Most straightforward claims take around 12 to 18 months, though some are resolved faster.

If extra evidence is needed, the process can take longer. We’ll keep you updated at every stage and push for a prompt decision.

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.

Most claims take between 12 and 18 months. The timeline depends on the police report, medical evidence, and whether your injuries have stabilised.

The CICA offer awards between £1000 and £250,000 for injuries sustained as a result of a crime of violence. There is also an opportunity to claim up to an additional £250,000 in Loss of Earnings and Special Expenses, funeral expenses and Child Dependency payments. Use our Criminal Injuries Compensation Calculator to see how much your claim may be worth.

The amount depends on your injuries and experience. Survivors of domestic violence who suffered physical harm may receive up to £8,200 or more for serious assaults. Each case is different, and we’ll calculate what you may be entitled to during your free consultation.

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority uses a tariff system with awards ranging from £1,000 to £44,000 for sexual assault.

The exact amount depends on the type of assault, your age at the time, and the evidence available.

We can help you estimate your likely award using our free CICA compensation calculator.

The amount depends on your injuries and how they’ve affected your life. The CICA uses a tariff system, but we can help make sure every aspect of your suffering is recognised — from physical injuries to lost income and trauma.

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.

The compensation for assault in the UK varies widely depending on the severity of the injuries. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) sets tariffs for different injuries, with awards ranging from a minimum of £1,000 to a maximum of £250,000. Factors such as the nature and extent of the injuries, and any lasting impact, are considered. For precise guidance and an assessment of your case, contact our experienced team at Winston Solicitors.

Compensation for domestic abuse claims depends on the frequency and severity of the assaults. The CICA provides awards based on the physical and psychological injuries sustained, with amounts varying accordingly. Typical awards can range from £1,000 to a maximum of £250,000. For detailed advice and to understand your potential compensation, reach out to our dedicated domestic abuse claim experts at Winston Solicitors.

CICA uses a fixed tariff system, but we’ll help you claim for every eligible loss, including physical and psychological injuries, earnings, and special expenses. Our goal is always to maximise your award.

We work for you on a no win no fee basis. The legal term for this agreement is known as a Contingency Fee Agreement. It essentially means that if for whatever reason your claim is not successful, providing the information you provide to us is true to the best of your knowledge and the failure is not your fault, you do not pay anything to us. In the event that your claim is successful we will deduct a fixed fee of your overall compensation amount. If you are successful, the minimum award available under the CICA scheme is £1000.00, meaning £250.00 + VAT would be deducted in respect of legal costs.

The CICA will make awards for the three most serious injuries you have suffered, and in doing so, awards will be made on a staggered scale. Your most severe injury, or the one which would attract the highest award of compensation will be awarded to you at 100%, your second most severe injury will be awarded at 30% and your third injury will be awarded at 15%. Use our Criminal Injuries Compensation Calculator to see how much your claim may be worth.

Yes, groping amounts to sexual assault and is also considered to be a crime of violence under the CICA scheme. Any unwanted, non consensual touching can amount to an assault.

Absolutely not. We do not share your information with anyone else without your prior consent. As your compensation is paid by government funds, there is no reason why the assailant would be aware of your claim for compensation.

The CICA require evidence to show that on “balance of probability” you have been the innocent victim of a crime of violence; therefore so long as the police were satisfied that you were the innocent victim of a crime of violence, this should be sufficient for the CICA to consider your application.

The main types are physical sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, online grooming, and non-contact abuse. Each can cause lasting emotional and psychological harm, even if there was no physical injury.

Look for sudden changes in behaviour, unexplained injuries, fear of certain people, or sexual behaviour that seems beyond their age. These can be signs of distress that need gentle, professional attention.

A DV survivor is someone who has experienced domestic violence or abuse and is now rebuilding their life. The term focuses on strength and recovery rather than victimhood. It includes anyone affected by physical, sexual, psychological, or emotional abuse.

It means you pay nothing if your claim isn’t successful. If we win, our fee is a small, pre-agreed percentage of your compensation. No hidden costs, no surprises.

An independent panel reviews your case and decides whether CICA’s decision was fair. Our solicitors prepare your evidence and, if needed, represent you during the hearing.

If your claim is refused or you receive an unfair award, you can appeal. Our solicitors can review the CICA’s decision, gather extra evidence, and represent you during the appeal to improve your chances of success.

If the police investigate the crime and there is not enough evidence for them to refer the case to the CPS for a charging decision, then it is unlikely compensation would be awarded due to a lack of evidence.

The CICA may accept a late claim if you can show your mental health made it impossible to apply earlier. You’ll need medical records from a psychiatrist or psychologist to support this.