Examples of sexual abuse may include childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault, grooming, abuse by a family member, abuse within schools or care settings, online sexual exploitation, or unwanted sexual contact in relationships or workplaces. You may be able to claim compensation if the abuse caused psychological harm, physical injury, trauma, financial losses or long-term effects on your daily life. Compensation can be sought through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) or in a civil claim against an abuser or an organisation that failed to protect you. Evidence such as medical records, police reports, witness evidence or counselling records may help support a claim.
If you have experienced any form of sexual abuse, please know that you are not alone and that support is available. Whether you are dealing with the impact of childhood abuse, rape, sexual assault, or exploitation, you may be able to claim compensation for the harm you have suffered, even if the abuse happened many years ago. At Sexual Abuse Compensation Claims Advice, we understand how difficult it can be to speak about abuse. Many survivors worry they will not be believed or feel unsure whether what happened to them counts as abuse.
Our specialist solicitors have expertise across the full spectrum of cases, including claims involving historic sexual abuse, abuse in religious institutions, schools, or care homes, online grooming, workplace sexual abuse, and image-based abuse. We can support survivors seeking compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) or through civil claims against individuals and organisations. Our advisors offer confidential guidance and can explain your legal options clearly in plain English. With No Win No Fee support available in many cases, we are here to help you take the next, supported step when you feel ready.
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Choose A Section
- What Are Examples Of Sexual Abuse?
- When Are You Eligible To Make A Sexual Abuse Claim Through The CICA?
- Potential Examples of Sexual Abuse Compensation
- What Do You Need To Make CICA Claims?
- Our Solicitors Could Help You Seek Sexual Abuse Compensation On A No Win No Fee Basis
- Learn More About Examples Of Sexual Abuse
What Are Examples Of Sexual Abuse?
The Sexual Offences Act 2003 is the key legislation defining sexual offences. Examples include:
- Rape
- Sexual assault, including assault by penetration
- Child sex offences
Should you experience any of the above, you might be eligible to make a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) for sexual abuse compensation; this includes historic sexual abuse, which is abuse that someone who is now an adult experienced as a child. This could take into account any long-term effects of sexual abuse you have suffered.
The CICA is a government agency. They award compensation to victims of violent crime for their suffering.
Call our expert advisors if you would like any help or advice with starting a claim. They’re here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
When Are You Eligible To Make A Sexual Abuse Claim Through The CICA?
When making a CICA claim, certain eligibility criteria need to be met. Firstly, the crime must have been reported to the police. However, a prosecution is not necessary to start a CICA claim.
Additionally, you must have suffered mental and/or physical harm due to an attack, violent act, a threat of an attack where it is reasonable to be in fear, sexual assault and arson (otherwise known as a crime of violence). Examples of sexual abuse where this might occur include sexual abuse as a child or sexual abuse by your husband. However, a prosecution is not necessary to start a CICA claim.
In addition, the sexual abuse must have happened in England, Wales, Scotland or another relevant place. You also need to meet the residency requirements.
You might not be eligible for a claim through the CICA because you could make a claim directly against the perpetrator or another vicariously liable party. For example, if you suffered sexual school abuse because the school failed to carry out the relevant background checks, your claim would be made against the school and not through the CICA.
Speak with a member of our team for guidance on the process of claiming.
Is There A Time Limit When Making Sexual Abuse Claims?
Another requirement is starting a claim within the time limit. This is typically two years from the date that you reported the sexual abuse to the police.
Usually, you are expected to report crimes to the police right away. However, there may have been exceptional circumstances that stopped you from doing this. In this case, you might be eligible to claim for sexual abuse after reporting it years after the incident occurred. In addition, if you reported the incident to the police but can prove that you were unable to claim in the two year window, you may still be able to recover compensation.
Our advisors could help you start your claim today. Call them to discuss examples of sexual abuse that could entitle you to claim.
Potential Examples of Sexual Abuse Compensation
You may have accessed a sexual assault compensation calculator to learn about how much compensation you might be able to recover. However, as each claim is based on individual circumstances, a calculator may not be that helpful. In this section, we look at examples of CICA payouts.
