CICA claims

If your CICA claim feels stuck, you’re not alone. At Winston Solicitors, our CICA claim solicitors help victims of violent crime get the compensation they deserve faster and with less stress. With over 3,000 five-star reviews, we know how to cut through delays and get answers from the CICA.

• Get expert help with your CICA claim UK-wide
• Fix claim delays and communication issues fast
• Understand what the CICA needs and why
• Appeal unfair or rejected CICA decisions
• Reduce stress with trusted legal guidance
• Recover the full compensation you deserve

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is a Government scheme that helps innocent victims of violent crime claim compensation. While the system was designed to be straightforward, many people find it confusing and hard to navigate. The language can be complex, and delays are common.

That’s where we can help. Winston Solicitors has years of experience handling CICA claims for clients across the UK, from initial applications to appeals.

It’s completely normal to feel frustrated or lost during your claim. Many people tell us they’ve struggled with:

• Long delays or lack of updates from the CICA
• Requests for documents or details they don’t have
• Little explanation about what’s needed or why
• Difficulty proving mental health or income loss
• The emotional impact of revisiting a traumatic event

You’re not imagining it. Many claims move slowly. Backlogs, staff shortages, and waiting on police or medical evidence can all add months to the process.

At Winston Solicitors, we stay in contact with the CICA and chase progress regularly. If your claim isn’t moving, we know the right steps to escalate your case and get you answers.

Having a lawyer on your side means your claim stays on track from day one. We know what information the CICA needs, and how to present it clearly, so your case isn’t delayed.

We will:

• Explain what the CICA is asking for and why
• Help you respond to sensitive or complex requests
• Make sure your mental or physical injuries are fully recognised
• Track your case and push for regular updates

Even if you’ve already started your claim, it’s not too late to get help. Around 1 in 5 of our CICA enquiries come from people who began their claim alone but now want expert support.

1. Contact our CICA team online or by phone
2. We’ll review your situation and explain your options
3. If you decide to work with us, we’ll handle all CICA communication
4. We’ll keep you updated and fight for the best possible award

We make the process simple, supportive, and fully transparent, wherever you live in the UK.

If your CICA claim has stalled, or you’re unsure what to do next, we’re here to help. Speak directly with one of our CICA claim specialists today.

Call us on 0113 320 5000
Email cica@winstonsolicitors.co.uk
Or start your CICA claim review online in minutes.

Winston Solicitors - when service wins. Trusted by 3,000+ clients across the UK.

A CICA claim is a process for victims of violent crime and abuse in the UK to seek compensation. The CICA (Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority) is a government body operating under the Ministry of Justice, and it compensates those who cannot claim against the individuals responsible for their injuries.

Individuals who can apply for a CICA claim include:

• Victims of violent crimes in England, Scotland, or Wales, including crimes that occurred on British-controlled aircraft.
• People who have suffered from specific types of abuse or violence, such as assault (including ABH and GBH), sexual abuse (including historical childhood abuse), domestic abuse, threats of violence causing psychological injuries, human trafficking, acts of terrorism, or if a loved one was murdered.

It's important to note that for a CICA claim, it is not necessary for the perpetrator to have received a criminal conviction, but the crime must have been reported to the police and there should be sufficient evidence to confirm that the applicant was a victim of a crime of violence​.

Through the CICA, you can claim for a variety of injuries resulting from violent crimes, including:

• Physical injuries, such as those resulting from assault.
• Psychological injuries, for instance, from threats of violence.
• Injuries from sexual abuse, including historical childhood abuse.
• Injuries from domestic abuse.
• Injuries sustained as a result of human trafficking or acts of terrorism.
• A fixed payment for the death of a loved one as a result of a crime of violence

The CICA Scheme specifically awards compensation for both physical and mental injuries, as well as sexual abuse and domestic violence, but only for injuries listed within the Scheme.

More minor injuries like bruising, a broken nose, or lacerations without significant scarring typically do not qualify for an award under the Scheme​.

The CICA claim process involves three stages: initial submission, review, and appeal. Initially, the claim is submitted to CICA, which assesses police and medical evidence before deciding on compensation. Here’s the process for making a CICA claim in more detail:

1. Initial Stage: The claim is submitted to the CICA, which requests police and medical evidence. Based on this evidence, the CICA decides whether to pay compensation and determines the amount.
2. Review Stage: If you disagree with the initial decision, a review application can be submitted within 56 days. The CICA will reassess the claim, possibly requesting further evidence, and a different person will make a new decision.
3. Appeal Stage: If still dissatisfied, you can appeal to the CICA Tribunal, which is separate from the CICA. The Tribunal's decision is usually final.

Throughout this process, strict time limits apply, typically requiring submission of the application within two years of the incident. The claim process can vary in duration, depending on its complexity and the types of evidence required.

No, there does not have to be a criminal conviction against the person who caused the injuries to make a CICA (Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority) claim.

However, the crime must have been reported to the police, and there must be sufficient evidence available to confirm that you were a victim of a crime of violence.

Simply reporting the crime to the police is not always enough; the available evidence and the reasons why the criminal case was not pursued further are also considered in the CICA claim process.

