Home  ›  Practice areas  ›  Sexual abuse & assault

Sexual Abuse & Sexual Assault Services

Trusted by 1,500+ clients over three decades.

Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Claims

Speaking out about abuse takes immense courage. Our solicitors provide confidential, compassionate and practical legal advice at your pace, and on your terms.

About     Types of abuse     Recent work     Meet the team     FAQs

How can Coleman Legal help?

Taking the first step can feel overwhelming, which is why we do things differently. We provide a quiet, protective space where you are always in control of your own story. We listen first, and we only move forward when you tell us you are ready. Our sole focus is helping survivors across Ireland find answers and hold institutional bodies, state schools, religious organisations, and private individuals to account. 

Your first conversation will be with an experienced solicitor who understands the delicate nature of these cases. Because legal time limits do exist, we encourage you to reach out for a gentle, no-obligation chat about your options whenever you feel ready.

30+

years supporting clients in complex litigation

1,500+

clients represented over three decades

35+

legal professionals across our Dublin team

National

experience in Ireland’s largest group actions

Three steps, taken at your pace

01

A confidential conversation

Call our confidential line or request a callback at a time that suits you. Speak with our team or write to us first if that feels easier.

02

Your case, assessed with care

An experienced solicitor reviews your situation and explains your options clearly, including time limits that may apply to your case.

03

Clear advice on what comes next

If you choose to proceed, we will guide you through every stage. We will explain your options at your initial consultation.

Our recent work

Outcomes that speak quietly, for people who were never heard

Historic institutional abuse

Coleman Legal LLP secures €350,000 settlement in historic sexual abuse claim

A settlement of €350,000 was reached on behalf of our client, who suffered historic sexual abuse by a religious institution in Ireland during the 1970s

Historic abuse

Confidential settlement in historic sexual abuse case against family member​

A confidential settlement was reached in a historic sexual abuse claim in Ireland on behalf of a woman who suffered abuse by a family member.

Scouting Ireland

Coleman Legal LLP settle High Court sexual abuse case against Scouting Ireland

A High Court case against Scouting Ireland and a convicted former scout leader for sexual abuse.

Workplace sexual assault

Confidential settlement in workplace sexual assault claim in Ireland

Coleman Legal secured a confidential settlement in a workplace sexual assault claim involving an employee assaulted by a manager in Ireland.

Historic institutional abuse

€350,000 settlement in a childhood sexual abuse case against a religious institution in Ireland

Coleman Legal LLP secured a €350,000 settlement and formal apology for a survivor of childhood sexual abuse by a religious institution in Ireland.

Every case is different. Previous outcomes do not indicate the outcome of any future case.

You will be listened to. Every conversation is confidential, and every step is taken at your pace.

Our commitment to every client

Types of abuse claims

Abuse can occur in different forms and in a variety of environments where trust, authority or responsibility has been abused.

Legal advice for survivors of sexual assault in Ireland.

Legal support for survivors of sexual abuse seeking justice and compensation

Claims arising from abuse in religious institutions, residential care and other institutions.

Advice for survivors of abuse and assault in the Defence Forces.

Advice on harassment claims arising in the workplace.

Support for survivors of historical abuse in schools and special schools throughout Ireland.

The individuals behind Ireland’s most complex sexual abuse cases

Your case will be led by Ireland’s most experienced litigators. Email us at [email protected]

Sexual Abuse & Sexual Assault Services

Managing Partner

Considered one of Ireland's most experienced litigators in complex group actions. Helps clients take on institutions with structure, care, and results.

Keith Rolls Partner Coleman Legal

Partner

National lead on CAMHS group claims. Supports families failed by mental health care with calm, clear guidance.

Susan Hannon Head of Legal Services Coleman Legal LLP

Head of Legal Services

Susan Hannon is a qualified barrister with over 15 years of experience managing a wide variety of Personal Injury cases.

Diane Treanor Solicitor Coleman Legal LLP

Solicitor

Diane Treanor is a Senior Solicitor at Coleman Legal and works in the areas of Sexual Assault, Medical Negligence and Personal Injury Law.

Noreen McGovern Director Defective Blocks Litigation Coleman Legal LLP

Director - Defective Blocks Litigation

Legal Director leading the firm’s Defective Blocks Multi-Party Action, overseeing more than 2,600 High Court proceedings for affected homeowners in Donegal

Philip Treacy Senior Solicitor Coleman Legal LLP

Solicitor

Philip Treacy is a qualified solicitor with over 25 years’ experience, representing clients across workplace injury, medical negligence, and historical abuse claims.

Kathrin Coleman Solicitors Coleman Legal LLP

Solicitor

Kathrin Coleman is a Senior Solicitor at Coleman Legal, and works in the areas of Sexual Assault, Medical Negligence and Personal Injury Law.

Norman Spicer Senior Solicitors Coleman Legal LLP

Solicitor

Norman Spicer is a Senior Solicitor at Coleman Legal and works in the areas of Mother & Baby Homes (Illegal Adoption cases) and Lariam.

Steven Whelan Solicitor Coleman Legal LLP

Solicitor

Steven is a dual-qualified solicitor in New York and Ireland, representing clients in medical negligence, personal injury, and Defence Forces–related matters.

Lorcan Frayne Solicitor Coleman Legal LLP

Solicitor

Lorcan is experienced in civil litigation, including commercial litigation, personal injury, and medical negligence.

Rose Sweeney Senior Personal Injury Litigator Coleman Legal LLP

Head of Litigation

Rose Sweeney has over 30 years of experience in dealing with Personal Injuries Claims and specialises in Personal Injury Law.

Sumedhaa Trainee Solicitor Coleman Legal LLP

Associate Solicitor

Sumedhaa works across commercial litigation and personal injury matters, including defective blocks, sexual abuse, and medical negligence cases.

Patrick Coleman Solicitor

Associate Solicitor

Patrick represents survivors in sensitive sexual assault and historical abuse cases, providing careful, client-focused legal support.

Common questions

Answers, before you pick up the phone

Time limits apply to abuse claims in Ireland, but important exceptions exist particularly for historical abuse. Our team will advise on the limits relevant to your circumstances.

Yes. Every conversation with our team is confidential, and your details are never shared. You choose how and how often we contact you.

We will explain your funding options at your initial consultation, so you have complete clarity before deciding whether to proceed.

A member of our team arranges a confidential conversation at a time that suits you. There is no pressure to proceed the pace is always yours.

Not every case requires a court appearance. Your solicitor will explain the likely path for your specific case, and prepare you fully for each stage.

Request a callback

Complete this form to get a callback from one of our experienced team members. Alternatively, you can speak to us right away by calling our free helpline.

1800-844-104

This content is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should seek independent legal advice specific to your circumstances. In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.

Coleman Legal LLP · 84 Talbot Street, Dublin 1, D01 YX60 · 01 531 3800 · [email protected]