Psychiatric evidence in adult sexual abuse claims
Independent psychiatric assessment of adults who were sexually assaulted or abused in adult life: the psychiatric harm, what caused it, the effect on relationships and work, and the treatment needed. Free initial screening call and fixed fees with no hidden charges.
- APIL Tier 1 Recommended Expert
- Claimant, defendant and SJE
- Structured for CPR Part 35
Psychiatric evidence for sexual assault claims
Dr Pradhan assesses psychiatric injury arising from sexual violence and abuse in adult life: rape and sexual assault, abuse within a relationship, abuse by someone in a position of trust such as a therapist, employer or faith leader, and sexual harassment that escalated into assault. Her reports address diagnosis, vulnerability, causation and the effect of the trauma on relationships, work and day-to-day life.
These cases often involve shame-based disclosure, inconsistent disclosure across records and symptoms that appear months after the event. The report treats them as part of the clinical picture, and sets the history against the GP, sexual assault referral centre, police and treatment records where they are available.
Dr Pradhan is dual-accredited for claimant and defendant work. She is a female consultant psychiatrist; if the claimant has a preference about the assessment, tell her when you send the case details.
The questions the claim turns on
In a claim for sexual assault or abuse in adult life, the psychiatric evidence usually turns on:
- What psychiatric disorder followed the assault, and how severe is it now?
- How much is due to the assault, rather than earlier trauma or later events, including the criminal process?
- What treatment is needed, and how far can the claimant expect to recover?
Whether the abuse happened, and who is legally responsible for it, are questions for the court. The report gives the psychiatric opinion on the factual basis in the instructions.
Submit an enquiryWhat the report covers
Each report is written to the pleaded issues and the records available. Reports in adult sexual abuse claims commonly address:
- PTSD and complex PTSD after sexual assault
- Depression, anxiety and panic
- Shame, self-blame and the effect on self-image
- Intimacy, sexual relationships and trust
- Avoidance of places, people and situations linked to the assault
- Self-harm, substance misuse and eating difficulties
- Earlier trauma, and pre-existing vulnerability
- Causation where there was more than one traumatic event
- The pattern of disclosure, and why it may have been delayed
- The effect on work, study and earning capacity
- Treatment needs, prognosis and future vulnerability
- Supplementary questions, joint statements and second opinions
Send a short outline of the claim, the date of the assault or abuse and any limitation date, and Dr Pradhan will confirm the scope of opinion and a fixed fee.
Submit an enquiryTime limits for abuse in adult life
The 2026 removal of the time limit in England and Wales applies only to sexual abuse suffered under 18. For abuse in adult life, the ordinary rules still apply across the UK.
England and Wales
Three years from the abuse or the date of knowledge, with the court’s discretion to allow a later claim under section 33 of the Limitation Act 1980.
Scotland
Three years, with the court’s discretion to allow a later claim. The Limitation (Childhood Abuse) (Scotland) Act 2017 removed the time bar for childhood abuse only.
Northern Ireland
Three years, with the court’s discretion under the Limitation (Northern Ireland) Order 1989.
The psychiatric evidence
Where the court’s discretion is in issue, the report can explain the psychiatric reasons the claimant did not come forward earlier.
Criminal injuries and civil claims
Many adults who were sexually assaulted apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority as well as, or instead of, bringing a civil claim. An award for mental injury needs a diagnosis or prognosis by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist, and the report gives a psychiatrist’s opinion on both.
Civil claims are brought against the perpetrator or, where the abuse was closely connected with their employment or a relationship akin to employment, against the employer or organisation. Either way, the psychiatric evidence is the same. For claims in England and Wales the report is structured for CPR Part 35; reports for Scotland and Northern Ireland are prepared to the requirements of those courts.
An application must normally be made within two years of the incident. The time can be extended where exceptional circumstances meant the applicant could not apply earlier and the claim can still be decided without extensive further enquiries. The Scheme covers England, Wales and Scotland; Northern Ireland has its own scheme.
Related pages
Adult sexual abuse claim questions
If your question is not answered here, call and Dr Pradhan will advise on scope and timescale.
Call 0121 752 6065Is there a time limit for adult sexual abuse claims?
Yes. The 2026 change in England and Wales covers only abuse suffered under 18. For abuse in adult life the ordinary three-year limit applies across the UK, with the court’s discretion to allow a later claim.
Can the report explain why the claimant did not report the abuse sooner?
Yes, where the instructions ask. Delayed and partial disclosure are common after sexual assault, and the report gives an opinion on whether psychiatric factors explain the delay in the claimant’s case.
Can the claimant ask for a female assessor?
Dr Pradhan is a female consultant psychiatrist. Tell her about any preference or adjustment the claimant needs when you send the case details.
Does the report help with a CICA application?
Yes. A CICA award for mental injury needs a diagnosis or prognosis by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist, and the report gives a psychiatrist’s opinion on diagnosis and prognosis.
How quickly can a report be delivered?
Usually 1–2 weeks from assessment, and urgent reports can often be provided in 2–5 working days where the papers and appointment can be arranged promptly.
Instruct Dr Pradhan on a sexual assault claim
Send a short outline of the claim and the issues, the funding route and any limitation or hearing dates.
- Phone0121 752 6065
- Emailinfo@
doctorpradhan.co.uk - Consulting Rooms NationwideAbacus Court, Harborne, Birmingham B17 0HH
Please do not include medical records or a detailed personal history in this form. Dr Pradhan will confirm how to send the papers once the instruction is agreed.
Case enquiry
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If the matter is urgent, call 0121 752 6065.