Sexual abuse can have a lasting impact on every aspect of a person’s life, including their physical health, emotional wellbeing and sense of safety. If you have experienced abuse, you may be entitled to seek compensation, and doing so can form part of a wider process of recognition, accountability and support.
At Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice, our specialist solicitors have extensive experience handling sensitive and complex sexual abuse claims. We understand that coming forward can feel overwhelming, which is why our approach is always confidential, supportive and led by you. Whether the abuse happened recently or many years ago, our team can help you understand your options clearly and without pressure.
Our advisors are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you may have about making a sexual abuse compensation claim. We can explain your eligibility, outline how the process works and provide guidance on potential compensation. If you decide to move forward, your claim can be handled on a No Win No Fee basis, meaning there are no upfront legal fees and no financial risk in seeking advice.
Above all, we are here to support you. If you would like to speak to someone in confidence about your situation or find out whether you could claim compensation, our team is ready to listen.
- You can complete our contact form and an advisor will call you back at a convenient time.
- You can also call our free, confidential helpline on 0333 091 8597, day or night.
- Alternatively, speak to us via live chat to discuss making a sexual abuse compensation claim in complete confidence.
What Is Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse is a violation of a person’s bodily autonomy and a serious criminal offence under the law in England and Wales. It occurs when one person engages in sexual activity without the other person’s free and informed consent.
In many cases, the abuser exploits power, trust, or authority to commit acts that are deeply harmful and unlawful.
The law recognises that sexual abuse causes profound emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical damage. Survivors often feel shame or confusion, especially if the abuse was carried out by someone they knew or trusted. However, the responsibility always lies with the perpetrator, not the victim. Sexual abuse is never the victim’s fault.
Can I Claim Compensation For Sexual Abuse?
Yes, you can claim compensation for sexual abuse. Depending on the circumstances, your route to compensation may differ. Generally, there are two options:
- A claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)
- A civil claim
Let’s look at each one:
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) Criteria
Claims for sexual abuse compensation could be made through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). The CICA scheme is managed by the Ministry of Justice and offers compensation even if the abuser was not convicted. You can see the full eligibility criteria on gov.uk but below, we have summarised it for you:
- The incident must have taken place in Wales, Scotland, England or another relevant place.
- You must have been injured in a crime of violence, such as sexual abuse.
- You must have reported the incident to the police.
- You must also co-operate with the police investigation, such as provide evidence such as witness statements, text messages or emails, phone records and in some cases, physical DNA evidence.
- Your claim must be started within the time limits. We discuss what these are in the section below.
Additionally, you must be able to provide certain evidence to the CICA when claiming with them. These are:
- Medical evidence of your injuries.
- Proof that you meet the residency requirements.
- A police reference number, to prove that the incident was reported.
Making A Civil Claim
In some cases, it may be possible to make a civil claim under personal injury law for the sexual abuse you have experienced. The criteria is a little different, but the main points to take into account are:
- Is the person or organisation responsible for the abuse still alive or functioning?
- If so, do they have the resources to pay you compensation?
If, for example, you were abused by a teacher at your school and there were no safeguarding measures in place, it’s likely that you can make a claim against the body responsible for the school, be it the local council or a private education organisation.
We can help with all types of sexual abuse claims, so if you’d like to speak with us, please get in touch.
The Legal Specialists
Compassionate experts dedicated to your case.
What Types of Sexual Abuse Can You Claim For?
You can claim compensation for many forms of sexual abuse, including isolated incidents or prolonged patterns of abuse.
This includes rape, sexual assault, indecent exposure, grooming, online sexual exploitation, and non-consensual touching.
Claims may relate to abuse by family members, partners, authority figures (such as teachers, clergy, or employers), or strangers.
Other examples of sexual abuse that you can claim for include:
- Childhood sexual abuse
- Institutional abuse (e.g., care homes, schools, nurseries, churches)
- Sexual abuse in the workplace
- Sexual assaults by partners or acquaintances
- Historical abuse
Notable cases in the UK have involved the Catholic Church, Scouts, local authority care homes, and celebrities like Jimmy Savile.
The legal system acknowledges that sexual abuse can take many forms and does not require physical violence to be recognised. Emotional coercion, threats, and manipulation are just as valid in the eyes of the law.
If you experienced any form of sexual conduct that was unwanted and non-consensual, you may be eligible to make a claim.
For advice on what counts as sexual abuse, head here. You can find important information on the definition and how to make a claim.
Do I Have To Report The Abuse To Claim?
