You can claim sexual abuse compensation, either through a government agency called the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) or by making a civil claim against a third-party organisation. Claiming compensation can enable survivors of sexual abuse to seek financial redress for physical and psychological injuries as well as certain losses and expenses.
If you are claiming through the CICA, they will ask for certain items like a police reference number, so they can liaise with the police. However, if you are claiming against a vicariously liable party, you will need to collect and submit evidence, such as a copy of your statement to the police. In either case, you do not need to wait for a conviction to start the claims process. You may want to get this started as soon as possible because time limits apply.
Our advisors and solicitors understand how distressing it can be to discuss your experience and will approach your case with compassion and trauma-informed support. They can also help you to understand that you do not have to face what has happened to you alone. In addition to helping you make a claim for sexual violence and other forms of physical abuse, your criminal injuries solicitor could also connect you to specialist support services.
Our team is on hand to listen to you.
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Jump To A Section
- Can I Claim Sexual Abuse Compensation?
- Sexual Abuse Compensation Amounts From Civil Cases
- Can Sexual Abuse Compensation Cover Financial Loss?
- What Should I Do To Pursue A Sexual Abuse Claim?
- How Long Will I Have To Bring A Compensation Claim For Sexual Abuse?
- Can I Make A Sexual Abuse Claim Through The CICA?
- How Much Compensation Can I Claim For Sexual Abuse?
- What Is Needed To Claim Through The CICA For Sexual Abuse?
- Why Claim For Sexual Abuse With Our Solicitors?
- Can Sexual Abuse Claims Be Made On A No Win No Fee Basis?
- Learn More
Can I Claim Sexual Abuse Compensation?
You can claim sexual abuse compensation, either by making a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) (which we will discuss later in our guide) or through a civil claim against a vicariously liable third party, rather than the perpetrator (although if the perpetrator has the means to compensate you, the claim can be made against them).
Organisations, businesses, and other parties may be vicariously liable for instances of sexual abuse. This may include employers, schools, and religious institutions. They may hold vicarious liability (responsibility) for instances of child sexual abuse or that experienced by adults committed by those placed in a position of authority or trust.
When making a civil claim, the courts will assess factors such as the nature of the relationship between abuser and survivor, how this connects to the act of abuse, and whether the organisation failed to prevent or enabled the abuse.
One of our advisors could help you assess your eligibility to make a sexual abuse compensation claim against an organisation.
Sexual Abuse Compensation Amounts From Civil Cases
Sexual abuse compensation amounts from civil cases may follow guidelines set by the Judicial College (JCG). These guidelines may be used by the courts as well as legal professionals when placing a value on physical injuries, as well as psychological injuries suffered. We have used figures from the JCG when creating the table below.
| Harm. | Severity. | Compensation. |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple forms of harm + special damages for lost income, therapy, and medical costs. | Most severe forms of harm. | Up to £500,000+ with compensation for financial losses. |
| Sexual/ physical abuse. | Severe, including serious abuse and psychiatric injury. | £109.830 to £183,050. |
| Sexual/ physical abuse. | Serious abuse and/or severe to moderetly severe psychiatric harm. | £54,920 to £109,830. |
| Sexual/ physical abuse. | Less serious/ prolonged abuse and less severe psychological injuries. | £25,100 to £54,920. |
| Sexual/ physical abuse. | Lower level of abuse and shorter lived psychological effects. | £11,870 to £25,100 |
| Psychiatric damage | Severe cases with marked problems in all areas of life. | £66,920 to £141,240. |
| Psychiatric damage | Modertely severe cases with significant prolems in many areas of life. | £23,270 to £66,920. |
| Post-traumatic stress disorder. | Severe cases involving permanent effects preventing the person working. | £73,050 to £122,850. |
| Post-traumatic stress disorder. | Distinguished from above by some recovery with professional treatment. | £28,250 to £73,050. |
| Post-traumatic stress disorder. | Moderate, where the person largely recovers. | £9,980 to £28,250. |
Please note that the top figure is not from the JCG, but illustrates what may be awarded with compensation for financial losses. In addition, these figures are not guaranteed and your settlement may vary. One of our advisors could estimate how much sexual abuse compensation you could be entitled to.
Can Sexual Abuse Compensation Cover Financial Loss?