Sexual abuse compensation will be calculated using the fixed tariff of injuries within the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012 (if your claim is successful). You can claim for up to three injuries from the main tariff. These injuries will be subject to the multiple injuries formula. For the main tariff of injuries, this is:
- 100% of the tariff amount for the highest-valued injury.
- 30% for an injury of equal or second-highest value.
- 15% of the tariff for an injury that is either of equal value or third-highest valued.
In addition, to the main tariff of injuries, there are other payments that are not subject to this formula that you might be awarded as part of your compensation. This means that if you lost a foetus, became pregnant or contracted a sexually transmitted infection (STI), you may be eligible for another payment.
Our table below provides examples of sexual abuse compensation from the main tariff. Additionally, we’ve provided a figure in the top row that is not from the Compensation Scheme 2012. This figure is included to show you how you could be compensated for additional injuries, loss of earnings and special expenses.
| Injury | Notes | Tariff |
|---|---|---|
| Sexual abuse and additional expenses | Compensation can be awarded for sexual abuse, additional injuries, lost wages and special expense. | Up to £500,000 |
| Non-consensual penile penetration | Serious internal injuries and a severe permanent disabling mental illness. | £44,000 |
| Internal injuries with a permanent disabling mental illness that is moderate in nature. | £33,000 | |
| Severe mental illness that is permanent. | £27,000 | |
| Moderate but permanent mental illness. | £22,000 | |
| Serious internal injuries. | £22,000 | |
| Two or more attackers. | £13,500 | |
| One attacker. | £11,000 | |
| Sexual assault | Causing permanent disabling mental illness that is severe in nature. | £27,000 |
| Causing a moderate mental illness that is disabling. | £22,000 |
Special Expenses In A CICA Claim
As part of your sexual abuse compensation, you may also be awarded a special expenses payment. This is to cover reasonable and necessary costs that are a direct result of the incident(s). Examples of what you could claim for include:
- Replacement of any property or equipment damaged in the incident that you relied on as a physical aid, such as a walking stick or eyeglasses.
- Supervision costs if required to avoid substantial danger either to yourself or others.
- Care expenses if they are related to food preparation or your bodily functions.
In addition to this, if you were unable to work as a result of the sexual abuse you suffered, you could receive a loss of earnings payment.
There are other requirements that you need to satisfy in order to qualify for loss of earnings and special expenses.
To further discuss sexual abuse examples and what compensation you could be awarded from the CICA, please to speak to a member of our advisory team.
What Do You Need To Make CICA Claims?
You will be expected to provide evidence in support of your claim. As we mentioned earlier, you must have reported the incident to the police. This is because you will need your police reference number when claiming. From there, the CICA will liaise with the police for additional information about your case, for example, whether you have cooperated with their investigations.
You will also need proof that you meet the residency requirements. In addition, you will be expected to obtain medical evidence.
If you need any help making a sexual abuse claim through the CICA, call our advisors. They could put you in touch with our expert sexual abuse claims solicitors if your claim seems valid.
Our Solicitors Could Help You Seek Sexual Abuse Compensation On A No Win No Fee Basis
You may wish to have the support of a specialist sexual abuse solicitor when making a claim. A solicitor can help you navigate the process and ensure that all aspects of how you’ve been affected are covered.
Using the services of a No Win No Fee solicitor will allow you to access legal representation, generally without any upfront fees. They may provide their services under a specific kind of this arrangement known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA).
If your sexual abuse solicitor successfully recovers sexual abuse compensation, they will deduct a success fee from your award. This amount is a legally capped percentage. Should your solicitor not secure compensation, they usually won’t ask for payment for their services.
To find out more information about sexual abuse claims, get in touch with our advisors. They’re here to answer any questions you have and provide examples of sexual abuse settlements that our solicitors have secured in the past. In addition to a free claim valuation, they can assess your claim’s chances of success. If it seems like it might be successful, they can connect you with one of our lawyers.
To speak to us:
- Call the number at the top of the page.
- Use our live chat.
- Contact us online.
Learn More About Examples Of Sexual Abuse
Further reading:
Additional resources that may be helpful:
- Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) guide to Sexual Offences
- Rape and Sexual Assault guide from the NHS
- Mental Health Services from the NHS
If you have any further queries after reading our guide looking at examples of sexual abuse claims, please get in touch.
