Compensation for childhood abuse

Claiming Compensation for Childhood Abuse

Can I claim compensation for childhood abuse?

Yes you can, you can claim compensation for childhood abuse, even if it was many years ago. In fact any sexual abuse suffered after 1965 which has been reported to the police can be considered for compensation.

Speak to our criminal injuries claim team, call 0113 320 5000

Concerns about childhood abuse claims

But I have not reported the abuse to the police

That’s fine. You do need to report it before a claim can be made, but you do not need to worry that the abuse you intend reporting occurred many years ago. Hopefully the person that abused you is still alive, so the police will be able to interview them, but even if they are not, the police should still interview you.

winston-solicitors-compensation-for-childhood-abuse.jpg

How will the police handle my historic abuse?

Surprisingly well. We always suggest contacting the police first to say you wish to report a historic abuse matter. That way they will usually have appropriately trained officers present to take down your statement. Feedback from our clients especially over the last 3 years has on the whole been positive about how sensitively and well their statement has been dealt with.

I reported the abuse many years ago but have not made a claim.

Don’t worry, speak to our specialist childhood abuse lawyers on 0113 320 5000 or email cica@winstonsolicitors.co.uk and we will be able to explain how a claim for compensation for childhood abuse can be made. It’s a bit more complicated, but with our experience we will be able to tell you quickly if a claim can be made.

I’m worried that applying for compensation will bring back bad memories

By using a specialist solicitor, they will act for you and ensure that you deal with matters in your own time. The CICA does have mechanisms in place to give victims more time, and we use these where appropriate. Of course if you would prefer the claim to be dealt with as quickly as possible, a solicitor will be able to move your claim on as they are used to communicating with the CICA on a daily basis.

To discuss making a claim, contact us on 0113 320 5000

So I’d like to claim, but how long will it take?

Claims timescales do differ considerably. There are cases that are dealt with very quickly, literally within a few months, and others that take more than 2 years. We know which cases are dealt with quickly and which much more slowly, so just ask – call 0113 320 5000 or email cica@winstonsolicitors.co.uk

Client feedback

Can’t recommend Winston solicitors enough especially Heidi for all of her help and patience, I was ready to give up with my claim but Heidi showed huge determination and patience in ensuring I got some justice, amazing service and the staff work tirelessly to help their customers

Alannah

Winston Solicitors have been great with my claim they havnt give up and they thought for me till the end I was kept informed of every update there was to give i thank my solicitor and the CICI for everythink they have done to get my reward I am so very grateful for the outcome I would extremely recommend Winston Solicitors

Emma

There are really good and there explain everything and keep you updated with everything I would recommend using

Sasha

Great communication, Professional and Friendly service - i felt comfortable discussing sensitive matters. Ive recommend Winston Solicitors to my family and friends.

Stacey

Nothing was ever too much and they always got back to me the same day. Excellent communication, service and result. It was worth the money they took from the settlement.

Linzi

Thank you Keertan and colleagues for handling my criminal injuries claim with care and respect.

Anonymous

Can’t thank Stacey enough, she was very professional and very helpful. - December 2025

Anonymous, Portsmouth

Excellent service and great communication between client and customer. Highly satisfied customer and always dealt with dignity at all times.

Amy