Make A Sexual Abuse Compensation Claim
Read our guide as we discuss historical sex abuse compensation and who can make a claim.
£85 million in compensation
Make A Sexual Abuse Compensation Claim
Read our guide as we discuss historical sex abuse compensation and who can make a claim.
If you have suffered because of historical sexual abuse, you already know the far-reaching impact it can have. You may have heard about claiming sexual abuse compensation, but aren’t sure what the process involves. If that is the case, you may find this guide to be of help.
We understand that taking the first steps to claiming compensation can be filled with questions, so we aim to answer some of the more common ones with our guide. You will learn about the eligibility requirements for pursuing compensation and the steps involved in starting a claim.
Additionally, this guide will outline who pays out compensation and what it can cover. Finally, we discuss how one of our specialist sexual abuse solicitors can help support your claim.
At any point as you read this guide, you can reach out to our team for guidance and a free criminal injury claim assessment. There are no obligations, and the advice given is strictly confidential. So, why not speak with an advisor and see if you can make a compensation claim by:
- Calling on 0151 375 9916
- Filling out our contact us form.
What Is The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority?
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is a government agency responsible for administering compensation to victims of crime. Claiming through the CICA is intended to be a ‘last resort’ for individuals who have no other avenue for compensation, such as claiming directly against a sexual abuser or vicariously liable institution.
To fulfil this duty, the CICA administers the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012 to compensate individuals through a fixed tariff (which we’ll cover in more detail later on in this guide). Despite being a last resort, the CICA assesses a significant number of claims. To put its caseload in context, the agency received 41,428 new applications in 2023/24 – a 13% increase on the previous year. Further, 37,119 claims were resolved, and £165 million was awarded to victims.
Our advisors are available 24/7 if you have any questions about the CICA and the organisation’s role in sexual abuse compensation claims.
Can I Make A Sexual Abuse Claim Through The CICA?
Yes, so long as you meet certain eligibility criteria, you have the option of claiming through the CICA. In short, you will need to show that:
- You reported the historic sexual abuse to the police.
- The crime happened in Great Britain or another eligible location, such as a British vessel.
- You were subjected to a crime of violence (the CICA extends the definition to the threat of imminent violence).
- Your claim is being started within 2 years of the abuse happening.
The CICA does consider exceptional circumstances for claims that aren’t started within its 2-year time limit. However, please note that the CICA will need evidence to consider whether those circumstances are valid.
We understand that you may have questions about the eligibility criteria and time limits. If so, please don’t hesitate to speak to one of our trained team members for more information.
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Can I Claim For Historical Sexual Abuse?
As long as you meet the eligibility criteria outlined above, you may be able to claim compensation for historic sexual abuse. Many survivors who suffer child sexual abuse don’t immediately make a police report or seek compensation. Whilst we recommend making a report as soon as possible, we do understand that it is not always possible in cases involving childhood abuse.
However, it’s important to remember that the CICA will only assess claims that have a valid crime reference number. They will use these details to liaise with the police, who can provide the CICA with information that might be useful as evidence for your claim.
Does The Perpetrator Need To Be Convicted For My To Have A Valid Claim?
No, you won’t have to wait for your abuser to be convicted in order to start a claim for sexual abuse compensation. In fact, you may be able to make a claim even if the police never identify or catch your abuser. That is because the CICA bases its decisions on the ‘balance of probability’ that the abuse likely happened.
However, as noted in the previous section, the CICA will only consider your claim if the sexual offences were reported to the police and you cooperated with any police investigation. The CICA will use the findings of any investigation to help determine whether compensation should be awarded.
We understand that the CICA claims process can raise a lot of questions, and that’s why our advisors are available 24/7. Why not get in touch for free and confidential advice today?
What Compensation For Sexual Abuse Could I Get?
You may receive compensation for the injuries you suffered due to sexual abuse. These can range from physical injuries like broken bones to psychological problems, such as a disabling mental injury diagnosed by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
As we noted earlier in this article, compensation through the CICA is determined by a fixed tariff system. Essentially, that means payouts for specific injuries never go below or above what is listed in the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012.
The Scheme can pay up to £500,000 in sexual abuse compensation for successful claims. This level of compensation would encompass both your injuries and certain financial losses.
Additionally, the CICA uses a multiple injury formula wherever applicable. In short, this formula compensates claimants for up to 3 injuries and means:
You receive 100% of the compensation for the highest-valued injury.
