You can seek compensation after surviving sexual abuse by an uncle through a civil claim or the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). In cases involving abuse within an extended family network, the CICA determines compensation settlements by evaluating the specific physical, financial, and psychological impact on your life. Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice provides the specialised legal knowledge and expertise required to manage these applications with sensitivity, guiding you through every stage of the process with discretion and tailored support.
Experiencing sexual abuse by an uncle can be deeply traumatic, particularly when it involves a trusted family member. At Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice, we understand that speaking about what happened can feel challenging, especially if the experience has been carried in silence for years. Our solicitors provide a comprehensive sexual abuse compensation service tailored specifically to claims involving family members, including complex historic cases. This gives us the expertise needed to handle your case with compassion and confidentiality, ensuring you are fully supported from the outset.
Whether the abuse happened recently or many years ago, we are ready to help you navigate the process of claiming through the civil courts or the CICA. Our solicitors work to reduce the burden on you wherever possible, from handling paperwork to gathering evidence and communicating with relevant organisations on your behalf.
If you are considering making a claim, our team can explain the process clearly, answer your questions confidentially, and help you understand what legal options may be available to you. You can reach us by:
- Calling us on 0333 091 8597
- Contacting us online
- Talking to an advisor through our live chat
Browse This Guide
- When Are You Able To Claim For Sexual Abuse By An Uncle?
- How To Claim For Sexual Abuse By An Uncle
- What Is The Time Limit For Sexual Abuse Claims?
- What Compensation Could I Receive For A Successful CICA Claim?
- Make A Claim For Sexual Abuse By An Uncle With A No Win No Fee Solicitor
- Learn More About Making Sexual Abuse Claims Through The CICA
When Are You Able To Claim For Sexual Abuse By An Uncle?
Sexual abuse from a family member can have serious long-term effects. In this section, we explain who could be eligible to begin a criminal injury claim for such abuse.
As we said in the introduction, claims for sexual abuse by an uncle can be made through the CICA, a government body that was set up to provide compensation for victims of violent crimes. They are responsible for administering the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012.
To begin a CICA claim, the eligibility criteria are as follows:
- You suffered harm as a result of a violent crime covered by the 2012 Scheme. This definition covers sexual assault.
- The crime occurred in Great Britain or another relevant place.
- You reported the crime to the police.
It is not required that your attacker be convicted or even charged for you to begin a claim. However, it is important to be aware that the CICA is to be used as a last resort and if there are other avenues available to you for seeking compensation, you should use these. For example, you may be able to claim directly against the perpetrator if they have been identified and have the means to pay compensation.
Call our team for further guidance on claiming for sexual abuse by an uncle. An advisor can answer any questions you might have regarding seeking compensation.
How To Claim For Sexual Abuse By An Uncle
In order to start a CICA claim you will need to provide the following evidence:
- Your police reference number. You’ll receive this when the crime is reported.
- Proof of your residency.
- Medical evidence that highlights the extent of your injuries and establishes that you suffered an injury the Scheme can compensate for.
The CICA will coordinate with the police for evidence of the crime taking place, such as witness statements. You do not need to acquire this yourself.
One of our specialist solicitors could support you with collecting evidence. Talk to our team today for a free assessment of your eligibility to claim. If eligible, we could not only assist you with acquiring evidence but also ensure your claim is brought within the relevant time limit.
What Is The Time Limit For Sexual Abuse Claims?
There is a 2-year limit imposed on CICA claims, which is generally counted from the date of reporting. In most cases, you are expected to report the crime straight away. Extensions can be applied if exceptional circumstances prevented you from reporting the crime when it occurred.
In cases when the victim was a minor when the incident occurred, such as historical abuse cases, a CICA claim must be made by your 20th birthday if the crime was reported when you were a child. For crimes reported as an adult, the 2-year limit then applies from the date the incident was first reported to the police.
The Scheme was amended in 2019, which allowed victims to claim against family members who lived in their household. While a deadline of 13th June 2021 was put in place, it is the CICA’s discretion if they accept claims beyond the deadline. What this means is you may still be eligible to claim compensation.