There are specific time limits for making a CICA claim, typically two years from the crime date. Exceptions exist for children, historical child abuse, exceptional circumstances, and medically reopening claims. In exceptional circumstances, extensions to these time limits might be granted.

The time limits for making a CICA (Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority) claim are generally as follows:

Standard Time Limit: Claims must be submitted within two years of the date of the incident.

For Child Victims: If the victim was a child when the crime occurred and it was reported to the police before their 18th birthday, they have until their 20th birthday to submit the application.

Historical Child Abuse: If the victim was a child when the offences occurred but they were not reported to the police until the victim was an adult, the application must be submitted within two years of the date the abuse was first reported to the police.

Exceptional Circumstances: The CICA may extend the time limit in exceptional circumstances, such as if the police requested delaying the compensation application until after a criminal trial, or if the claimant was unable to apply sooner due to a mental or physical illness

The amount of compensation you receive from a CICA (Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority) claim is set at fixed levels, depending on the type and severity of your injury.

The minimum compensation is £1,000, increasing to a maximum of £500,000 for the most serious injuries. You can claim for up to three injuries through CICA, but the compensation for the second and third injuries is reduced: 100% of the compensation award is given for the most serious injury, 30% for the second most serious, and 15% for the third most serious injury.

Additionally, victims can recover lost earnings and some limited special expenses if they meet the relevant criteria, such as being unable to work due to their injuries​.

To quickly learn how much you can get, use our new, easy-to-use CICA calculator.

Our experienced CICA solicitors can help you:

• Make a CICA claim
• Review an application if you’re making a CICA claim yourself
• Review the "health" of an existing claim, if you’re claiming by yourself or using another law firm
• Make appeals to the CICA Tribunal
• Apply to the CICA to medically reopen your case.

We can also offer advice on Court of Protection issues through our dedicated team. If your application for compensation is successful, we can help you with advice on how to invest that money.

As well as that we can help make sure your compensation doesn’t stop your entitlement to certain state benefits, by setting up a personal injury trust.

We make CICA claims on a no-win no-fee basis. This means that there’s nothing for you to pay upfront and that you don’t pay us anything if your claim is unsuccessful.

If your claim is successful then our fee is deducted from your compensation award. The CICA doesn’t pay us any legal costs, unfortunately, which is why we need to deduct our fee from your compensation.

However, using a solicitor to make your CICA claim often means that you’ll receive a higher amount than if you made a claim on your own.

We offer a free initial consultation where your lawyer will explain these details and guide you through the process, maximising your chances of a favourable outcome.

No, you do not need a lawyer to make a CICA (Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority) claim. You can apply directly and handle the process yourself.

However, in more complex or high-value cases, it may be beneficial to seek legal advice and representation. We suggest that for straightforward cases, you might prefer to apply on your own, but we offer our services for cases that might benefit from legal expertise.

At Winston Solicitors, we understand the sensitivity and complexity of CICA claims. Our dedicated team combines expertise with a compassionate approach, ensuring your journey towards justice is as smooth as possible. Here's why choosing us can make all the difference:

• Expert Guidance: Our solicitors possess deep knowledge of CICA processes, maximising your claim's potential.
• Personalised Support: We tailor our services to your unique situation, offering bespoke advice and empathetic support.
• No Win, No Fee: With this policy, you embark on your claim journey risk-free. We succeed only when you do.
• Higher Compensation Potential: Our proven track record shows that clients often secure higher compensation with our assistance than if they proceed alone.
• Free Initial Consultation: Start with a no-obligation discussion, where we assess your case and outline clear steps forward.

At Winston Solicitors, we're committed to turning your claim into a success story. Let us guide you towards the compensation you rightfully deserve.

1. Don’t wait for the outcome of the Court Hearing. The CICA sets time limits; generally 2 years from the date of the incident. This may be different in cases of abuse. The CICA can reject your claim if there is a delay in applying. Generally speaking, it is beneficial to your claim to submit an application sooner, rather than later. You do not need to await the outcome of the court case!

2. Check your injuries are covered by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. The CICA can take some time in assessing claims for compensation, with most cases taking 12 months on average to settle. There’s no point applying for compensation where the injury you are claiming for, is not covered by the CICA’s scheme. Examples of what they don’t pay for include, Anxiety, Black Eyes, Broken noses and Scarring covered by hair. The best way to check if it is worth bringing a claim is to use a criminal injuries compensation calculator. If your injuries are not listed, it’s unlikely you will receive compensation.

   Call our criminal injuries claim team on 0113 320 5000

3. Make sure the matter has been reported to the police. You must provide a statement and be fully cooperative with the investigation. You must also be willing to press charges against your offender. If you have made a report to the police but have not heard anything more – follow this up.

   The CICA must be satisfied that you have done everything you can to assist the police with their investigations.

4. In cases of historical abuse, the above time limits may be waived where there are exceptional circumstances. Usually if the abuse has been reported recently, the CICA can extend the time to run from the date of the report to the police, rather than when the abuse happened. Each case is assessed on its own merits so please call us on 0113 320 5000 if you wish to claim for historical abuse.

