If you are wondering “can I claim compensation for sexual abuse?” then this guide could help. We will look at the different channels available to those who have been harmed by violent crime.
Compensation for sexual abuse claims guide
In particular, we will look at the role of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). We address the eligibility criteria for making a claim through them, as well as how they value compensation settlements in successful claims.
Furthermore, our guide will inform you about the benefits of working with sexual abuse claims solicitors with a No Win No Fee agreement in place. Before we get started, you should know that our advisors offer free, friendly advice about CICA claims. They work around the clock and can answer any questions you may have about claiming sexual assault or historic abuse compensation.
To speak with our team, you can:
- Complete the form at the top of this page for a free call back
- Chat with an advisor using our free service below
- Contact us directly with any queries you may have
Choose A Section or Browse Our Guide
- Can I Claim Compensation For Sexual Abuse?
- Definition Of Sexual Abuse
- Compensation For Sexual Abuse – How Much Could I Receive From A CICA Claim?
- What Do I Need To Make A Sexual Abuse Claim?
- Use Our Panel Of No Win No Fee Solicitors To Claim Compensation For Sexual Abuse
- Learn More About Claiming Using The CICA Tariff
Can I Claim Compensation For Sexual Abuse?
There are typically three ways you claim compensation for sexual abuse that we look at below:
- You can claim directly against the person who abused you. This is only applicable if you know who the perpetrator is and if they have the to pay you compensation.
- You could sue a party, such as an organisation, that was vicariously liable for the harm you have experienced. For example, as a child, if you suffered sexual abuse at school because someone with a history of abuse was hired due to a lack of a DBS check, then this could be an example of vicarious liability.
- Finally, you can claim through the CICA, a government-sponsored body that can compensate victims of violent crime.
As part of the CICA claims process, you’ll need to meet the eligibility requirements. First and foremost, you will need to have been injured in a crime of violence. Sexual assault is classed as a crime of violence by the CICA.
You will also need to have reported the incident to the police. You cannot make a CICA claim without having informed the police about what has happened to you. The incident must have taken place in England, Scotland, Wales or another relevant place, such as a ship that is registered to one of the aforementioned countries.
Call our advisors on the number above to access free no obligation advice. They could connect you with a No Win No Fee lawyer if they feel your claim is valid.
Definition Of Sexual Abuse
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) defines various sexual offences. These include:
- Rape
- Sexual assault (including assault by penetration)
- Child abuse
If an adult has suffered abuse as a child under the age of 18, then this is known as historical or non-recent abuse. Below, we look at the time limit that generally applies to these kinds of claims and when you may be able to claim for non-recent abuse.
How Long Do I Have To Make A CICA Claim?
When you claim compensation for sexual abuse through the CICA, a two-year time limit typically applies from the date you report the incident to the police. Reporting the incident should be done as soon as possible. “As soon as possible” generally means immediately.
However, if exceptional circumstances stopped you from reporting the incident to the police right away, then this could be considered. For example, if you were sexually abused by your husband but did not report this to the authorities because you feared for your life, then your claim could still be processed even if the report wasn’t made right away. This means that, in cases of historical abuse, you might be able to claim even if you did not report it until years later.
There are further exceptions that might be applicable to your circumstances; please don’t hesitate to contact our advisors if you are unsure what time limits apply to your situation. You can access free advice by using our live chat feature on your screen.
Compensation For Sexual Abuse – How Much Could I Receive From A CICA Claim?