Sexual abuse compensation can cover related financial losses, such as lost income, medical bills, and the cost of therapy, under special damages. This is the second head of loss which may be awarded in a compensation settlement. As it is not awarded automatically and everyone’s expenses will be different, you must supply evidence (bank statements, etc) of any losses you intend to claim for. Your compensation may cover the following financial losses:
- Therapy and care costs.
- Medical bills.
- Lost earnings and other income.
- Travel costs (related to attending therapy, medical, or legal appointments).
One of our advisors could explain what financial losses you may be eligible to claim for sexual assault or abuse. They can also discuss with you what evidence you should save to prove these financial losses.
What Should I Do To Pursue A Sexual Abuse Claim?
If you have been affected by any of the types of incident raised in this guide, your first step should be to ensure your own safety. Following this, there are steps you can take to pursue a sexual abuse claim.
Firstly, you should take any necessary steps to protect your immediate health and safety.
- This may include removing yourself from a location and contacting the Police by calling 999.
- You can also use this NHS resource to find your local rape and sexual assalt referral centre.
- You can contact further specialist support sexual assault or rape crisis centres.
Next, you should preserve as much evidence as possible. Police advice states that not showering, bathing, or washing clothing can help to preserve evidence for a forensic examination following sexual assault or rape. You can also obtain copies of your medical records if you received any treatment by a paramedic, GP, or hospital.
Further evidence could include,
- Witness contact details.
- CCTV footage.
- Photographs of visible injuries.
Following this, you can also contact a solicitor specialising in criminal injury claims. They could explain how to claim compensation.
How Long Will I Have To Bring A Compensation Claim For Sexual Abuse?
If you are making a civil sexual abuse compensation claim, you will typically have 3 years from the date of the incident to file your claim. This time limit applies to adults who are bringing a claim on their own behalf. In cases of child sexual abuse claims, an adult may bring a civil claim for them (acting as a litigation friend) at any point prior to their turning 18. Should no claim be made, the time limit then runs until they are 21. These time limits are set by the Limitation Act 1980.
Time limits may also differ in cases of historical sexual abuse. The court recognised the potential trauma people may have experienced and delayed in reporting incidents. Reforms in child sexual abuse claims aim to abolish any time limits on such claims.
The standard CICA claims time limit is 2 years from the date of the incident. In cases of historical sexual abuse, the limitation period may run from the survivor’s 18th to 20th birthdays, where sexual offences were reported prior to turning 18.
You can read more about how to claim for historical abuse in our dedicated guide.
Can I Make A Sexual Abuse Claim Through The CICA?
Yes, you could make a sexual abuse claim through the CICA (a government agency) if you meet the specified eligibility criteria. To claim via the CICA you must have been the victim of a crime of violence which happened in Great Britain (or other relevant place).
Key CICA eligibility criteria include showing that the abuse or assault qualifies as a crime of violence. This includes sexual acts with or without penetration. You must also meet the residency and nationality criteria, with the incident taking place within Great Britain, or relevant places, such as boats registered in Great Britain.
An advisor could help to explain what the CICA is, whether you could make a claim via this agency, and how a specialist solicitor could help you. Get help with sexual assault or rape compensation claims by talking to our team.
How Much Compensation Can I Claim For Sexual Abuse?
How much compensation you could claim for sexual abuse through the CICA is set by a fixed tariff, under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012 (the Scheme). The Scheme sets a specific and fixed amount of compensation which may be awarded for different forms of physical and psychological harm caused by assault and abuse.
We have taken figures from this fixed tariff to create the table below. Please be aware that the first figure is the maximum amount which may be awarded, where financial losses are taken into consideration.
