The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is a designated department of the UK government and was set up in 1964 (known then as the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board) to compensate blameless victims of violent crime.

The scheme continues to do this in 2023, and has been continually updated since its introduction, with revisions taking place in 2001, 2008 and 2012. It is one of the most generous compensation schemes worldwide and undoubtedly offers opportunity for victims of violent crimes to seek support and treatment through compensation.

In a recent blog post found here, we highlighted some of the injustices and issues with the process of obtaining compensation through the CICA process.

On 15th September 2023, the CICA launched an updated service for the submission of compensation claims. Though this is not an entire revision to the scheme, the updated application process aims to streamline the process of applying for compensation, whilst obtaining the necessary information needed for the authority to make initial evaluation of claims and begin the claims process.

Farleys work hard to support victims of physical and sexual abuse in the application process and to secure the highest settlements possible, and understand the complex difficulties that lie behind this process and beyond. We have worked with countless victims, and the process in some instances can be arduous.

On Farleys website, you will find numerous case studies which exemplify the complexities of submitting such a claim. Namely, the CICA offering unexplainably low offers to victims, rejecting valid claims for compensation, and not considering appropriately the severity of injury caused to victims. These injuries most commonly include psychiatric injury to a varying degree, and it can be distressing and disheartening to victims to have their valid claims rejected.

The issues with the scheme exist beyond the introduction of the new application process, albeit the initial submission form being modernised. It is also now apparent that any unsubmitted or pending claims for compensation on the old application service have been erased form the CICA’s system upon introduction of the new application form. We understand this may pose difficulties for individuals who had hoped to submit their independent claims upon gathering further evidence or information – or for those of you who were simply not ready to submit the prepared claim before the new system was introduced.

We understand the steps towards submitting a claim to the CICA can be not only retraumatising for victims but also particularly daunting. Short time limits for the submission of information, and difficulties in accessing appropriate psychiatric assessment pose just preliminary issues in the process.

At Farleys we have an extensive history of successful CICA claims and appeals, and hope to offer clients a safe and reassuring environment to explore the possibilities of their claim in the most sensitive and effective way possible. With many of our clients having been through horrific abuse – this remains our priority.

An article on the importance of instructions a specialist to deal with your CICA claim can be found here, which details the case study of Client B In July 2022. Though it can often bring about difficult emotions to place trust in a legal professional to handle such a sensitive claim, the results from our specialist team speak for themselves. We are here to support you through the process.

If you would like to discuss the possibility of making a CICA abuse claim under the new application process, or have received a settlement offer from the CICA which you would like assistance in appealing, our abuse claim specialists are on hand to advise you in confidence. Call our dedicated abuse line on 0330 134 6430, contact us by email, or use the online chat below.