If you have been the victim of a violent crime in the UK you may want to consider making a claim for compensation as there is a UK authority set up to support UK citizens, affected by violent crime committed on UK soil.
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What Is a CICA Claim?
A CICA claim allows victims of violent crime or abuse in the UK to receive compensation. Administered by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), this government body operates under the Ministry of Justice. Compensation amounts range from £1,000 to £500,000, depending on the severity of the injuries.
Who Can Apply for a CICA Claim?
You may be eligible to apply if you are:
- A victim of violent crime in England, Scotland, Wales, or a British-controlled aircraft.
- A victim of specific types of abuse or violence, such as violent assault, sexual abuse (including historical child abuse), domestic violence.
- Psychological trauma from threats, human trafficking, terrorism,
- If you’ve lost a loved one to a violent crime.
No criminal conviction is required to have been secured against the perpetrator. However, the crime must have been reported to the police, and there must be sufficient evidence that a violent crime occurred.
What Injuries Can You Claim For?
You can seek compensation for a range of injuries, including:
- Physical injuries from assaults.
- Psychological harm from threats or violent events.
- Sexual abuse injuries, including historical abuse.
- Domestic abuse injuries.
- Harm from human trafficking or terrorism.
- Compensation for the death of a loved one due to a violent crime.
Note: Minor injuries like bruising, broken noses, or superficial cuts without significant scarring generally aren’t eligible for criminal injury compensation.
The CICA Claim Process
The process involves three stages:
- Initial Submission: You submit your claim to CICA, providing police and medical evidence. CICA will decide if you qualify for compensation and how much you should receive.
- Review Stage: If you disagree with the decision, you can request a review within 56 days. A different CICA officer will reassess the claim and may ask for additional evidence.
- Appeal Stage: If you’re still not satisfied with the outcome you can appeal to the CICA Tribunal. Their decision is final however.
Time limits are strict: you typically must submit your claim within two years of the incident. The process duration depends on the complexity of the claim.
Is a Conviction Required?
No, a conviction isn’t needed for a CICA claim. However, the crime must have been reported to the police, and there must be enough evidence to prove you were a victim of violent crime.
Time Limits for CICA Claims
The standard time limit for submitting a claim is two years from the date of the crime. Exceptions include:
- For children: Claims must be made before their 20th birthday, if reported before they turned 18.
- Historical child abuse: If reported as an adult, claims must be made within two years of the report.
- Exceptional circumstances: Time limits may be extended if, for example, police delayed the process or the victim was physically or mentally unable to apply.
How Much Compensation Can You Receive?
Compensation depends on the severity of your injuries:
- Minimum: £1,000.
- Maximum: £500,000 for the most severe cases.
You can claim for up to three injuries, but compensation for the second and third injuries is reduced: 100% for the most serious, 30% for the second, and 15% for the third.
Eligibility for CICA Claims
To be eligible, you must meet these criteria:
- Be a direct victim of a violent crime.
- The crime must have happened in the UK or another relevant place.
- The incident must have been reported to the police.
- You must meet nationality and residency requirements.
- You must cooperate in bringing the offender to justice.
- An unspent criminal conviction may affect your eligibility.
Additionally, you may be able to recover lost earnings or special expenses if your injuries prevent you from working.
Concerns About the CICA
While the CICA is a vital resource, concerns have been raised about its operation. In 2019, the Victims’ Commissioner pointed out:
- The application process can re-traumatize victims by requiring them to recount painful details repeatedly.
- Many victims are unaware of the CICA and how it works.
- The two-year time limit doesn’t always reflect the reality of long-term abuse, especially for children.
- The legal complexities mean that nearly 40% of applicants need a third party to help them navigate the process.
Whilst this post is designed to give an overview of the UK criminal injury claim authority process of making a claim for criminal injuries, this post should not be considered as legal advice.
Although the CICA process can be handled independently, it’s wise to consult a lawyer to ensure you receive the full compensation you may be entitled to. For example, this case, where an Abuse victim was awarded 20 times more from CICA with expert legal advice, perfectly demonstrates the power of having a legal professional assist you.
