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Sexual Abuse Compensation Claims Specialists
Learn about sexual abuse compensation claims and how our solicitors can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
£85 million in compensation
Sexual Abuse Compensation Claims Specialists
Learn about sexual abuse compensation claims and how our solicitors can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
AS SEEN ON
The amount of sexual abuse compensation you may be able to claim is dependent on specific influential factors such as the type of harm you have suffered, the severity and whether you have incurred financial losses. Sexual abuse compensation claims may be pursued against an individual perpetrator, a third party with vicarious liability, or through a government-funded compensation scheme.
We recognise that deciding to take legal action as a survivor is a deeply personal matter that can be challenging to navigate. That’s why, here at JF Law, we approach every civil and criminal injury claim of this nature with respect and sensitivity. Our advisors are the first point of contact for support, and they can help you carefully assess your claim’s eligibility and explain how the legal process works at this early stage.
Here at JF Law, accessible legal support is important to us, and that’s why our solicitors provide their services on No Win No Fee terms. In other words, this ensures financial transparency throughout and allows you to start claiming without delay. As a survivor, you can trust us to provide you with the pastoral care you deserve during this legal process.
To find out how JF Law can support you in seeking compensation, contact our team in confidence using the details below:
- Call us for free on 0151 375 9916
- Contact us online
Can I Claim Compensation For Sexual Abuse Against A Vicariously Liable Party?
You can claim compensation for sexual abuse against a vicariously liable party if you can prove that the abuse was closely connected to the perpetrator’s role or employment in a specific organisation. This is due to organisations having a legal obligation, known as a duty of care, to take reasonable steps to safeguard individuals they are responsible for from foreseeable harm.
An organisation might be liable for the actions of its staff or representatives if this duty is not met, such as by not conducting background checks or failing to act on repeated reports of sexual abuse. This may create valid grounds for a civil claim if the failure leads to you suffering abuse that results in harm.
Vicariously Liable Third Party Examples
Parties that may be held to have vicarious liability can include:
- Employers: Businesses and organisations may be held vicariously liable for abuse committed by their employees, even when they were unaware of the conduct.
- Schools and Educational Institutions: Schools, universities and other educational institutions can be found liable for sexual abuse committed by teachers, maintenance staff, and student support workers.
- Religious Organisations: These organisations can be held responsible for abuse carried out by clergy, spiritual leaders, and specialised ministry workers.
- Local Authorities and Government Entities: Local authorities and government entities can be liable for sexual abuse committed by staff and representatives, such as social workers, police officers and firefighters.
- Charities and Voluntary Organisations: Those engaged in charity and voluntary work may be held responsible for the actions of volunteers, trustees, or others acting on their behalf.
- Health and Care Providers: Various healthcare organisations can be deemed responsible for the actions of their employees, ranging from care home workers to private consultant surgeons.
If you have been harmed by someone in a position of trust, you deserve legal representation that will use their legal expertise to help you pursue sexual abuse compensation. Connect with an advisor today to start the process.
How Much Sexual Abuse Compensation Can I Claim?
The amount of sexual abuse compensation you can claim is dependent on the severity of the abuse, the level of psychological trauma, and whether the harm you suffered directly affected you financially. At JF Law, our solicitors often use the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) to value clients’ claims. This is because the document covers a broad range of suggested compensation brackets for harms, severities, and suggested compensation brackets.
Specifically, legal practitioners may use the publication to assess general damages. This head of claim covers the pain and suffering experienced by claimants, including both physical and psychological effects of the sexual abuse, for example, PTSD or anxiety.
