Work Christmas parties are intended to be positive, morale boosting events. However, when alcohol, relaxed boundaries, and workplace hierarchies combine, serious incidents such as sexual assault can occur. For anyone who has experienced this, the impact can be life changing. It is essential to understand that you are not at fault, you are not alone, and legal protections exist to support you.
At Ison Harrison, we guide survivors through the legal process with care, clarity, and professionalism. Our priority is to protect your wellbeing and help you access the justice and compensation you deserve.
Can You Claim for Sexual Assault at a Work Event
In many situations, yes. A work Christmas party is typically seen as an extension of the workplace. This means that if you were sexually assaulted by a colleague, manager, or contractor at the event, you may be able to bring a civil claim.
Key points:
- Work social events are commonly treated as occurring “in the course of employment”
- Employers have a general duty to safeguard their staff
- Employers can be liable for the behaviour of their employees
- You may also have a right to a CICA claim, even if no civil claim is pursued
Each situation is fact sensitive, and early legal advice is important.
Understanding Vicarious Liability
The principle of vicarious liability allows a claimant to pursue an employer for harm caused by an employee, even when the employer did not directly commit the wrongful act.
Courts consider factors such as:
- Whether the event was organised, funded, or endorsed by the employer
- Whether alcohol provision or organised activities increased risk
- The relationship between the parties, for example a manager, colleague or supervisor
- Whether the assault was sufficiently connected to workplace duties or the work environment
Case law has repeatedly confirmed that workplace social events fall within the potential scope of employment. As such, an employer may be held accountable if they failed to manage risk or failed to respond appropriately after the incident.
Alternative Route, Claiming Through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)
If the assault is reported to the police, you may be eligible for an award from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), which compensates victims of violent crime including sexual offences.
CICA may be appropriate when:
- The perpetrator is unknown or uninsured
- The employer denies responsibility
- There is insufficient evidence for a civil claim
- You wish to pursue both civil and criminal injury options in parallel
We can advise on time limits, evidence requirements, and the interaction between civil and CICA claims.
Why Choose Ison Harrison
- Specialist knowledge: Decades of combined experience in sexual assault, workplace injury, and complex vicarious liability claims
- Survivor focused approach: Our team prioritises discretion, compassion, and trauma informed practice
- Strong track record: We have successfully represented many survivors of workplace related sexual assault, achieving meaningful outcomes and compensation