Our team of advisors can offer more information regarding the time limits as well as your eligibility to begin a CICA claim. Get in touch today using the details given above.
What Compensation Could I Receive For A Successful CICA Claim?
If your claim succeeds, you will be awarded compensation according to the 2012 Scheme Tariff. Our compensation table uses examples of CICA payouts from the Scheme. The Scheme tariff amounts are fixed and include compensation for both physical and psychological injury.
Compensation Table
| Injury | Tariff Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sexual abuse with other damages | Up to £500,000 | Compensation for lost earnings, special expenses and other injuries. |
| Non-consensual penile penetration of vagina, anus and/or mouth | £44,000 | Leading to severe and permanent mental illness along with serious internal bodily injury. |
| £27,000 | Resulting in a severe and permanently disabling mental illness. | |
| £22,000 | Repeated pattern of incidents by one or more attackers over a period of 3 years or more. | |
| Sexual assault | £27,000 | Leading to a severe and permanently disabling mental illness. |
| £22,000 | Frequent pattern of repetitive abuse by one or more attackers that cause serious internal bodily injuries. | |
| Other Payments | £22,000 | Infection with Hepatitis B, C and/or HIV. |
| £11,000 | Infection with an STI other than Hepatitis B, C or HIV that results in permanent disability. |
The Scheme accounts for cases where more than one injury has been sustained. In these instances, the multiple injuries formula will be considered. The formula is applied in the following increments:
- 100% of the tariff amount for the highest value injury.
- 30% for the second highest or an injury of equal value.
- 15% for the third highest, or an injury of equal value.
While the Scheme compensates for a maximum of 3 injuries, you can receive an additional tariff payment if you contracted an STI, became pregnant, or lost a foetus as a result of the violent crime.
Special Expenses And Loss Of Earnings
Costs stemming from your injuries could be reimbursed under special expenses. This can include the costs of domestic support, the management of your affairs, and repairs or replacements of personal aid equipment that was damaged in the attack.
Additionally, you could receive a loss of earnings payment if you were unable to work or lost earning capacity as a direct result of your injuries.
However, to claim special expenses and loss of earnings payments, you must satisfy certain eligibility requirements. Therefore, for a more specific estimate of what your potential claim could be worth, contact our advisors using the details given below.
Make A Claim For Sexual Abuse By An Uncle With A No Win No Fee Solicitor
To begin your CICA claim, first speak to our advisors for a free consultation on your eligibility to claim. If it is decided that your potential claim is valid, one of our experienced sexual abuse solicitors could take on your case.
Our solicitors offer their services under a No Win No Fee contract called a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). Advantages of claiming under this type of contract include, under most circumstances, no fees at the start of or during the claims process for the solicitor’s services. You will likewise not pay for these services if the solicitor does not win your claim.
Compensation will be awarded if your claim succeeds. The solicitor will take a capped percentage amount of your compensation as their success fee. Success fee percentages are discussed prior to the start of a claim and the legally binding cap means you will keep most of the awarded compensation.
Our advisors can offer free and impartial advice as well as a zero-cost assessment of your eligibility to begin a claim. To speak to a member of our team you can:
- Phone us on the number at the top of the page.
- Complete our “Contact Us” form online.
- Click the live chat button in the bottom corner of your screen.
Learn More About Making Sexual Abuse Claims Through The CICA
You can read more of our CICA claims guides here:
- Find out the eligibility criteria to claim for sexual abuse by a grandparent and what compensation you could receive.
- Learn more about claiming for teacher sexual abuse against the school or through the CICA.
- Read our guide on getting support from historical sexual abuse solicitors for your claim.
We have also included some external links you may find useful:
- You can learn more about reporting abuse from the NSPCC.
- The NHS has provided this resource for finding rape and sexual assault referral centres in your area.
- Find out how to report a rape or sexual assault from the Government website.
Thank you for reading this guide on starting a CICA claim following sexual abuse by an uncle. Our dedicated team of advisors can answer any questions you have. Get in touch today using the contact information provided above.