5. If you are suffering from anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares or panic attacks, you will only receive compensation for these injuries if they are clinically diagnosed by a Psychiatrist or a consultant Psychologist. The CICA do not pay compensation for mental injury which is only confirmed by a Doctor or a Counsellor.

   For a free no obligation assessment of your case, please call 0113 320 5000. We can advise you on eligibility, likely amount of compensation and if we can offer a ‘no win no fee’ agreement.

In many cases the first offer made by the CICA, known as the initial decision, is incorrect or too low. Each case needs to be assessed on its own facts but our specialist team will advise you, not only whether the offer is correct, but we will also represent you in any application for review and make sure that any additional evidence is gathered and submitted.

Childhood sexual abuse can take many forms, from grooming to physical contact. This guide explains the types, warning signs, and long-term effects, and shows you how to get confidential legal and emotional support across the UK. You’re not alone. Help is always available.

Start my abuse claim today

At a Glance

• Understand types of childhood sexual abuse
• Recognise early warning signs and behaviours
• Learn how grooming and manipulation work
• Find out what’s legally considered abuse in the UK
• Get confidential, UK-wide legal and emotional support

Childhood sexual abuse explained

At Winston Solicitors, we understand how difficult it can be to talk about or even think about childhood sexual abuse. Many survivors come to us years later, unsure whether what happened to them was abuse. And that’s completely normal.

With over 3,000 five-star reviews and clients supported across the UK, our team offers clear, compassionate guidance when you’re ready to understand your rights and next steps.

Childhood sexual abuse happens when someone under 16 is involved in any sexual activity they can’t understand or consent to.
It can include:

• Touching or fondling
• Forcing or persuading a child to take part in sexual acts
• Exposing a child to sexual material or conversations

Even when there’s no physical contact, it’s still abuse. Children may not realise it’s wrong, especially if the person is someone they know or trust.

In the UK, any sexual activity with a child under 16 is illegal. This protection is set out in the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and the Children Act 1989.

These laws exist because children cannot give informed consent to sexual acts. If you’re unsure about what the law says or how it applies to your situation, our UK-wide childhood sexual abuse solicitors can explain your options clearly and confidentially.

Every case is different, but most fall into one or more of these categories:

Physical sexual abuse

Any sexual contact with a child, including touching, kissing, or penetration. This can cause deep emotional and psychological harm that often lasts into adulthood.

Sexual exploitation

When a child is manipulated or forced into sexual activity for someone else’s gain. For example, through trafficking, prostitution, or coercion.

Grooming and online abuse

Abusers often build trust through messages, gifts, attention, or sometimes online. Grooming can be slow and subtle, making it hard to spot.

Grooming tactics to look out for: secrecy, isolation, gifts, or emotional dependence.

Non-contact abuse

This includes exposing a child to sexual acts, taking or sharing indecent images, or making a child watch pornography.

Each type of abuse has serious emotional effects and understanding them helps protect children and support survivors.

Sadly, around 1 in 20 children in the UK experience some form of sexual abuse before the age of 16 (NSPCC, 2025). Girls are more likely to be abused, but boys and non-binary children are also affected.

In most cases, the abuser is someone known to the child. Often a family member, friend, or trusted adult. You are not alone, and none of it is your fault.

Recognising signs can be difficult. Many children hide what’s happening because of fear, shame, or confusion. Look out for changes in:

Physical signs

• Unexplained injuries, bruising or bleeding
• Pain or discomfort when walking or sitting
• Frequent infections or physical complaints

Behavioural signs

• Sudden changes in behaviour or mood
• Avoiding certain people or places
• Acting more withdrawn or secretive
• Age-inappropriate sexual language or behaviour

Emotional signs

• Fearfulness or low self-esteem
• Nightmares, anxiety or depression
• Difficulty trusting others or forming relationships

These signs don’t always mean abuse, but they should never be ignored. If you’re worried, speak to a professional or contact us for guidance on what to do next.

When a child opens up about abuse, how you respond can make a huge difference. Here’s what to do:

1. Listen calmly and without judgement. Don’t interrupt or show shock.
2. Believe them. Children rarely make up stories about abuse.
3. Reassure them. Tell them it’s not their fault and they did the right thing.
4. Avoid probing questions. Let them share at their own pace.
5. Take action. Report concerns to the police or social services and seek professional advice.

Many survivors don’t feel ready to come forward until adulthood.

In the UK, most compensation claims must be made within two years of the abuse or the date it was reported, but exceptions can apply.

Courts often recognise the trauma involved and may allow historic claims where there’s a valid reason for the delay. Our experienced team regularly helps clients overcome time limits in abuse cases and move forward with confidence.

At Winston Solicitors, we specialise in child abuse claims and survivor support. We know every case is personal, and our role is to make things clearer legally, emotionally, and practically.

You’ll work with a dedicated solicitor who listens, explains your options, and helps you make informed choices about justice or compensation.
 

If you or someone you love has experienced childhood sexual abuse, confidential help is available. We offer UK-wide advice, free initial consultations, and a compassionate approach every step of the way.

You’re not alone - we’re here to listen, guide, and stand beside you.

Contact Winston Solicitors for confidential advice