We have taken some entries from the JCG and compiled them into a table for you to read. Please note that the top entry was not sourced from the JCG, and we also kindly ask that you use this table only for guidance. This is because these figures are not guaranteed figures of compensation.
| INJURY | COMPENSATION | NOTES |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Severe Injuries Plus Special Damages | Up to £500,000+ | Multiple severe injuries including special damages covering lost wages, private therapy sessions, and dedicated carer support. |
| (a – Severe) Sexual Abuse | £109,830 – £183,050 | The claimant may be compensated for serious and prolonged abuse, including severe or moderately severe psychiatric injury. |
| (b – Moderately Severe) Sexual Abuse | £54,920 – £109,830 | The individual will be compensated for serious abuse and/or moderately severe to severe psychiatric injuries. |
| (c – Moderate) Sexual Abuse | £25,100 – £54,920 | This compensation bracket covers both abuse and psychological reaction which are classed as less serious/severe. |
| (d – Less Severe) Sexual Abuse | £11,870 – £25,100 | Here, this level of award accounts for lower levels of seriousness and psychological impacts that are deemed to be mild and are quickly resolved. |
From first call to final outcome, we’re with you every step of the way. Please speak to an advisor today about sexual abuse compensation claims.
Can Sexual Abuse Compensation Cover Financial Losses?
Yes, sexual abuse compensation in civil cases can cover financial losses related to the harm you suffered, such as lost wages and damage to personal belongings, under a head of claim called special damages.
We’ve provided some other costs that can be covered in sexual abuse compensation claims below:
- Specialist trauma therapy, such as eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) or abuse-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Private medical care, including specialist support from gynaecologists or urologists
- Emergency relocation or purchase of additional home security measures
- Loss of future earnings, such as promotions and bonuses, due to the long-term impact of psychological trauma
- Additional tuition due to trauma-related disruption of your studies
- Travel from commuting to and from therapy and medical appointments
- Childcare, if additional support is required
- Recovery programmes or survivor support groups
These costs must be supported by evidence to be claimed, so hold on to receipts, payslips, bank statements, and other financial documentation.
You don’t need perfect evidence to start sexual abuse compensation claims. Speak to one of our advisors today.
How Do I Bring A Sexual Abuse Compensation Claim?
To bring a civil sexual abuse compensation claim, you must gather strong pieces of evidence to fortify your case, such as medical records detailing physical or psychological trauma, such as a diagnosis of PTSD. Other common types of documents that can be used in sexual abuse compensation claims include:
- Police reports, investigation records, and outcomes, such as a decision to charge the abuser
- Contact details for witnesses, which JF Law’s solicitors can use to obtain supportive testimony
- Therapy, counselling, or Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) notes
- Expert medical reports prepared specifically for the claim
- Journal entries detailing the abuse
- Notes from schools, social services, and support organisations
- Digital records, including emails, text messages or voicemails referencing the abuse
How Long Is The Sexual Abuse Compensation Claims Time Limit?
The sexual abuse compensation claims time limit is typically 3 years from the date of the incident, as per the Limitation Act 1980. There are sometimes exceptions, which we explain in detail in our guide to the limitation period.
You don’t need to take on the task of gathering evidence by yourself to start the sexual abuse compensation claims process. Speak to an advisor today to find out how JF Law is ready to support you with compassion and expertise.
We pride ourselves
on providing the best service
possible for our clients.
We pride ourselves on providing the best service possible for our clients.
Claiming Sexual Abuse Compensation Through The CICA?
Claiming sexual abuse compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is an option when a claimant is unable to take legal action against the perpetrator or a vicariously liable organisation. For instance, if the offender cannot be traced or lacks the funds necessary to pay compensation in a civil claim.
The CICA is a government-funded agency that compensates claimants who have experienced a violent crime in Great Britain, including survivors of sexual abuse. For a valid application, you will need to meet a specific set of eligibility criteria:
- You must have sustained an injury during a violent crime, which is defined under Annexe B of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012. Importantly, this includes sexual assault
- The incident must have happened in England, Wales or Scotland. Other locations may qualify, for example, if the sexual abuse occurred on a vessel or aeroplane, as long as it is registered to one of the aforementioned countries
- You must have reported the violent crime to the police
- You need to start your claim within 2 years of when the abuse happened, but the CICA does consider applications made outside of this period on a case-by-case basis
Just exploring options at the moment? That’s okay, as our advisors provide a supportive, no-pressure space for all enquiries. Call us today so we can help.