30% of the tariff amount for the second-highest valued injury.
15% for the third-highest valued injury.
However, there are additional injuries that are separate from the CICA’s main tariff. That means you could also be compensated if your abuse led to a pregnancy, a sexually transmitted infection, or the loss of a foetus.
Tariff Table
Below, you can find a list of some relevant fixed amounts from the Scheme. Please keep in mind that the top-most figure is not sourced from the document, and this table has been included as guidance only.
| Criminal Injury | Compensation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Criminal Injuries + Special Expenses | £500,000 | Encompasses multiple criminal injuries as well as special expenses like mobility aids. |
| Non-Consensual Penile Penetration of 1 or More of Vagina, Anus or Mouth | £44,000 | Internal bodily injuries will be serious and there will be a mental illness that is both permanent and disabling. |
| £33,000 | While the internal bodily injuries will be serious, the permanently disabling mental illness will be moderate. | |
| £27,000 | A severe mental illness that is disabling and permanent. | |
| £22,000 | A moderate mental illness that is disabling and permanent. | |
| £22,000 | Multiple incidents occurred over a period of 3 years or more. | |
| £13,500 | At least 2 attackers. | |
| Sexual Assault | £27,000 | A severe mental illness that is disabling and permanent. |
| £22,000 | A moderate mental illness that is disabling and permanent. | |
| £22,000 | Internal bodily injuries that are serious. |
Can I Get Any Other Types Of Sexual Abuse Compensation?
As long as you have sufficient evidence, you may also be able to claim certain special expenses related to the historic abuse. Specifically, sexual abuse claims can help survivors recover costs for:
- Specially-adapted cars or home modifications to accommodate your injuries, such as a stairlift.
- Replacing damaged physical aids that you relied upon, including glasses.
- Care to assist with food preparation or bodily functions.
- Equipment designed to support your injuries, such as kitchen aids.
Besides having proof of these costs, you will also need to show that the expenses were reasonable, necessary, and not freely available from another source. Additionally, if you meet specific criteria, you may be entitled to claim for a loss of earnings.
We are here to help, so please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about sexual abuse compensation. Our advisors are here 24/7 and can provide free and confidential guidance.
We pride ourselves
on providing the best service
possible for our clients.
We pride ourselves on providing the best service possible for our clients.
Do I Need To Work With A Solicitor To Claim Through The CICA?
You are under no obligation to instruct a solicitor to make a CICA claim, but it can be advantageous. A solicitor experienced with sexual abuse cases can help to ensure your application contains all the information that might be required by the CICA.
Moreover, working with a solicitor means you don’t have to navigate the claims process by yourself. Instead, you can get whatever support you might need with tasks like gathering medical evidence and communicating with the CICA.
To discuss working with a solicitor to pursue sexual abuse compensation, please use the contact details listed in this guide to get in touch with an advisor. Next, we take a more detailed look at how you could benefit from working with one of our solicitors at JF Law.
Our Specialist No Win No Fee Sexual Abuse Solicitors
At JF Law, we take a client-first approach to representing claims. That commitment ensures our specialist solicitors support clients throughout the claims process. This approach means you can focus on your needs while your solicitor works to secure the compensation you are entitled to.
Here at JF Law, we also understand that the prospect of paying substantial fees to instruct a solicitor can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be that way. How? One way our No Win No Fee solicitors support clients is by offering them a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA).
In short, CFAs allow survivors to seek sexual abuse compensation without needing to pay solicitor fees:
- Upfront.
- As their claim moves forward.
- If they don’t receive compensation.
Instead, you pay a success fee if you do get compensation. That fee is payment for your solicitor’s work. While it comes out of your compensation, the percentage taken is capped by law, so you keep the bulk of what you get.
Contact JF Law
Are you ready to start your claim? Find out why our expert solicitors have already secured over £80 million in compensation across the country. Get in touch by:
- Calling on 0151 375 9916
- Filling out our contact us form.
Learn More
If you would like to read up on other criminal injury claims, please consider our guides on:
- Claiming for bodily scarring.
- How to claim for rape compensation.
- Frequently asked questions about criminal injury claims.
You may also find the following external resources to be of help:
- Government information on getting support after a violent crime.
- NHS advice about help after rape and sexual assault.
- A government campaign offering support to sexual abuse victims.
As we reach the end of our guide on sexual abuse compensation, we want to thank you for taking the time to read this article.
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