Abuse Compensation

Making a claim for compensation following a sexual assault or abuse

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Claim compensation following childhood sexual abuse

If you have suffered sexual abuse or been subjected to a non-consensual sexual assault as a child, you may be able to claim compensation following your ordeal. For a detailed overview of the claim process please visit our dedicated Q & A page here.

Call our helpline and speak confidentially to our specialist advisors on 01423 593 002 or you can TEXT us on 078600 17163

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (known as the CICA) administer a government scheme that provides compensation (without litigation or court action) to blameless victims of crime. This includes historical cases of sexual abuse and assault.

Check your time limit for claiming by using our Deadline Calculator.

Our team of compassionate experts can guide you through the process and speak to you in complete confidence. Call us for a no obligation discussion about your case, we will confirm your options and discuss your entitlement to claim.

Abuse victim getting advice

Call us to discuss your case today – 01423 593 002 or complete our enquiry form

When should I make a claim?

A claim should ideally be made as soon as possible however we understand it can be traumatic making the difficult decision to come forward.

It is important to remember that you do not need to wait for the outcome of a court case to apply for compensation. Do not miss the crucial claim deadlines. Read our time limit case studies to determine how long you have to claim.

IMPORTANT: If you were the victim of historical abuse before 1st October 1979 and were living with your attacker as members of the same family at the time, unfortunately the CICA scheme does not cover claims for periods of abuse up to this date.

FGM Cases

Reports to the police of female genital mutilation or FGM cases are on the increase in the UK. This is mainly due to tougher laws protecting victims although much more work has to be done regarding prosecution success rates. It is now a requirement for medical professionals to report signs of female circumcision involving minors under 18 to the authorities. It is possible to pursue compensation for FGM in certain circumstances via the CICA.

How long do you have to claim compensation for historical sexual abuse?

Use our unique “Claim Time Limit Calculator” below to work out approximately when your deadline for claiming compensation might be. How long you have to claim will depend very much on your circumstances. It is strongly recommended that you seek specialist independent advice on your case. The calculator tool provides only a general overview.

OUT OF TIME FOR CLAIMING? – Get in touch – Many cases can be successfully appealed. Call us to discuss your case today 01423 593002 or complete our enquiry form

Abuse Claim Time Limit Calculator

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Time limits and deadlines explained

The CICA have strict time limits in place to make a claim (normally within 2 years from the date of an incident), however due to the sensitive nature of sexual assault and abuse there are some exceptions to this rule:

  1. If you are claiming on behalf of a child under the age of 18 and the matter has already been reported to the police, a child would have until the age of 20 to make a claim. The 2 year time limit would apply from the date a child reaches the age of 18.
  2. If you were sexually assaulted and/ or abused as a child and have reported the matter to the police as an adult, you would usually have 2 years from the date of reporting the matter to make a claim.
  3. If you have been the victim of an isolated sexual assault as an adult and have reported the matter to the police, the usual 2 year time limit would apply. In these circumstances a claim must be made within 2 years from the date of the incident.
  4. If you have been the victim of physical/ domestic abuse as an adult, again the usual 2 year time limit would apply. Exceptions may be considered by the CICA if during a period of physical abuse you have been unable to report the matter to the police.
  5. In circumstances where an individual makes an application out of time, the CICA can still consider waiving the time limits. This can be the case if you have been unable to make a claim within the time limit, for example if you have suffered with serious psychological injuries.
  6. Find out more regarding domestic violence compensation

For an informal and confidential chat about making a claim for sexual assault and/ or abuse, please contact one of our experienced advisors on or alternatively please complete our online contact form.

More about sexual assault and abuse

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CICA same roof rule for pre 1979 cases to be abolished
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