Boys' Brigade abuse victims criticise damages wait

The brothers were members of the Boys' Brigade at Saint Marks Church in Aberdeen

Two brothers who were sexually abused while in the Boys' Brigade 30 years ago have criticised not yet getting compensation from the organisation.

The brothers - who cannot be identified - were young members of the Boys' Brigade at Saint Marks Church in Aberdeen in the mid-1990s when the abuse happened.

Their abuser was convicted of lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour in 2010.

The brothers said they still did not have "closure" as civil actions have not been settled.

The Boys' Brigade said it could not comment on specific cases, but that it was committed to the safety of young people, including through a "safer recruitment" process for its volunteer leaders.

It is understood the man had a role overseeing boys and activities when he was himself aged between about 17 and 20.

He pled guilty at Aberdeen Sheriff Court in 2010, and was sentenced to a three-year probation order.

Thompsons Solicitors is acting on behalf of former members of the Boys' Brigade, including the brothers, in pursuing civil claims against the organisation.

The firm said the civil claim process had been "drawn out", causing "further harm" to victims.

The abuse conviction was in 2010

One boy, known as X to maintain his anonymity, was a member of the Boys' Brigade at Saint Marks Church for about four years.

He said the abuse had impacted various aspects of his life, including academic performance at school, mental health difficulties and subsequent career opportunities.

He said it had also caused significant difficulties in relationships, depression, anxiety and flashbacks.

"The abuse continues to adversely affect my mental health and I have found the Boys' Brigade’s approach to this matter very difficult," he told BBC Scotland News.

"It has made my experiences even worse. I have been suffering from the impact of the abuse throughout my life and still do not yet have acknowledgement or closure from the Boys' Brigade for the abuse I suffered.”

'Profound impact'

His brother, being referred to as T to protect his anonymity, was also abused.

He said he found the abuse impacted on his concentration and ability to learn.

He said he has found it difficult to trust people and also suffers from experiencing flashbacks.

"The abuse has had a profound impact on my life," he said.

"I found it incredibly difficult to settle into anything in my early adulthood. I have struggled with my mental health.”

Laura Connor, the head of the Survivors Team at Thompsons, said: "We are pursuing many similar cases against the Boys' Brigade and unfortunately their continual defences are causing more harm to survivors.

"Whilst we support our clients through this process and are confident that we will secure financial justice for them, it is incredibly frustrating that matters are not being dealt with swiftly".

The Boys' Brigade told BBC Scotland News it could not comment on specific cases.

However the organisation said in a statement: "The Boys’ Brigade is concerned and saddened to learn of any incident where a child or young person has experienced abuse within the organisation and our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of these crimes.

"The Boys’ Brigade is committed to prioritising the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in everything we do, including through a safer recruitment process for our volunteer leaders who run activities in over 700 local BB groups across the country."

The statement added: "We have robust safeguarding policies, guidance, training and procedures in place, which are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain current and in line with changing legislation."