There is no time limit in relation to the criminal prosecution of sexual offences. Criminal charges may and often are brought many years after the event. We would always encourage anyone who has suffered a sexual assault, particularly in rape cases, where there may be DNA evidence, to report the matter to the police immediately or as soon as they are able to.
Rape awards are at the upper end of the tariff awards for sexual assaults. The actual award depends on whether it was a single incident and if several incidents over what period the assaults occurred. There can also be a higher award where the rape has caused a psychological injury and also an additional sum if you have had no or limited capacity for work because of the psychological injury.
Winston Solicitors recently supported a client, John*, who experienced life-changing consequences including loss of smell following a violent assault. His story illustrates the importance of seeking justice and support through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICA).
John was enjoying a night out when he was attacked and punched in the face several times by another individual. The assault left him with a broken nose, which, while painful, fortunately did not require surgery. However, as John recovered from the immediate injuries, he began to notice a more concerning issue - his sense of smell had been significantly affected.
Initially, John assumed the loss of smell was temporary. His doctor advised that it might return over time, but as weeks turned into months, it became clear that the damage was permanent.
The impact of this condition on John’s everyday life was more profound than he initially realised. He found himself burning food while cooking because he couldn’t smell it. He also became anxious about the safety of his home, particularly his gas oven, as he could no longer detect if gas was leaking. Despite multiple visits to the doctor, John was told that nothing could be done to restore his sense of smell.
Determined to seek justice for the assault and the lasting effects it caused, John reported the incident to the police and supported their investigation. He then approached us to help him make a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.
Our experienced team guided John through the claims process, ensuring all necessary evidence was submitted, including medical reports detailing his condition and its impact on his daily life. While John’s broken nose was a result of the assault, the permanent loss of smell was the determining factor for his compensation eligibility under the CICA guidelines.
With the assistance of Winston Solicitors, John was awarded £3,500 in compensation. While no financial award could restore his sense of smell, the compensation acknowledged the significant impact the assault had on his quality of life and provided him with some financial relief as he adapted to living with this condition.
John’s case highlights an important point: victims of violent crime may be eligible for compensation, even if their injuries are not immediately visible or fully understood. Loss of smell can be devastating, even if there’s nothing external to see. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme exists to provide support to those who have suffered physical or psychological harm as a result of crime. Seeking professional legal advice ensures that claims are handled efficiently and that victims receive the compensation they deserve.
At Winston Solicitors, we have extensive experience helping clients navigate the CICA process with compassion and professionalism.
If you have suffered injuries as the result of a violent crime, we’re here to help. Contact Winston Solicitors today at 0113 320 5000 or email cica@winstonsolicitors.co.uk for confidential and expert advice.
To read more first-hand stories resulting in compensation, click the button below.
* Name changed for anonymity
We helped our client, Matt*, secure compensation for stabbing victims after he was stabbed in the stomach. His story highlights the importance of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) in supporting victims of violent crime.
Matt was walking home from work one evening after a long day when he noticed a man walking in the opposite direction, muttering to himself. At first, Matt assumed the man was simply singing along to music, as he was wearing headphones. But as they got closer, the man’s behaviour became unsettling. He kept glancing at Matt, looking away, and then back again, as if he’d been caught doing something suspicious.
Without warning, the man suddenly pulled a knife from his pocket and ran straight at Matt. The next thing Matt remembers is waking up in the hospital, where he was told by doctors and police that he had been stabbed twice in the stomach.
Matt’s injuries were severe. He required emergency surgery to repair the damage to his stomach and bowel. But the impact of the attack didn’t end there.
Six months later, Matt developed a hernia as a direct result of the stabbing. This led to a second surgery, meaning he had to take another extended period off work. The psychological effects were just as challenging. Matt found it difficult to rebuild his confidence and felt anxious even walking down the same street where the attack had taken place.
Determined to move forward, Matt reported the attack to the police and cooperated fully with their investigation. He then contacted Winston Solicitors to explore his eligibility for compensation for stabbing victims through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.
Our legal team guided Matt through the process, ensuring all necessary evidence was submitted, including medical reports detailing his injuries, surgeries, and the long-term effects of the attack. We made sure his claim reflected both the physical and emotional impact of the crime.
Thanks to the strong case presented by Winston Solicitors, Matt was awarded over £4,000 in compensation for stabbing victims. While no amount of money could undo what had happened, the award provided some financial relief as he continued his recovery.
Stabbings are, unfortunately, a common form of violent crime, and many victims don’t realise they may be entitled to compensation. The CICA exists to support victims by providing financial recognition for the harm they have suffered. Whether the perpetrator is caught or not, victims should always explore their options for making a claim.
At Winston Solicitors, we are committed to helping secure compensation for stabbing victims and other violent crime with care and professionalism.
If you have suffered injuries as the result of a violent crime, we’re here to help. Contact us today on 0113 320 5000 or email cica@winstonsolicitors.co.uk for confidential and expert advice.
