Farleys Secure £175,000 from CICA for Victim of Childhood Abuse

Background

Born in 1967, Client E suffered extreme neglect and physical violence at the hands of her mother and her mother’s partner up until the age of 6. She was malnourished and regularly beaten. Despite police and social services involvement, nothing was done to protect Client E.

When Client E was six, her mother’s partner moved away; however, the abuse continued sporadically for a further three years, up until his death. Client E was also sexually abused by her GP when she was a child. She was inappropriately touched while receiving treatment on ten separate occasions.

In adulthood, Client E suffered psychiatric issues as a result of the abuse. She developed an eating disorder, struggling with anorexia and bulimia. She also suffers from nightmares, flashbacks and hallucinations, and is unable to work. She has been diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Depression and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, conditions which continue to affect her everyday life.

Although she did not tell anyone at the time, Client E felt able to report both incidents to the police in 2017, more than 40 years later. However, both perpetrators had passed away, so no criminal charges could be brought. Eight years after the report, Client E approached Farleys in April 2025 to bring two separate CICA claims, one for each instance of abuse.

Complexities of the Claims

CICA claims must be submitted within two years of the abuse unless there are exceptional reasons for the delay. With the claim decades outside the limitation period, Client E’s claims both faced rejections. With extensive expertise in handling complex historic abuse claims, Farleys decided the best route would be to obtain medical evidence. Farleys sought a supportive letter from Client E’s GP explaining how her psychiatric injury had prevented her from bringing the claim sooner. The CICA was satisfied with the letter and allowed the claim to proceed.

Outcomes

In June 2025, the CICA made two offers of compensation. It offered £2,000 for the physical abuse and neglect, and £3,300 for the sexual abuse. Farleys and the client accepted the £3,300 offer but believed the first offer failed to recognise the psychological impact the abuse had on Client E and thus decided to appeal.

On appealing, Farleys wanted to highlight not only the extent of Client E’s mental injuries, but how they specifically link to the abuse by her mother’s partner and have affected her ability to hold employment. To do this, Farleys obtained an expert psychiatric report. Farleys also requested and reviewed DWP and GP records to strengthen the potential loss of earnings claim.

After assessing the new evidence, the CICA made a new offer of £172,049 in June 2026. This offer accounted for permanent mental injury, serious physical child abuse and past loss of earnings.

Client E’s offers shows the importance of seeking legal help, particularly for complex claims like this. On first appearance, compensation may have seemed doubtful due to the extensive limitation issues. However, with years of expertise and a team of specialist lawyers, Farleys knew the methods and evidence needed to achieve a successful result for client E.

At Farleys, we have a team of specialist lawyers with extensive experience of managing abuse claims with the criminal injuries compensation authority, including challenging decisions by the CICA. To discuss your case in confidence, please call our dedicated abuse claims line on 01254 606008. Alternatively, you can contact us by email or through the online chat below.