| Physical/ psychological harm. | Severity. | Tariff |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple injuries and special expenses covering home adaptations, damage to personal equipment, and the cost of professional support. | Most severe. | Up to £500,000 with special expenses. |
| Sexual offences against a child or an adult who is unable to give consent due to reduced mental capacity. | Non-consensual penetration causing serious internal injuries and severe mental illness. | £44,000.00 |
| As above, but causing moderate mental illness. | £33,000.00 | |
| Sexual assault, one or more non-penile penetrative acts causing severe mental illness. | £27,000.00 | |
| Sexual assault, one or more non-penile penetrative acts causing moderate mental illness. | £22,000 | |
| Sexual assault, one or more non-penile penetrative acts causing serious internal injury. | £22,000 | |
| Sexual assault (any age). | Non-consensual penetration, severe injuries, and severe mental illness. | £44,000.00 |
| As above, but causing moderate mental illness. | £33,000.00 | |
| Resulting in a severe (permanently) disabling mental illness. | £27,000.00 |
There is a set formula for assessing compensation awarded for multiple injury claims. 100% of the tariff may be awarded for the highest value/ most serious injury. The next two most serious/ highest valued injuries are awarded 30% and 15%, respectively (from the main tariff, however, you may be awarded other amounts if the incident caused pregnancy, pregnancy loss or you suffered a sexually transmitted infection).
What Other Payments Can CICA Compensation Provide?
Other payments the CICA could provide in compensation can include those for the replacement or repair of personal equipment, the cost of care relating to bodily functions, and the cost of adapting your home to accommodate new disabilities.
You could also claim for administrative expenses related to managing your affairs if your mental capacity has been affected. It may also be possible for you to claim for lost income.
Please contact us for further information or use our criminal injury compensation calculator.
What Is Needed To Claim Through The CICA For Sexual Abuse?
To claim for sexual abuse through the CICA you must have reported the incident to the police and cooperated with any investigation, file your claim within 2 years of the incident, and provide supporting evidence.
Essential requirements to claim sexual abuse compensation include;
- Demonstrating the incident qualifies as a crime of violence.
- That the abuse occurred in Great Britain (or other relevant place).
- That the sexual act or physical abuse was reported and that you fully cooperate with any police investigation. Criminal proceedings do not have to have been initiated.
- That the claim is submitted within the time limit (discussed in a previous section. Such time limits may vary for historic abuse claims.)
- Medical evidence.
- Financial records of any losses you intend to claim for.
If you have been sexually abused, one of our solicitors could help you. Get in touch with our team today to find out how.
Why Claim For Sexual Abuse With Our Solicitors?
Claiming sexual abuse compensation with one of our specialist solicitors can enable survivors to secure a settlement, seek justice, and access specialist support services. Our advisors and solicitors provide a trauma-informed approach at each step of the CICA claims process. By providing a compassionate service, tailored to your individual needs, they aim to minimise re-traumatisation. Some of the benefits of making a sexual abuse claim with the support of one of our solicitors include,
- Guidance navigating the CICA claims process.
- Help with an appeal if necessary.
- Help collecting and submitting any additional evidence the CICA might ask for.
- Accessing a taxi account to help meet travel costs.
- A dedicated No Win No Fee criminal injury solicitor to support your claim.
Please contact our team today to learn more about how our solicitors could help you make a criminal injuries compensation claim.
Can Sexual Abuse Claims Be Made On A No Win No Fee Basis?
Sexual abuse claims can be made on a No Win No Fee basis, enabling survivors to seek compensation without any upfront solicitors’ fees. Our solicitors can help with civil and CICA claims on a No Win No Fee basis.
This type of arrangement, enabled by a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), ensures that survivors are able to access legal support without having to consider fees for a solicitor’s work on their claim.
CFA’s work by enabling solicitors to take on claims, such as those for child sexual abuse, without the need to pay for the solicitor’s work upfront. Instead, if the claim succeeds, your solicitor will deduct a success fee from your compensation. The fee is calculated as a percentage of the compensation, with the maximum percentage which may be deducted being capped by the law.
If you do not win your claim there will be nothing to pay for towards solicitors’ fees and no success fee deducted. An advisor can explain more about how No Win No Fee claims work.
Contact Public Interest Lawyers
Please contact Public Interest Lawyers if you have been impacted by any of the issues discussed in this guide. You could be connected to a specialist criminal injury lawyer.
- Phone 0800 073 8803.
- Contact us about your sexual abuse claim.
- Talk to us live below.
Learn More
Learn more about claiming compensation if you were the victim of a violent crime.
- In this guide we look at how to make a domestic violence claim.
Here we look at how victims of acid attacks could claim compensation.
View our grievous bodily harm claims guide.
References.
- Government information on criminal injury compensation claims.
Get help after rape and sexual assault from the NHS.
Sexual abuse can be reported to the police here.
We are on hand to help with sexual abuse compensation claims. Contact the Public Interest Laywers team today.