Depending on the type of abuse, circumstances and when it happened will determine the best course of action to make a successful claim. Below we have listed three ways we can seek compensation on your behalf.

• Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority is one way we can seek compensation for victims of sexual abuse.  The CICA is a government-funded authority that aims to compensate blameless victims of an assault or other violent crimes.

With CICA claims, there is usually a two-year time-limit to pursue a claim although there are exceptions to this rule, and the assault must have been reported to the police as soon as reasonably practicable.

The value of compensation that it offers for a single injury can vary from £1,000 up to £250,000, with a maximum total payment of £500,000 being available for a CICA claim. 

Victims of physical assaults can claim for, not only their physical injuries but also, the psychological effects that an incident has had on them. The compensation offered by the CICA for such injuries is again dependent on the severity.

• Civil Claims

At AbuseClaims.co.uk we can pursue a sexual abuse claim through the Civil Court. In this instance, we can assist you in pursuing compensation even if the perpetrator has not been criminally charged. In the context of sexual abuse, civil court is typically used to pursue compensation or damages for the harm and suffering caused by the abuse. Unlike criminal court, where the offender is prosecuted, civil court allows victims or their representatives to file a lawsuit directly against the abuser or responsible parties, such as an institution or organisation.

This process can be used when the victim seeks financial compensation for medical expenses, therapy, loss of income, pain and suffering, or other damages resulting from the abuse. Civil court is also an option when the statute of limitations has expired for criminal prosecution, but a civil claim can still be filed within a different time frame.

Redress schemes are designed to provide victims and survivors with compensation for abuse experienced within specific timeframes or institutions. Both government and independent organisations have launched various schemes to offer compensation without the need to go to court.

At AbuseClaims.co.uk, our team of skilled solicitors is here to help you secure the compensation you deserve. While Redress Scheme claims may appear straightforward, they can be surprisingly complex. Navigating the application process without legal guidance can be challenging, as the requirements are often confusing, and the necessary information can be difficult to gather. With our experienced solicitors by your side, you can have peace of mind knowing that we’ll guide you through every step, ensuring your claim is as strong as possible.

Unfortunately, abuse can occur within all sorts of settings, from a stranger to someone you know and love. In some cases, it can occur within large organisations or institutions like the following:

• School staff attacking pupils
• Young people abused in children’s homes
• Football coaches preying on children in their coaching teams
• Youth group leaders singling out children (often on trips away from home)
• Religious staff attacking children
• Doctors or hospital staff

Before deciding whether to pursue a claim, it’s crucial to seek initial legal advice to evaluate the merits of your case. At AbuseClaims.co.uk, we offer a free assessment and are happy to discuss your situation at no cost.

If a solicitor determines that your claim has merit, it’s also important to consider the potential impact on your health. Litigation can be a stressful process that may negatively affect your well-being. While we cannot provide medical advice, we must inform you that pursuing a claim may bring up traumatic memories of the abuse, which could impact your mental health.

Please keep in mind that the primary outcome of a successful claim is financial compensation. While you may hope for answers through litigation, most cases settle out of court, which could leave some of your questions unresolved.

Your doctors may advise that revisiting the trauma could hinder your recovery. The decision to proceed should be made in consultation with your medical advisors and is entirely up to you.

If you choose to move forward with a claim, our team will do everything possible to support you and minimise the stress throughout the process.

If the case does not settle, then ultimately the matter would proceed to Court where a Judge would make a determination. Most cases, however, do settle out of Court, so although this is an unlikely eventuality, we cannot rule it out as an impossibility.

If you do have any concerns about this during the process of your claim, then we would be happy to discuss this with you and address any concerns you may have.

AbuseClaims.co.uk is committed to handling your abuse claim on a ‘no-win, no-fee’ basis. If your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t owe us anything.

If your claim is successful, we will take a percentage of the compensation, meaning we only receive payment when we have achieved a positive outcome for you.

You will have a dedicated advisor who will manage your claim from start to finish, assisting with any questions or concerns along the way. If you prefer, we can assign a female advisor to handle your case.

Your case handler will also provide regular updates throughout the process, ensuring that your experience is as stress-free and smooth as possible.