological evidence and an award is likely to be made thereafter.”

TWO HULL SISTERS WIN HISTORIC ABUSE CLAIM

Between 2007 – 2012, our client was abused by step-father from the age of 11 – 16, it transpired that this also happened with other family members. Our client was able to come forwards following her sister drive for justice. This started with the child dancing in underwear, quickly progressing to the worst level of abuse. This was reported to the police in 2020. Our client was able to come forwards following her sister drive for justice and received the highest level of award for the abuse.

“Very pleased with the work Victoria carried out for me I sought advice from Victoria after seeing a similar successful case in the media. She totally understood my situation and carried out the remit exactly as promised. Highly recommend”