This is a question many survivors understandably worry about. Every situation is different, and seeking advice does not mean you must take any immediate action.
In many cases involving the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), the incident does need to have been reported to the police. This is because the scheme is designed to compensate victims of violent crime and relies on a formal record of what happened. However, this does not always mean the abuse must have been reported immediately. Historic abuse can still be considered, particularly where there are clear reasons why reporting was delayed.
If the abuse took place many years ago, you may still be able to claim. The CICA and the courts often recognise that survivors can face significant barriers to reporting, including fear, trauma, manipulation, or lack of support at the time. These factors can be taken into account when assessing a claim.
Evidence does not always rely solely on police reports. Other forms of supporting evidence may include medical records, counselling or therapy notes, witness statements, or documentation showing the long-term impact of what happened. A specialist solicitor can help gather this information sensitively and confidentially.
If you are unsure about reporting or whether you have grounds to claim, you can speak to our team in confidence. Any discussion is handled with discretion, and you remain in control of what happens next.
How Does The Sexual Abuse Claims Process Work?
We appreciate you’ve been through an awful lot and it’s for that reason our claims process is simple, straightforward and stress-free. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect:
- Discuss Your Case With Us – we’ll review your case in detail during our free and confidential consultation. We’ll explain your rights, your options and whether we can represent you on a No Win No Fee basis (more on this below).
- We Investigate And Lodge The Claim – if you’re happy to proceed, we’ll begin to gather evidence, build your case and initiate the claim with the opposite side.
- Settlement Negotiations – we’ll respond to the opposite side’s queries, keeping you well informed every step of the way. If offers are received they’ll be discussed with you in full, with honest advice as to whether it is a fair offer or not.
Will I Have To Go To Court?
Many people worry about having to go to court and potentially facing their perpetrator. We would like to assure you that this outcome is very unlikely.
If you make a CICA claim, you will never have to see your perpetrator as the case is handled with the government directly. This way you maintain complete anonymity.
If you pursue a civil claim, there is a very slim chance (less than 5%) that your case would reach court. Many parties choose to agree a pre-action settlement due to the high costs of litigation.
How Much Compensation Can You Claim For Sexual Abuse?
In this section, we have included some example figures from the CICA’s tariff of injuries. Each award is a flat fee. Only a maximum of three injuries from this tariff can be awarded to a victim.
Only the injury with the highest value is awarded at full value. The second and third most valuable injuries can also be compensated, but only at respective rates of 30% and 15%.
| Harm | Description | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Sexual abuse and extra damages | Compensation for loss of earnings, special expenses and other injuries. | Up to £500,000 |
| Non-consensual penile penetration of one or more of vagina, anus or mouth | Where serious internal bodily injuries and a disabling mental illness of a permanent and severe nature is caused. | £44,000 |
| Where serious internal bodily injuries and a disabling mental illness of a permanent and moderate nature is caused. | £33,000 | |
| The result is a permanently disabling severe mental illness as confirmed by psychiatric prognosis. | £27,000 | |
| Where serious internal bodily injuries are caused. | £22,000 | |
| The result is a permanently disabling moderate mental illness as confirmed by psychiatric prognosis. | £22,000 | |
| Where two or more attackers are involved. | £13,500 | |
| One attacker is involved. | £11,000 | |
| Sexual Assault | A severe mental illness as confirmed by psychiatric prognosis. | £27,000 |
| Internal bodily injuries of a serious nature. | £22,000 |
There is a separate tariff for other injuries that occur as a direct result of an instance of sexual abuse. This includes:
- pregnancy
- losing a pregnancy
- contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
You may receive an additional payment. Injuries from this tariff won’t be subject to the multiple injury formula that we’ve mentioned above.
Additionally, you can also be awarded a figure known as special expenses. They can reimburse you for certain losses and expenditures caused by your being subjected to sexual abuse. These costs must be necessary, reasonable and incurred as a direct result of the abuse you experienced.
In order to claim special expenses, you must have lost out on earnings for at least 28 weeks following the incident. Many special expenses can be backdated; however, if you’re claiming for a loss of earnings, this will only be paid to you from week 29 onwards and will be paid at the rate of Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
You also do not pay any tax on sexual abuse compensation settlements.
Sexual Abuse Compensation In Civil Claims
Sexual abuse compensation in civil claims involves claiming against a vicariously liable party. A solicitor will calculate your compensation by taking into account the pain and suffering you have experienced because of the abuse, including mental anguish. Specifically, you would be compensated under a head of loss called general damages.