What CICA Sexual Abuse Compensation Can Be Awarded?
The amount of CICA sexual abuse compensation that can be awarded is linked to the fixed tariff of injuries highlighted in the CICA Scheme. As this is a fixed tariff system, the important thing to acknowledge here is that you would receive exactly what is listed for the harm you suffered.
CICA compensation can be awarded for up to 3 injuries via a multiple injuries formula. In sexual abuse compensation claims, this means successful applicants would receive:
- 100% of the tariff amount for the highest valued injury
- 30% for the second
- 15% for the third
This said, some additional payments not subject to this formula could be received if the sexual abuse resulted in you losing a foetus, contracting an STI, or becoming pregnant.
You can find a selection of CICA tariff amounts below, but bear in mind that the first figure is the absolute maximum payout CICA can award, including in sexual abuse compensation claims.
| INJURY | COMPENSATION | NOTES |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Severe Injuries + Special Expenses | Up to £500,000 | Multiple, severe injuries, lost earnings, and special expenses, including the cost of care, domestic support, and replacing damaged property. |
| Non-consensual, penile penetration | £44,000 | The injured person will have sustained severe internal injuries and a mental illness that is permanently disabling and deemed severely destabilising. |
| Non-consensual, penile penetration | £33,000 | Here, it will be the same as above except the mental illness will be categorised as moderately permanently disabling. |
| Non-consensual, penile penetration | £27,000 | Claimant will have experienced a severe mental illness that is permanently disabling. |
| Non-consensual, penile penetration | £22,000 | The injured person will have sustained serious internal injuries. |
| Non-consensual, penile penetration | £16,500 | There will have been repeated instances for a period of more than 3 years. |
| Non-consensual, penile penetration | £13,500 | Repeated instances will have occurred for up to 3 years. |
| Non-consensual, penile penetration | £13,500 | Involving 2 or more attackers. |
| Non-consensual, penile penetration | £11,000 | Perpetrated by a single attacker. |
| Sexual assault | £27,000 | The injured individual will suffer from a severe disabling and permanent mental illness as a direct result of the incident. |
Special Expenses In Sexual Abuse Compensation Claims
The CICA is also able to compensate applicants for their special expenses, which refers to certain financial impacts you might have encountered as a direct result of suffering sexual abuse. This can include the costs of:
- Repairing or replacing personal aids you depended on that were lost or damaged in the incident, such as a hearing aid
- Supervision required to prevent you from harming yourself or someone else
- Mobility equipment that you now need
- Adapting your home to support ongoing independent living
The CICA will only consider special expenses if you are able to prove that they were necessary, not freely available from another source, and were reasonable in nature. In addition, you may be able to claim for a loss of earnings, provided that the CICA’s eligibility requirements are met.
Act today to protect your right to sexual abuse compensation by connecting with an advisor.
What Will I Need To Claim For Sexual Abuse Through The CICA?
To claim for sexual abuse through the CICA, you will need medical evidence, a crime reference number, and proof that you met residency requirements at the time of the incident. These and other specific steps that can support an application are outlined below:
- Prioritising Your Wellbeing and Therapeutic Records: It is vital to use available mental health support services, as formal documentation of GP appointments and ongoing counselling will be used to document the extent of the impact the sexual abuse has had on you.
- Inform the Police: Even if you do not file a report immediately after the incident, this step is essential if you are going through the CICA, since valid applicants must have a crime reference number.
- Collect Strong and Supportive Evidence: For a valid CICA claim, you will need to have proof that you meet residency requirements and have a crime reference number. You may also need to supply medical evidence detailing the physical and psychological impact on you. We understand how daunting this can be for survivors, which is why we will support you when reporting the incident.
- Write Down the Long-Term Impacts: Detailing ongoing psychological distress by logging panic attacks or heightened anxiety will provide a more personal perspective of the impacts you endure on a daily basis.
