Abuse Compensation

Making a claim for compensation following a sexual assault or abuse

Or to provide more detail – If preferred complete our extended CICA application form.

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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.

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.

ARE YOU A FOOTBALLER WHO SUFFERED ABUSE? Reports have emerged linking professional clubs to ex-players who were abused by coaching staff. More here on our dedicated page.

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.

You may wish to calculate your potential sexual abuse compensation award to have an understanding of your entitlement.

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.

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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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. What to do if you suspect a child is being abused.
  7. 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.

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The Criminal Claims Bureau is a trading name of MJN Marketing Limited which is regulated by the Claims Management Regulator (authorisation number CRM41025) in respect of regulated claims management activities; its registration is recorded on the website www.gov.uk/moj/cmr