A Guide on Making CICA Abuse Claims

Are you a victim of some sort of abuse? You can be compensated for it and get justice. The scars of abuse can be long lasting. It can impact your life badly. But the good news is that you can get compensated for it. Here, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) plays its role. You can make CICA abuse claims. It can offer support to victims by giving them abuse compensation.

To make you aware of your rights, this blog will explain what CICA abuse claims are, how to apply, and what to expect in the process.

CICA Abuse Claims

Abuse is any act where a person intentionally harms by misusing their powers. CICA covers various types of abuse, including

1. Physical abuse

When someone causes you harm physically, it is called physical abuse. This includes hitting, beating, slapping or punching, burning or strangling etc.

2. Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse involves any forced sexual activity or behavior through manipulation, or coercion.

3. Emotional abuse

It is the use of such words and actions that attempt to control or hurt someone’s mental well-being.

According to Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme Review 2020

“Compensation is, along with access to emotional and practical support, one way that society can recognise the harm victims have experienced and help them in their recovery. If you had to deal with any of these types of abuse, you can surely claim compensation from CICA.”

Discover the role of Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

Who Can Apply?

Being a victim of abuse, you can make a claim. But before doing so you have to check if you are eligible for it or not. Here we have mentioned some points that should be kept in mind while making a claim:

1. The abuse must be a crime which means that it  must be punishable under law.
2. You must be the victim.
3. The crime must have happened in the UK.
4. You must apply within two years.
5. You must have reported it to the police.

4. Child Abuse:

An abuse to a child can be physical, emotional or sexual. It can also be in the form of neglect. It may involve beating, exploitation, constant criticism, or failing to provide essential care. CICA allows claims for historic abuse cases. It is mainly because victims may not be able to come forward until later in life.

5. Domestic Abuse:

It refers to any kind of abusive behaviour occurring within a domestic setting. It could be between partners or family members. It is often about coercive control. Here, the abuser uses fear and threats to control the victim over time.

6. Hate crimes:

If the abuse happened because of your race or gender, it is referred to as hate crime and can be claimed for.

3. Fill Out the CICA Application Form

Get it reported and you can potentially apply for abuse compensation. The form requests information about the abuse and its impact on you. If you don’t know everything, that’s alright. So just do your best to give the information.

You can speak to a solicitor if you need support. They can help you with filling out the form and ensure every detail is provided.

4. Wait for the Decision

After submitting your application, CICA will review it. They may ask for more information. Once they have everything, they’ll make a decision about whether or not you are eligible for compensation. The review process can take some time, but you should receive a letter with the final decision.

The CICA received 36,686 new applications in 2022-23, showing the highest annual intake since the 2012 scheme was fully operational.

Explore reliable Medico-Legal Services in the UK for accurate legal reports.

Which Factors Affect the Compensation You Get?

The amount you can receive for CICA abuse claims depends on several factors:

1. Type of abuse:

The compensation largely depends on the severity and nature of abuse. Serious injuries like sexual abuse or severe physical harm usually result in higher compensation. For example, if a person suffered sexual abuse as a child, they could be awarded £22,000 or more depending on the duration of abuse.

2. Impact on your life:

Abuse can affect your life in the long term.In cases where the abuse caused lasting emotional harm, there is  more compensation. If you are found to be having PTSD or any such issue that severely impacts your ability to function then you may be entitled to £13,500.

3. Financial losses:

If you missed work or had medical bills because of the abuse, these costs could be covered. In this case CICA compensation can help cover:

• Pain and suffering:

Money for the emotional and physical damage caused by the abuse.

• Lost earnings:

If you were unable to work for over 28 weeks due to the effects of abuse, you could be compensated for lost earnings, based on the national minimum wage.

• Medical care:

If you had to pay for travel to therapy or specialist treatment, these out-of-pocket expenses may also be reimbursed under special expenses, provided certain criteria are met.

Get an insight into How is the CICA Compensation Tariff calculated?

What if Your Claim is Rejected?

Sometimes, CICA abuse claims may be rejected. If the abuse wasn’t reported soon enough or if there isn’t sufficient evidence, this can occur. If your claim is denied, don’t despair. You have the right to appeal the decision.

You can provide other proofs or request for a review of your application. If you can get advice from a solicitor or support group they can help you through the appeal process.

£352,000 Awarded After 26 Years in Modern Slavery

In a case, Victim A was held captive and forced to work as a slave on a travellers’ site for 26 years in Lincolnshire. In 2014, 11 members of the Rooney family were convicted.

Compensation under the Proceeds of Crime Act initially awarded only ~£12,428. The family of the victim then took their case to CICA. Ultimately, Victim A received £352,000 for funding lifelong care. This case highlights both the role and limitations of CICA in addressing modern slavery, demonstrating how additional legal avenues can lead to more appropriate victim compensation.

How Can Concise Medico Help You?

Being a victim of abuse, you can always seek financial assistance through CICA abuse claims. If you have been harmed by a violent crime you have all the rights to pursue the procedure. If you are unsure of your eligibility or do not know where to start with making CICA abuse claims, Concise Medico is here to assist you. We will guide you through it.

Remember you are not alone and you are not the only one affected by abuse.We will help you, from where you are right now in your life, to come up with steps to start healing and rebuilding.

Get in touch with our Medico-Legal Experts for tailored solutions.