In addition, your solicitor may use the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) as a framework to assist them in determining your compensation. The reason why the JCG is helpful to legal professionals is because it is made up of multiple different types of harm, severities and suggested compensation brackets.
Notably, claims made against a vicariously liable party can also compensate you for any financial losses incurred as a direct result of the abuse. Specifically, you would be compensated under a head of loss called special damages. This head of loss can compensate you for private medical expenses, travel costs and lost wages, as well as other items as long as you have documented proof of these costs (ie, wage slips and receipts).
To be helpful, we’ve provided you with a table which includes carefully sourced compensation brackets from the JCG. We hope that this will give you a clearer picture regarding what sexual abuse compensation can look like when claiming against a vicariously liable party.
Please note that the top entry has not been selected from the JCG and we kindly ask that you use our table as guidance only.
| HARM | COMPENSATION BRACKET | NOTES |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Severe Instances of Harm with Special Damages | Up to £500,000+ | Multiple severe instances of harm with special damages including things like private medical treatment, loss of wages and travel expenses. |
| Sexual And/Or Physical Abuse - Severe | £109,830 to £183,050 | This compensation bracket covers cases involving serious and prolonged abuse, including psychiatric injury. |
| Sexual And/Or Physical Abuse - Moderately Severe | £54,920 to £109,830 | The harmed individual will have suffered serious abuse and at the upper end of this bracket, the claimant will struggle to cope with education, work, and to sustain personal and sexual relations. |
| Sexual And/Or Physical Abuse - Moderate | £25,100 to £54,920 | This compensation bracket covers instances of less serious abuse and where there is a less severe psychological reaction. |
| Sexual And/Or Physical Abuse - Less Severe | £11,870 to £25,100 | The injured party will have suffered abuse that is abuse is a lower level of seriousness and short-lived and the psychological effects are mild or resolved quickly. |
| Psychiatric Harm Generally - Severe (a) | £66,920 to £141,240 | Multiple factors will be taken into account within this bracket including things like the extent to which treatment would be successful. |
| Psychiatric Harm Generally - Moderately Severe (b) | £23,270 - £66,920 | The injured claimant will have significant problems with the injured individual's ability to cope with life and they will suffer from future vulnerability. |
| Psychiatric Harm Generally - Moderate (c) | £7,150 to £23,270 | While there may have been problems with the claimant's ability to cope with life and future vulnerability, there will be marked improvement. |
| Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - Severe (a) | £73,050 to £122,850 | The injured person will suffer from permanent effects which prevent the injured person from working at all or at least from functioning at anything approaching the pre-trauma level. |
| Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - Moderately Severe (b) | £28,250 to £73,050 | This bracket is distinct from the above because of the better prognosis which will be for some recovery with professional help. |
Time Limits For Sexual Abuse Claims
Time limits for sexual abuse compensation claims can be complex, particularly where the abuse happened in the past. However, it is important to know that many survivors are still able to pursue a claim, even years later.
CICA Time Limits
For claims made through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), there is usually a two-year time limit from the date the incident was reported to the police. However, exceptions can be made, particularly in cases of historic abuse or where trauma prevented a survivor from coming forward sooner.
The CICA may extend the time limit where there is a clear explanation for the delay and where sufficient supporting evidence is available. This means that even if the abuse happened many years ago, you could still be eligible to apply.
Civil Claims Time Limits
Civil compensation claims are often subject to a three-year time limit. This typically runs from the date of the abuse or from the point at which you first realised the harm it caused. However, in cases of sexual abuse, the courts have the discretion to extend this time limit, particularly where the abuse occurred in childhood or where trauma delayed disclosure.
Because of this flexibility, many historic abuse survivors are still able to pursue compensation. If you are unsure whether you are within the time limits, seeking confidential legal advice can help clarify your options without any obligation to proceed.
No Win No Fee Agreements Explained
You might be worried about the legal fees involved in your claim for sexual abuse. However, if you have an eligible claim, our team can connect you to one of the No Win No Fee solicitors from our panel. They will work on your case on a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) basis. Therefore, you won’t have to pay any upfront fees to your solicitor for their work while your claim is pending.
If you receive sexual abuse compensation, your solicitor will deduct a fixed percentage as their success fee. There is a legal cap on this percentage to allow you to retain the maximum proportion of your compensation. If your claim isn’t successful, you won’t have to pay your solicitor for their service. You can contact us for more information on claiming compensation in sexual abuse claims.
