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 highlighting this form of abuse may be making others think about whether they themselves have been a victim and may have a claim for sexual assault, whether it be recent or historic.

Under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), you can claim for sexual assault on the conditions that you:

• Have reported the abuse to the police and you have been provided with a police crime number.
• Are making the claim within two years of the incident. This limitation period may be extended in some circumstances, such as if the assault has had an impact psychologically on the victim.

The CICA will pay compensation for historical sexual abuse. For example – abuse or assault that occurred when you were a child or more than two years ago, but it must be reported to the police in order to qualify for a CICA claim.

If you were unable to report the abuse at the time due to fear for your safety or if you are traumatised from the incident(s), you must report them to the police, and it is then important that you make your claim to the CICA within two years of this.

If the incident was reported to the police when you were a child or more than two years ago, you will then need to show that you had a good reason for not applying for the claim within the normal 2 year rule. The CICA has strict criteria surrounding these claims. For example, they do not accept that the reason you have not brought a claim within two years of reporting is because you were unaware that the scheme existed.

The CICA can award between £1,000 and £44,000 in compensation for sexual assault claims, dependent on the severity. Many victims of assault are rightly nervous about seeking compensation and this is completely normal. Oakwood Solicitors can guide you through the process to make you feel as comfortable as possible and ease your concerns to put forward the best argument for your claim and circumstances, in order to get the best possible outcome.

The CICA criteria relating to sexual assault is extremely strict and complicated. If you are a victim of sexual abuse or assault, then seeking legal advice could be the best way of completing a successful application.

Further reading

Sexual abuse/domestic abuse claims – Oakwood Solicitors

Criminal Injury claims – Oakwood Solicitors

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