The psychological impact of sexual abuse
Independent psychiatric evidence on how sexual abuse, in childhood or adulthood, has affected the claimant’s mental health, relationships and working life, for claimant, defendant and single joint expert instructions. Free initial screening call and fixed fees with no hidden charges.
- APIL Tier 1 Recommended Expert
- Claimant, defendant and SJE
- Reports usually 1–2 weeks from assessment
Evidence of the harm sexual abuse causes
Dr Pradhan assesses adults who have experienced sexual abuse, whether in childhood or as adults, where the psychological consequences are central to the claim. Her reports address the psychiatric diagnosis, how the symptoms developed over time, and the practical effect on daily life, relationships, intimacy and work.
These cases often involve delayed disclosure, shame, avoidance, anger and substance misuse, and the records may show inconsistent disclosure over many years. The report treats these as part of the clinical picture, explains how they affect presentation, and keeps the opinion tied to the evidence.
Solicitors who specialise in abuse claims have instructed Dr Pradhan over a number of years, and she is dual-accredited for claimant and defendant work.
What the report covers
Each report is written to the pleaded issues and the records available. Reports on the impact of sexual abuse commonly address:
- PTSD, complex PTSD and other trauma-related conditions
- Depression, anxiety and panic
- Shame, self-blame and the effect on self-image
- Intimacy, sexual relationships and trust
- Parenting and family relationships
- Self-harm, substance misuse and eating difficulties
- The pattern of disclosure, and why it may have been delayed
- Causation where there was other abuse or adversity
- The effect on education, employment and earning capacity
- Treatment needs and the likely benefit of trauma-focused therapy
- Prognosis and future vulnerability
- Supplementary questions, joint statements and second opinions
Send a short outline of the abuse relied on, the claimant’s age and the relevant dates, and Dr Pradhan will confirm the scope of opinion and a fixed fee.
Submit an enquiryThe effects the court needs to understand
Damages for sexual abuse depend on the nature and duration of the abuse and on its effect on the person’s life, not on a diagnostic label alone. On the psychiatric side, the report deals directly with:
- What psychiatric harm has the abuse caused, and how severe is it?
- How has it affected relationships, intimacy, parenting and work?
- What treatment is reasonably required, and what is the likely course?
Each answer rests on the history, the records and the assessment, with the reasons set out so that they can be tested.
Submit an enquiryI recommend Dr Pradhan as a psychiatrist experienced in preparing reports into child sex abuse cases. The work she did for me showed her deep understanding of this trauma and its effects on survivors of sexual assaults.
A careful assessment and the court’s role
The assessment is arranged with the claimant’s needs in mind, with time to settle, breaks where needed and a clear explanation of what it involves. Dr Pradhan is a female consultant psychiatrist; if the claimant has a preference about the assessment, tell her when you send the case details.
Whether the abuse happened is a question for the court. The report gives the psychiatric opinion on the factual basis in the instructions and explains how it would change if the court finds different facts. 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.
In England and Wales, the Guidelines have had a separate category for damages for sexual and physical abuse since 2022. The psychiatric evidence is central to where a claim falls within it.
Related pages
Sexual abuse report questions
If your question is not answered here, call and Dr Pradhan will advise on scope and timescale.
Call 0121 752 6065Does Dr Pradhan assess abuse that happened in adulthood as well as childhood?
Yes. She assesses adults who were sexually abused as children and adults who were abused as adults, including sexual assault and abuse within a relationship.
The claimant disclosed the abuse many years later. Does that weaken the report?
Not of itself. Delayed and partial disclosure are common after sexual abuse. The report considers the pattern of disclosure as part of the clinical picture and explains how it fits the rest of the evidence.
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 say whether the abuse happened?
No. That is a finding for the court. The report gives the psychiatric opinion on the factual basis in the instructions.
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 abuse claim
Send the claimant’s age, 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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Instructions are accepted from solicitors only. Read our privacy policy before sending personal information.
If the matter is urgent, call 0121 752 6065.