The Domestic Abuse CICA Scheme

The 2012 Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) Scheme sets out how to determine eligibility for compensation.

Domestic abuse is specifically referred to in the scheme, where compensation tariffs of between £2,000 and £8,200 are payable depending on the level of physical abuse suffered with increased awards for a recognised psychological injury.

Can I claim compensation for domestic violence?

You may be able to claim compensation for injuries caused by domestic abuse. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) scheme requires the victim to prove they are both blameless and that their attacker will not benefit from any compensation award.

The CICA are a government body who will provide compensation to a survivor (whether that be in child or adulthood) for acts of physical or sexual abuse committed against them.

Here at Ramsdens the Abuse team work closely with our Family team and have a wealth of knowledge in dealing with these claims and maximising the final awards offered by the CICA.

Report to the Police

The CICA will require the act of abuse to have been reported to the Police. The Police will investigate and provide a crime reference number which can then be provided to the CICA who will access the information directly from them.

Do I need to help bringing a domestic Abuse claim?

The CICA require an application form to be completed and submitted to them at the time of claiming. They will often encourage a survivor to complete this themselves which they are able to do. However, it has been the case on numerous occasions that the CICA reject applications or offer low figures by way of settlement.

With key knowledge of pursuing a claim through this process, we, at Ramsdens are able to ensure that all valid claims are not refused and that compensation awards are maximised.

We will also take over the entirety of the process so that the CICA have to respond and deal with our skilled team, ensuring that the injuries and effects of these are adequately assessed in line with the correct compensation brackets.

We have a wealth of knowledge in dealing with reviews and appeals to the CICA on paper or at tribunal.

How can we help?

We are able to act on all claims via the CICA and also, at the same time, advise regarding any other potential claims that can be made alongside this, for example a claim against a private organisation.

It is important that any potential obstacles raised by the CICA, such as timescales, valuation and medical treatment are set aside to enable the case to proceed to a good outcome. Our team have all the expertise to ensure that this is the reality.

Will I be offered a ‘No Win No Fee’ agreement?

Ramsdens offer a ‘No Win No Fee’ Agreement so, if your case is unsuccessful, we will not charge for any work that is carried out.