What is CICA?

Sexual abuse and Sexual Violence week runs nationally from 3^rd February – 9^th February 2020. Ramsdens Solicitors strive to support and assist victims of sexual abuse and violence by promoting empowerment via social media campaigns using the #ItsNotOk hashtag. Furthermore, our Abuse team specialise in conducting claims via Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) for victims of sexual abuse or violence.

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is a government scheme awarding taxpayer funded compensation to blameless victims of violent crimes and sexual abuse, paying out over £150 million to victims in 2017/2018. Physical injuries resulting from a violent crime are eligible for compensation together with injuries arising from assault, sexual and wounding offences.

If an individual suffers a mental injury this could also fall under the compensation scheme. An example could be a victim of historic sexual abuse. Although the sexual abuse may not cause physical injury there could be a long term negative psychological effect on the victim which could fall under the CICA’s scheme.

The CICA do have the prerogative to reduce the damages awarded for a number of reasons. Failure to report to the Police could be one, as a crime reference number is a requirement for an application or failing to cooperate to bring the assailant to justice by not cooperating with the Police or their investigation. However it depends on the circumstances in each case. Evidence is normally required such as Hospital, GP and Police Records to legitimise the claim and provide a strong case and a higher likelihood of receiving an award.

There is a time scale limitation in which a victim can apply to the scheme. The application must be made within 2 years of the incident or 2 years from the date the incident is reported to the Police. There are circumstances in which the CICA may allow an application outside of this time scale however it must be a legitimate reason why the applicant has taken longer to apply than required such as psychological injury that has effected the victim.

In June 2019 new legislation came into force abolishing the ‘same roof rule’. Before this, victims of violent crimes and sexual abuse were banned from receiving any compensation if the attacker was a family member with whom they were living at the time of the incident. Up to 7,500 victims of child abuse or domestic violence will now be able to claim from a pot worth £126 million bringing relief to those who'd until now been locked out of the system. The changes mean that anyone previously denied compensation under the rule, or put off from coming forward because of it, will be able to make fresh applications.

Here at Ramsdens Solicitors we deal with compensation claims from people who have been physically or mentally injured because they were the victim of a violent crime or sexual abuse in England, Scotland or Wales. Our abuse team specialise in claims to the CICA and will ensure your potential claim is maximised and the most appropriate award is received. For more information or to speak to one of our team, contact 0113 8871 834 or email Natalie.marrison@ramsdens.co.uk.