Making the decision to make cicia claim - walking to your future
Advice

How to move on from victim to survivor

Stacey Flegg Stacey Flegg
2 min read

New year is the time to make resolutions; time for a fresh start; time to move on. A lot of people feel mentally stronger in January. Have you decided now is the time to deal with something that has been troubling you? While there is no data available on which month of the year people report the most crimes we know that getting through the festive season is tough for many, but it is particularly so for people who have suffered family trauma. The Office for National Statistics census 2021 (which is the most recent report available) says “It is possible to identify around 227,500 child abuse offences recorded by the police in the year ending March 2019” [in England and Wales].

Every person who suffers child abuse has the right to be a survivor, rather than a victim; to move on and to thrive. If you have taken the decision to report historic abuse to the police you may feel the New Year is the time to do so. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is a government funded scheme to which survivors of historic abuse can apply for compensation.

At Winston Solicitors we have specialists who can help you navigate the claims process and have knowledge and experience of the scheme. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme covers historic abuse in the UK from August 1964 onwards. The time limits to make abuse claims under the scheme start from the date the crime is reported to the police, not the date it happened.

If you would like more information on the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme or to start making a claim you can contact Winston Solicitors on 0113 320 5000 or email @email

Help and support for child abuse survivors can be found at:

Help for Adult Victims of Child Abuse (HAVOCA)

National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC)

The Survivor’s Trust

Client feedback

For anyone who is wondering if its worth going through this process, I say yes. Stacey has been absolutely brilliant all the way through the process and constantly kept me updated on my case. Yes it was a long process but that was also down to me disengaging with Stacey for various reasons. I cannot thank Stacey and Erika enough for all they have done over the years. I wish them all nothing but success. Thank you. - June 2025
Anonymous
Outstanding very happy for ya sevice, it’s been a pleasure working with you, I’d recommend services to anyone who’s been through what happened to, thank you very much, Keith
Keith
Pleasent and very organised staff dealt with my problem with complete confidence and professionalism -top marks 👏👏
Eric
I am incredibly grateful to Winston Solicitors, and especially to Stacey Flegg and Keertan Gill, for their exceptional support in helping me receive my CICA compensation. From start to finish, they handled my claim with professionalism, empathy, and a deep understanding of the delicate nature of my situation.Both Stacey and Keertan were kind, approachable, and extremely knowledgeable. They kept me informed throughout the process and made what felt like an overwhelming journey so much more manageable.I truly appreciate all their hard work and dedication, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Winston Solicitors to anyone seeking legal support—especially in sensitive and complex matters.Thank you, Stacey and Keertan, for your outstanding service and for making such a positive difference.
Raluca
Thanks to Winston Solicitors, they have done an amazing job. They responded quickly and accurately and are an outstanding Solicitors I personally I would recommend using them.
Nicholas
For anyone who has doubts to start the process of compensation through CICA being represented by Winston Solicitors is can categorically say its worth it.Stacey was excellent from day one and very reassuring. Any questions, doubts i had she put them all rest. The process was long due to one reason or another from mainly my side. I highly recommend this Solicitors .
Anonymous
I have been supported throughout my claim very professionally and was always updated by Stacey Flagg, very pleased I chose Winston’s Solicitors to act on my behalf
Craig
They kept in regular contact and updated me as expected. When talking to them on the phone , I found them to be kind , compassionate , caring and efficient.
Emily
Contact Stacey