Why Choose Our Sexual Abuse Solicitors?
We are specialists in the area of sexual abuse claims and we understand the challenges faced by victims and what the experience feels like for them.
As much as possible, we gender-match lawyers so that you feel comfortable and at ease discussing sensitive aspects of your case.
With their years of experience, they understand the claims process, how to navigate it smoothly and quickly, and how to get the best result for you possible.
To see if you could make a No Win No Fee claim, get in touch with us today. Our advisors are standing by and ready to lend a sympathetic and helpful ear about making a claim for sexual abuse.
All initial advice is free of charge. You can:
- Call us on the number at the top of the page
- Contact us through our website
- Use the live chat window in the corner
What Support Is Available For Anyone Who Suffers Sexual Abuse?
As well as wondering things like “do victims of abuse get compensation?” you may also be looking for things like emotional support and guidance. If you are, there are a number of different charities and organisations that could help.
In this section, we have compiled a list of some of them. For example:
Find a Rape Crisis centre in England and Wales
Speak with Survivors UK
Find support from The Survivors Trust here.
Further Resources About How To Claim For Sexual Abuse
- This guide on Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will let you know whether you’re eligible and how much you could receive.
- NHS Guidance on seeking help following sexual abuse or rape.
You can also check out some more of our other guides below:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below, you can find answers to some frequently asked questions on sexual abuse compensation claims.
What’s The Difference Between A Civil Claim And A CICA Claim For Sexual Abuse?
A civil claim seeks compensation from the abuser or responsible institution via courts. A CICA (Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority) claim is for victims of crime to get state compensation. You usually must choose one route and can’t claim both.
Can I Still Claim For Sexual Abuse That Happened Years Ago (Historic Abuse)?
Yes, in many cases you can still make a claim for historic abuse. For child abuse claims in England and Wales, the courts can exercise discretion to allow cases to proceed outside the normal 3-year limit, meaning many historic claims can still be pursued.
What Kind Of Compensation Amounts Are Typical For Sexual Abuse Claims?
Amounts vary widely based on severity, duration, harm done, and psychological impact. Through CICA, tariffs may go from several thousand to tens of thousands. Civil awards can be significantly higher depending on the circumstances.
Who Can Be Held Liable In A Sexual Abuse Claim?
Liability may rest with the individual abuser, and/or institutional bodies (schools, churches, employers, care homes) responsible for safeguarding. The defendant should have had a duty to protect you.
How Do You Prove A Sexual Abuse Claim Years After The Incident?
You’ll rely on medical/psychological expert reports, contemporaneous journals or disclosure, witness statements (if available), records (e.g. child services, school, hospital), and forensic or institutional documentation. Witness evidence from people who also experienced the same thing could also prove very useful.
Can I Claim Psychological Injuries (PTSD, Depression) After Sexual Abuse?
Yes. If a qualified mental health professional diagnoses conditions like PTSD, depression, or anxiety that are causally linked to the abuse, these can be included in your claim.
How Do Legal Fees Work In Sexual Abuse Claims?
Many claims are handled on a No Win No Fee (conditional fee) basis. This means you won’t pay legal fees if the case fails. If successful, we deduct a small fee, capped by law, to cover our legal fees.
Can I Get Interim Payments Before My Case Settles?
Potentially. In some cases, courts or institutions may allow interim payments to cover ongoing therapy, counselling or urgent costs while the full claim is pending.
What Changes Have Been Made To Time Limits For Child Sexual Abuse Claims?
On 5 February 2025, the UK Government announced that the three-year limitation period for civil claims for child sexual abuse in England and Wales will be removed.
That means survivors will no longer be barred simply because the standard time limit has passed, although defendants may still argue that a fair trial is impossible due to the delay. The reform is expected to apply to both new and previously time-barred claims (excluding those already settled or dismissed).
What Happens If The Survivor Was A Child Or Lacked Mental Capacity At The Time?
Claims can be brought by a litigation friend or guardian on behalf of that person. The limitation period may be paused until the survivor gains capacity or turns 18.
Can I Claim For Abuse That Happened Abroad?
Possibly, depending on jurisdiction, where defendant resides, and where the abuse occurred. You may need specialist cross-jurisdictional legal advice.
Where Can Survivors Get Support While Their Claim Is Pending?
You can access counselling services, victim support charities, mental health professionals, and sometimes statutory redress or safeguarding schemes. It helps strengthen your claim and provides emotional support.
Thank you for reading our guide on sexual abuse compensation claims.
