News and Knowledge

Sexual Assault Survivors Gain A New Right to Review Pilot

For the first time, a Victim’s Right to Review (VRR) pilot will allow victims of serious sexual assault and rape who may have their cases dismissed by prosecutors to have a fresh prosecutor evaluate their case prior to any final decisions being made.     New Pilot Program Launches to Support Sexual Assault and Rape…

CICA claims for Ex-Army Personnel: A guide to compensation for victims of crime

Serving in the armed forces often exposes individuals to risks and dangers beyond the ordinary.   While most service-related injuries are addressed through military compensation schemes, there are instances where ex-Army personnel might fall victim to violent crimes either during or after their service.     In such cases, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)…

Historic sexual abuse claims

If you have been a victim of historical sexual abuse, you may have suffered physically and psychologically for many years. But even if decades have passed since the abuse took place, it is never too late to seek justice.   By pursuing a historical sexual abuse claim, victims can seek compensation for the damages they…

Responsibilities on an applicant during a CICA claim

Whilst it is a representative’s role to assist with the claim process, there are certain tasks that an applicant must do themselves.   In this article we will run through the specific responsibilities which fall on an applicant and will explain why they are necessary to ensure the success of a claim to the Criminal…

Can I submit a claim to the CICA as a victim of sexual assault?

There is a visible media presence highlighting the abuse and effects of sexual assault at the moment.   Programmes such as BBC’s ‘The Reckoning’ is exploring the appalling impact of sexual abuse crimes committed by media personality and sexual offender Jimmy Saville, and the difficulties faced by those who tried to raise the alarm. Media…

Monica Allen: The woman who changed the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme for the better

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme was initially introduced in 1964.   Within this was the ‘same roof rule’ which stated that an applicant was not eligible for compensation if the assailant was a family member they were living with at the time of the incident. Whilst the intention of the rule was to prevent assailants…

Domestic Abuse in the LGBTQ+ Community

Over LGBTQ+ History Month, individuals come together in celebration of every LGBTQ+ person and in protest of any abuse individuals face.   This includes solidarity against domestic abuse. Contrary to the myth that abuse cannot happen in LGBTQ+ relationships, around 25% of LGBTQ+ people and 80% of transgender people have suffered domestic abuse[1]. These are…

Claiming for PTSD under the CICA

Following an assault, some victims require the support of a clinical psychologist due to deteriorating mental health including PTSD and EUPD, especially in sexual abuse or domestic violence cases.   This can be seen in symptoms such as an inability to focus, flashbacks and ‘replaying’ of the events in one’s mind, disturbed sleep patterns and…

Can I submit a claim to the CICA as a victim of a dog attack?

When it comes to dog attacks and being able to claim through the CICA, it can be difficult to satisfy the required criteria within the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012.   Specifically paragraph 4: ‘a person may be eligible… if they sustain a criminal injury which is directly attributable to their being a direct victim…

Criminal Injury Interview – Work Experience Student

Our work experience student, Yvonne Owusu, was tasked with interviewing a department in the Firm to find out more about it and the day-to-day responsibilities of the team.   Yvonne chose Criminal Injury and interviewed both members of the team, Gabrielle and Millie. Read on for the Work Experience Criminal Injury interview in full!  …