To read more first-hand stories resulting in compensation, click the button below.
* Name changed for anonymity
We recently supported a client, Zoe*, who experienced a devastating and traumatic incident when she was sexually assaulted by two men. Her case highlights the importance of accessing support and guidance during such an incredibly difficult time.
Zoe was out one evening with her ex-partner and his friend. They had been drinking together and shared a taxi at the end of the night. Instead of going home, Zoe decided to sleep on the sofa at the friend’s house.
During the night, Zoe’s ex-partner began talking about how much he regretted their breakup. When he tried to kiss her, she pushed him away, making it clear she wasn’t interested. However, he didn’t stop, and his friend joined in. Together, they overpowered Zoe, using their combined strength to pin her down. Both men sexually assaulted her.
After the attack, the three of them fell asleep on the sofa. Zoe woke first, got dressed, and quietly left the house.
In the hours that followed, Zoe struggled to process what had happened. She went to a walk-in medical centre, where she disclosed that she had been sexually assaulted by two men to staff. They supported her in contacting the police and beginning the process of reporting the crime.
Zoe was later assigned a support worker, who suggested that she consider applying for compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). At first, Zoe felt uncertain about taking this step and had concerns about whether she’d need to make two separate claims because there were two assailants. Seeking clarity, she reached out to us for advice.
Our team reassured Zoe that her case would be handled as a single application, even though two individuals were involved in the assault. We guided her through the process of gathering evidence, submitting her claim, and ensuring her case was presented thoroughly and sensitively.
We also helped Zoe understand how the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme works and provided her with clear, compassionate advice at every stage.
Thanks to the support and guidance Zoe received, she was awarded £13,500 in compensation through the CICA. This financial award acknowledged the profound impact of the assault on her life and provided her with some relief as she began to rebuild and move forward.
Additionally, the two men who sexually assaulted Zoe were convicted and now have criminal records.
Zoe’s story serves as a reminder that survivors of sexual violence are not alone and have options for seeking justice and support. Applying for compensation can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it is possible to navigate the process and secure the help you deserve.
At Winston Solicitors, we are committed to helping survivors access the support they need with care, professionalism, and sensitivity.
If you have suffered injuries as the result of being sexually assaulted, we’re here to help. Contact Winston Solicitors today at 0113 320 5000 or email cica@winstonsolicitors.co.uk for confidential and expert advice.
To read more first-hand stories resulting in compensation, click the button below.
* Name changed for anonymity
In this case, our client, Sarah*, experienced a devastating and traumatic sexual assault resulting in a rape-related pregnancy. Her story highlights the importance of seeking legal and emotional support during such a profoundly difficult time.
Sarah had recently ended a difficult and toxic relationship with her ex-partner, who refused to respect her boundaries after their breakup. He frequently harassed her with phone calls and messages. One evening, he appeared uninvited at her home.
Intoxicated and apologetic, he forced his way inside, claiming he wanted to reconcile. The situation quickly escalated, and after a heated exchange, he violently assaulted and raped Sarah. He left when Sarah called the police.
In the days and weeks following the assault, Sarah struggled to process the trauma. Her world was turned upside down again when she discovered she was pregnant as a result of the attack. While she received support from Victim Support and other services, the pregnancy made it impossible for her to move on from the assault.
Sarah’s ex-partner was charged with the assault, but Sarah also sought support through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). After reaching out to Winston Solicitors, she was guided through the process of making a claim for her rape=related pregnancy case.
Our team worked closely with Sarah to ensure her claim included not only the assault itself but also the emotional and physical impact of the resulting pregnancy. The CICA process can be complex, but we helped gather the necessary evidence and presented her case with care and professionalism.
Thanks to the support she received, Sarah was awarded £16,500 in compensation. This amount reflected both the severity of the assault and the profound impact of the pregnancy. While no amount of money could undo the harm Sarah endured, the compensation provided some relief and financial support as she began to rebuild her life.
Sarah’s story is a powerful reminder that survivors of sexual assault are not alone. Compensation schemes like the CICA exist to provide financial support to victims, even in the most challenging circumstances. Seeking help can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, justice and support are possible.
At Winston Solicitors, we understand the emotional toll of rape-related pregnancy, and we are here to provide compassionate, expert legal assistance every step of the way.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual assault, you can contact Winston Solicitors in confidence. Our experienced team is here to help you navigate the Criminal Injuries Compensation process and secure the support you deserve. Call us on 0113 320 5000 or email us at cica@winstonsolicitors.co.uk.
To read more first-hand stories resulting in compensation, click the button below.
* Name changed for anonymity
A client of Winston Solicitors, James*, suffered life-changing injuries following a violent mugging. His experience demonstrates the importance of seeking professional legal advice after such an ordeal to secure the compensation needed to rebuild a future.
