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.

You may be able to. The burden of proof required by police and the Crown Prosecution Service is that they must show “beyond all reasonable doubt” that the assailant is guilty – sometimes this will lead the CPS being unable to charge if there are some discrepancies or a lack of evidence. The burden of proof the CICA require is much less and it is accepted “on balance of probability” that the crime took place, then you should be able to claim compensation.

Don’t give up. Many claims are refused for small errors or missing evidence. Our CICA solicitors can review your decision and lodge an appeal, often securing a better outcome.

You may still be able to claim even if the abuse happened long ago. The CICA allows historic abuse claims in certain circumstances, particularly if you couldn’t report earlier due to fear, trauma, or age. Speak to us and we’ll review your situation with care.

There are cases where the perpetrator is deemed unfit to stand trial, or the court decides part way through the trial that they are too ill to be tried. You would still be able to claim compensation.

The CICA offer awards for the most significant injuries including:

Facial fractures
Internal injuries
Fractured or dislocated limbs
Significant scarring
Psychological injuries
Sexual assaults

Minor injuries that are not eligible for compensation under the Criminal Injuries Scheme include:

broken noses
fractured ribs
widespread bruising

Use our Criminal Injuries Compensation Calculator to see how much your claim may be worth.

A physical attack or any other act or omission of a violent nature which causes physical injury to a person; or a threat against a person, causing fear of immediate violence; a sexual assault or arson.

Any sexual activity involving someone under 16 is illegal. It includes both physical contact and non-contact acts such as grooming or exposure to sexual material. Children cannot consent, so it is always abuse and never their fault.

Non recent abuse is another term for historic abuse, and it is usually used to mean abuse which took place in childhood, when the person involved in now over 18.

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is a government body that pays compensation to innocent victims of violent crime in England, Scotland, and Wales. You can apply directly, or our solicitors can help manage the process for you.

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) are a Government funded organisation set up to compensate innocent victims of violent crime. The intention of their payments is to act as a gesture of public sympathy for people suffering as a result of being an innocent victim of crime.

You usually have two years from the date of the incident to apply. The CICA count this as 1 year and 364 days. Applying on the exact 2-year mark may be rejected as being out of time.

Stay calm, listen carefully, and believe them. Don’t press for details - simply reassure them they’re safe and you’ll help. Then report it to the police or local safeguarding team immediately.

A person who sustains injury as a result of a crime of violence where their own conduct has not in any way contributed to the injury; sustained injury whilst taking an exceptional and justified risk for the purpose of preventing a crime.

Many claims are delayed because of backlogs, missing evidence, or police checks. The CICA won’t usually update you unless they need information. Our team can chase progress, escalate delays, and make sure nothing is holding your claim back.

Absolutely.

Your details and your story are treated with complete confidentiality.

Only your legal team and the CICA will see your information, and nothing is shared without your consent.