Domestic Abuse Claims
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If you’ve experienced domestic abuse, you may have the right to financial justice.
Especially if there’s proof of a “crime of violence” happening. This includes cases involving physical or sexual violence, for which compensation can be awarded.
The CICA doesn’t provide compensation for these situations:
- Emotional abuse
- Stalking
- Harassment and bullying
- Financial abuse
- Coercive control
The CICA scheme rules require the victim to evidence the fact that they are blameless and that the attacker cannot gain any financial benefit from the award. This means claims may be denied if a partner committed the abuse, and you have chosen to stay with that partner.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) provides financial compensation to people who have suffered injuries as a result of violent crime, including domestic abuse.
Depending on the nature and severity of the physical injuries, awards can range from £2,000 to £8,200 under the current scheme (updated in 2012).
Importantly, the scheme also includes dedicated provisions for children who have experienced abuse.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) carefully assesses domestic abuse claims on an individual basis. They review police reports, consider patterns of abuse, and may examine any delay in reporting. Abuse should be reported to the police as soon as reasonably possible, but where there has been a delay, this can often be properly explained within the application.
Legal representation can help ensure your claim is prepared thoroughly, your evidence is presented clearly, and any concerns raised by the CICA are addressed effectively.
We handle most CICA claims under a no win, no fee agreement. You will not pay our legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful. If compensation is awarded, an agreed success fee will be deducted in line with our written Terms and Conditions. You will also have a 14-day cooling-off period after signing your agreement, during which you may cancel, subject to provisions if work has begun at your request.
If you would like confidential advice about your eligibility, please contact our team.
No. Your information is never shared with others without your explicit permission. Your compensation is funded by the government and we would never contact the person who has harmed you.
You might be eligible to claim compensation. The police and Crown Prosecution Service must prove guilt “beyond all reasonable doubt,” which can sometimes prevent charges if evidence or details are missing. In contrast, the CICA’s burden of proof is lower: they accept that a crime likely occurred “on the balance of probability,” so you could be entitled to compensation based on this standard.
Yes, provided you have the necessary medical treatment for the same. The CICA requires a diagnosis from a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist. If you do not yet have this but are receiving counselling or therapy, contact our specialist Criminal Injury Lawyers for further guidance.