You may be wondering what the average payouts are for CICA claims following sexual abuse. Settlements are assessed in line with the CICA tariff of injuries. We have taken some figures from the CICA tariff to create the table below.
| Sexual Offence | Notes | Compensation Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Sexual Assault | Causing mental illness that is severe and permanently disabling. Confirmed by a psychiatric prognosis. | £27,000 |
| Causing mental illness that is moderate and permanently disabling. Confirmed by a psychiatric prognosis. | £22,000 | |
| Causing serious internal injuries. | £22,000 | |
| Repeated and severe frequent abuse over 3 years or more. | £8,200 | |
| Repeated and severe frequent abuse over more than 3 years. | £6,600 | |
| Severe non-penile penetration or oral-genital acts. | £3,300 | |
| Severe non-penetrative sexual acts under clothing | £2,000 | |
| Non-consensual penile penetration of one or more of vagina, anus or mouth | Causing severe mental illness resulting in permanent disablement | £27,000 |
| Causing moderate mental illness resulting in permanent disablement | £22,000 | |
| Causing serious internal bodily injuries | £22,000 |
Although you might be tempted to use a sexual assault compensation calculator, this might not give you an accurate assessment of your potential settlement. For this reason, we would recommend discussing your circumstances with one of the advisors from our team. They can talk you through examples of CICA payouts that have been awarded in the past and use this to help you discern how much you could be owed.
Special Expenses When Claiming CICA Compensation
When pursuing compensation for sexual abuse, it may be possible for you to claim compensation for special expenses. Special expenses should be necessary, reasonable and unavailable for free elsewhere in order to be included in your claim.
For example, special expenses could include:
- Costs relating to a carer who must supervise you to prevent you from causing substantial danger to yourself.
- Healthcare costs relating to your injury.
- Any equipment you relied on as a physical aid that needed replacing after it was damaged in the incident. For example, your spectacles.
Our panel of specialist solicitors have experience in valuing compensation for sexual abuse survivors. If you would like to have your claim assessed, get in touch for a free consultation.
What Do I Need To Make A Sexual Abuse Claim?
To claim compensation for a sexual abuse claim with the CICA, you’ll need to gather evidence such as a crime reference number. This can show that you have reported the crime to the police.
Additionally, the CICA might request the following types of evidence:
- Proof that you meet the residency requirements
- Your medical records. These can provide insight into how you were affected and any treatment you have required, as well as the long-term effects of sexual abuse.
- Proof of any special expenses, such as receipts or invoices.
If you have suffered PTSD after sexual abuse, speak to our advisors for free guidance on what evidence you can use to support your claim.
Use Our Panel Of No Win No Fee Solicitors To Claim Compensation For Sexual Abuse
A No Win No Fee solicitor from our panel could help you claim sexual abuse compensation. They can assist you with gathering evidence and ensuring your claim is submitted in full. They could also offer you a Conditional Fee Agreement; with this in place, you typically won’t have to pay any fees upfront or ongoing during the claims process. A Conditional Fee Agreement falls under the No Win No Fee umbrella.
Additionally, your sexual assault solicitor will not expect you to pay them for their work if your claim is not successful. If your sexual abuse claim succeeds, a success fee is taken that is subject to a cap as outlined in the Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2013.
If you think our panel of sexual abuse solicitors could help you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. They could work with you under the terms of a No Win No Fee agreement. Speak to our advisors and they can arrange a free consultation to discuss your case and answer any questions.
Below are a few ways that you can access our services:
- Head to the top of this page and fill out a form for a free callback
- Pop up to an advisor using our live chat widget
- Contact us online for further information
Learn More About Claiming Using The CICA Tariff
If you would like to know more about the CICA Tariff, you might be interested in reading more of our guides:
- Sibling Sexual Abuse – Claiming compensation for sexual abuse by a sibling.
- Statistics On Sexual Abuse – The latest statistics regarding sexual abuse.
- Sexual Abuse By Your Mother – How to claim compensation if your mother abused you.
In addition, you may find the following resources useful:
- Survivors Trust – Get support from a charity that supports survivors of sexual violence.
- Rape And Sexual Assault – NHS guidance on getting help after sexual assault.
- Victims Of Crime – Government support for anyone affected by crime.
That concludes our guide on how to claim compensation for sexual abuse. Get in touch if you have any more questions about your potential claim.
Writer Lewis Joist
Publisher Fern Scrimshaw
