This week is Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, which is all about raising awareness and promoting support for survivors of sexual abuse #itsnotok.
Sadly, sexual abuse and violence occurs in many relationships . The crimes can take varying forms and occur in all types of relationships between heterosexual and homosexual couples. It can also occur through attacks by strangers.
Many survivors of sexual abuse and violence are unaware that there is some recourse available via the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). The CICA is a public body that deals with compensation claims on behalf of people who have been physically or mentally injured due to a crime of violence.
In order to be able to apply to the CICA the crime must be reported to the police. That report, does not, however need to lead to a criminal conviction. The survivor must, in addition, make their claim, if they are aged over 18 at the time of the offence, within two years of the date of the incident or by their 20th birthday if they are a minor. There are circumstances where this time limit can be set aside however, even if the claim is out of time.
At Ramsdens Solicitors, our expert Abuse team can make a claim to the CICA on your behalf. We will support and guide you through the process, at a pace that suits you. We have expert knowledge of the claims process including limitation issues. If a crime of violence has affected you or someone close to you we are here to talk in total confidence.
For more information or to speak to one of our team, contact 0113 8871 834, email Natalie.marrison@ramsdens.co.uk or text LAW to 67777.