- Adhering to the Legal Time Limits: In order to pursue sexual abuse compensation claims through the CICA, claimants must start their application within the legal time limit.
What Time Limits Apply To CICA Sexual Abuse Claims?
The time limits that generally apply to CICA sexual abuse claims are 2 years from the date of the incident to start your claim. However, in cases of historical sexual abuse involving a victim who was under 18 at the time, the time limit works as follows:
- If the police were notified before the applicant’s 18th birthday, the 2-year window begins on the date they turn 18.
- If a report was not made until on or after their 18th birthday, the applicant has 2 years to start pursuing compensation from the point that they first informed the police. The CICA will consider exceptional circumstances for claims made outside this window, but evidence must be provided to explain why a claim could not be pursued sooner.
To find out how long you have to make a sexual abuse claim through the CICA, call us today or start your enquiry online in just a few minutes.
Can A Solicitor Help Me Claim With A Sexual Abuse Claim?
Yes, a solicitor can help you with a sexual abuse claim, and JF Law has extensive experience supporting clients through both civil and criminal injury routes. We have broken down what each process entails below:
- Civil claims: In this instance, the claim would be against the abuser directly or, alternatively, an organisation that has vicarious liability (e.g., a local authority, school, or hospital).
- CICA claims: Our solicitors are also available to support clients through the CICA claims process. This avenue allows you to pursue compensation even if the offender has not been caught or convicted.
Notably, if you seek the help of a solicitor, they can run both claims at the same time as well as advise you on which route they believe is the strongest and most effective for sexual abuse compensation claims.
Take the first step toward justice in complete confidence. Contact us today for a free and private consultation with one of our trusted advisors.
Sexual Abuse Compensation With Our Solicitors
If you choose to work with our solicitors at JF Law, you will benefit from our wide range of support services tailored to the unique experience of survivors and our No Win No Fee funding option.
We discuss both these elements in detail below:
Why Use JF Law’s Solicitors To Claim For Sexual Abuse Compensation?
Using JF Law’s solicitors to claim for sexual abuse compensation will get you immediate access to tailor-made support services designed to provide expert legal guidance and support your wellbeing from day one.
We’ve provided several examples below of how we will ensure your needs are properly addressed. JF Law will:
- Be considerate and respectful in our approach during discussions with you due to the sensitive nature of your claim
- Design our service around your needs as a survivor by arranging virtual meetings and home visits
- Secure the mental health support you need by putting you in touch with vetted professionals who have robust experience in helping abuse survivors
- Provide you with the option to work with a female solicitor if that would make you feel more at ease
- Strive for excellence every single time when it comes to the quality of evidence we gather on your behalf to support your sexual abuse claim
No Win No Fee Sexual Abuse Compensation Claims
Our solicitors provide their services on No Win No Fee terms under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). This essentially means that:
- Nothing is paid upfront for your solicitor’s service fees
- You pay nothing towards solicitor service fees throughout the entire duration of the legal process
- If the claim fails, you still pay nothing towards solicitor service fees
If the claim wins, a small success fee will be taken from your sexual abuse compensation. However, the important thing to note is that this success fee is a percentage that’s legally capped at 25%, as per the Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2013. In other words, you’ll still receive the majority of the compensation no matter what.
Contact JF Law
Our solicitors have experience in handling complex and high-value claims. We are passionate about helping those who have suffered from sexual abuse. To find out how our solicitors can help you secure compensation, please contact us:
- Call us for free on 0151 375 9916
- Contact us online
Learn More
Some more guides by us:
- Read our guide on criminal injury claim FAQs.
- Take a look at our guide on child abuse claims.
- Have a read of our guide on assault compensation claims.
External resources:
- Request CCTV footage of yourself from GOV.UK.
- Talk to Rape Crisis UK about what happened to you.
- Here you will find help after rape and sexual assault from the NHS.
Thank you for taking the time to read our guide on sexual abuse compensation claims.
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