Claimant or applicant
The person making the claim for compensation.
CICA claims
Claimant or applicant
CICA
See Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.
Childhood abuse
Cruel or violence treatment towards a child. In the context of a CICA claim this is specifically psychically or sexually violent.
Blameless
The CICA will only award compensation to a “blameless” victim. This is means that the victim of the crime has not contributed to it at all, such as instigating the fight in which they suffered injury.
Award
The compensation awarded by the CICA.
Assault
Intentional or recklessly causing harm to another person.
Application
An application is made to the CICA when you wish to ask for a review of a previous decision which has been made.
Abuser
The person who carries out the cruelty or violence.
Abuse
To treat someone with cruelty or violence, whether physical or sexual.
How long do I have to make a CICA claim?
This will depend on the circumstances of your injury; however, as a general rule; you have 2 years from the date of the incident to submit an application*. If you are under the age of 18 (or were under the age of 18) when the matter was reported to the police, then you have 2 years from the date of your 18th Birthday. If the criminal injury occurred whilst you were under the age of 18, but the matter was reported to the police as an adult, you have two years from the date the matter was reported to the police.
*There are exceptional circumstances where these time limits can be waived.