James was out celebrating with friends during the festive season when he stopped at a cash point late at night. As he withdrew money, a man approached him and demanded his wallet. Shocked and frightened, James instinctively tried to grab the wallet back, raising his hand to defend himself. However, what he hadn't realised was that the attacker was armed with a knife.
The attacker slashed at James’ hand, causing severe injuries before fleeing the scene. A bystander called 999, but the assailant was never caught.
James was rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered the extent of the damage. The knife had severed nerves and tendons in his dominant right hand and fractured several bones. Surgeons performed multiple operations in an attempt to repair the damage. Despite extensive rehabilitation therapy, James permanently lost the use of his hand.
Losing the function of his dominant hand was devastating for James. Everyday tasks became a struggle, and he had to relearn how to do everything with his left hand. The injury also forced him to take a long leave of absence from work and significantly impacted his quality of life.
James contacted Winston Solicitors to make a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICA). The CICA is a government initiative that provides financial compensation to victims of violent crime. This includes those whose attackers are never identified or brought to justice.
Our legal team worked closely with James, helping him compile the necessary evidence to support his claim. We prepared medical reports detailing the severity of his life-changing injuries and their long-term impact. In addition, we also presented documentation of his time off work and future loss of earnings.
Thanks to careful preparation and guidance from Winston Solicitors, James was awarded £55,000 in compensation for life-changing injuries. This included compensation for the loss of function in his right hand under the CICA tariff of injuries. In addition, there were extra amounts for the income he had lost and would continue to lose due to his inability to work.
James was incredibly grateful for the support he received during such a difficult time. The compensation provided financial relief and allowed him to focus on adapting to his new circumstances.
James’ story is a powerful reminder that victims of violent crime, even when the perpetrator is not found, are entitled to seek justice and financial support. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme offers vital help to those facing life-changing injuries, and having an experienced solicitor on your side ensures the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
If you or someone you know has been injured as the result of a violent crime, Winston Solicitors can help. Our team has extensive experience guiding clients through the CICA process with compassion and professionalism.
If you’ve been affected by violent crime and wish to explore your options for compensation, contact Winston Solicitors today at 0113 320 5000 or email us at cica@winstonsolicitors.co.uk.
To read more first-hand stories resulting in compensation, click the button below.
* Name changed for anonymity
Winston Solicitors recently supported a client, Robert*, who experienced repeated sexual harassment at work. His story highlights the importance of speaking up, seeking justice, and accessing compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) Scheme.
Robert worked in a retail store, where one of his colleagues took an inappropriate and unwelcome interest in him from his first day on the job. What began with uncomfortable comments and advances quickly escalated to physical harassment. Whenever they were alone (whether in quiet areas of the store or the stockroom) the colleague would behave inappropriately. He repeatedly groped Robert, squeezing his bottom. On several occasions, he went further by pushing his hands into Robert’s shorts.
This behaviour left Robert feeling distressed, embarrassed, and increasingly anxious about going to work. Despite his discomfort, he bravely reported the situation to his manager and to the police.
Other colleagues had witnessed some of the incidents, and key moments of the harassment were captured on the store’s CCTV system. This evidence played a crucial role in ensuring that the case progressed quickly through the courts. The colleague was ultimately found guilty, which provided some closure for Robert.
However, even after the guilty verdict, Robert struggled to move on emotionally. The trauma of the repeated assaults continued to affect him, and he found himself dwelling on the events.
Robert decided to make a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, which provides financial support to victims of violent crimes, including sexual assaults. To reduce the stress of the process, he contacted Winston Solicitors for help. Our team handled the claim on his behalf, ensuring all evidence was gathered and that Robert received the advice he needed to secure the best possible outcome.
Robert was awarded £3,300 in compensation, which reflects the repeated sexual touching under clothes as defined by the CICA. Sexual harassment at work is a serious crime and the compensation rewarded reflects that. This financial support gave Robert the opportunity to pay for private counselling sessions. In addition, it allowed him to start his recovery without the long delays often associated with NHS waiting lists.
Robert was pleased with both the compensation award and the support he received from Winston Solicitors. By trusting us to manage the claims process, he was able to focus on his wellbeing, knowing his case was being handled with care and professionalism.
Robert’s story serves as an important reminder that no one should have to tolerate sexual harassment, especially in the workplace. If you have experienced sexual harassment at work, you do not have to face it alone. Speaking up can be difficult, but there are systems in place to provide support and compensation to help victims move forward.
At Winston Solicitors, we have extensive experience helping clients make CICA claims. We understand the emotional and practical challenges involved, and we are here to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
If you have experienced sexual harassment at work and wish to explore your options for compensation, our specialist team is here to help. Contact Winston Solicitors today by calling 0113 320 5000 or emailing cica@winstonsolicitors.co.uk.
To read more first-hand stories resulting in compensation, click the button below
* Name changed for anonymity