Sexual grooming can have dire consequences. In January 2024, we were approached by Vicki, who is a survivor of historic sexual grooming. She asked us to assist her with making a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). Vicki’s case was both complex and challenging, but our team worked tirelessly to achieve a successful outcome for her.
Contact us to discuss a sexual grooming case on 0113 320 5000
Vicki’s Story of Sexual Grooming
As a teenager, Vicki was groomed by her sister’s boyfriend. The grooming escalated from inappropriate touching to non-consensual intercourse. There was very limited support or guidance from her friends and family, so she was at the mercy of this older man. At the time, Vicki believed her actions were consensual, but it wasn’t until later in life that she recognised this as sexual grooming. Coercion from a young age had led to the belief that she was complicit at the time.
The impact of the abuse on Vicki’s mental health was significant. She struggled for years, finally reporting the abuse to the police in 2018. Unfortunately, delays in the court proceedings only exacerbated her difficulties.
Delays like this are why we always advise that you seek legal representation as soon as possible with sexual grooming cases.
The Challenges of Making a CICA Claim
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is within the Ministry of Justice. It is designed to provide compensation to victims of violent crime. However, claims must generally be made within two years of reporting the crime to the police. Vicki’s claim was outside this time limit, and the CICA does not typically accept delays due to ongoing investigations. This presented a significant hurdle.
Building the Sexual Grooming Case
We approached Vicki’s case with a proactive strategy by:
- Obtaining medical evidence ahead of any formal requests to demonstrate the impact of the abuse on Vicki’s mental health.
- Liaising with the police to gather supporting evidence about the investigation.
- Carefully outlining the full extent of the sexual grooming Vicki endured. Under the Judge’s sentencing remarks, the offender was not convicted for penile penetration due to the legislation at the time.
- Assessing whether her claim should focus on the abuse itself or the resulting mental health issues.
Despite the complexities, we successfully argued that the time limit should be extended due to the severity of Vicki’s mental health struggles.
Sexual grooming can have lasting effects on a survivor’s mental health. In cases like Vicki’s, the trauma often manifests as anxiety, depression, and feelings of shame or self-blame that can persist for years. Survivors may struggle to form healthy relationships, experience flashbacks, or develop complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (cPTSD). The delayed realisation that what happened was abuse can intensify these effects, leaving survivors feeling isolated and confused. Without proper support, these mental health challenges can affect every aspect of life - work, family, and self-esteem. However, with the right help, recognition, and compensation, many survivors begin to heal and rebuild their lives.
A Sexual Grooming Case with a Positive Outcome
In the end, Vicki was awarded £11,000 in compensation. Importantly, the CICA recognised the full extent of the abuse, including aspects that were not part of the original conviction due to legal limitations at the time.
This outcome was life-changing for Vicki. It offered her recognition and validation after years of pain and uncertainty.
“I instructed Winston to assist me in a CiCA application. Keertan and Heidi made it a stress free process. The communication was amazing and all conversations were done in a sensitive and compassionate way. The knowledge and advice I received was comprehensive but helped me understand each stage of the process. I needed an out of time waiver and was so grateful that they achieved this and I received and award that accounted for all of the offences. I could not recommend them enough. Thank you so much for your help.”
Support for Sexual Grooming
If you have experienced sexual grooming and are considering claiming compensation for rape and sexual assault through the CICA, Winston Solicitors can offer you support. Our specialists are trained to handle these sensitive matters with the compassion and professionalism they deserve. You can contact us directly for a confidential discussion at 0113 320 5000 or email cica@winstonsolicitors.co.uk.
Your experience is unique, and there is no right or wrong way to process it. Taking these steps, however challenging, can help lay the foundation for healing and recovery.
