We’re calling for the time limit on civil compensation claims to be removed for survivors of all forms of childhood abuse in England and Wales, not just sexual abuse.

Partly. Since June 2026, survivors of child sexual abuse no longer face a time limit when bringing a civil claim. That was a hard-won and important change. But survivors of physical and emotional abuse and neglect in childhood still face the old rules. In most cases, they have until their 21st birthday to start a claim. After that, they have to persuade a court to let their case go ahead. We don’t think the type of abuse should decide whether you get your day in court.

Scotland removed the time limit for civil claims covering all forms of childhood abuse back in 2017. We’re asking for survivors in England and Wales to have the same protection.

Removing the time limit doesn’t mean every claim goes ahead automatically. Courts can still stop a case if a fair hearing genuinely isn’t possible. That safeguard already exists for sexual abuse claims, and the same approach can work for all childhood abuse.

Civil claims are where the clearest, most achievable change is right now, and it’s where this campaign starts. Criminal justice matters just as much, and it’s something we hope to look at in the future. For now, we want one clear ask that Parliament can act on.

When a parent is abused, the children in that home are there too. We may experience it differently, but the fear and harm can follow us long into adulthood. The name Not Just Mum does not take anything away from what direct victims experience. It simply asks that children are seen as well. It wasn’t just her. We were there too.

We’re a campaign, not a legal or support service, so we can’t advise on individual cases. NAPAC (the National Association for People Abused in Childhood) offers free support to adult survivors. If you’re thinking about a claim, a solicitor who specialises in abuse cases can tell you where you stand.

Our petition to Parliament is coming soon. Once it’s live, signing it and sharing it with friends and family will be the most powerful thing you can do. We’ll post the link here as soon as it’s open.