At a glance
- CICA covers a wide range of criminal injury claims in the UK
- Common types of criminal injury claims include assault, sexual abuse, domestic violence, and PTSD
- You may still be able to claim without a criminal conviction or for incidents that happened years ago
- Both physical and psychological injuries can be claimed
- If you’re unsure, Injury Lawyers 4u can help you identify the right type of claim
If you’ve been affected by a violent crime, you may be entitled to compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
The scheme covers many different types of criminal injury claims. Whether you’ve been physically assaulted, experienced sexual abuse, lived through domestic violence or developed PTSD after a traumatic event, support may be available.
We’ll help you understand where your situation fits and what your next step could be.
Physical assault claims
Physical assault claims relate to deliberate attacks that cause injury. This can include punching, kicking, stabbing, acid attacks or assaults involving weapons.
These are some of the most common claims made through CICA.
Injuries can range from relatively minor to life-changing. CICA uses a fixed tariff system, which means each injury is matched to a set compensation amount based on its severity.
To support a claim, evidence may include:
- A police report
- Medical records
- Photographs of injuries
- Evidence of treatment
If you were deliberately attacked and suffered physical harm, you may have a valid claim.
Sexual abuse compensation
Sexual abuse compensation claims can include rape, sexual assault and historic childhood abuse. These cases are often complex and deeply personal, so it’s important they’re handled with care and sensitivity.
You don’t need a criminal conviction to claim. What matters is whether there’s enough evidence for CICA to accept that a crime of violence took place.
Time limits are a common concern. While the usual limit is two years, there can be flexibility, especially in historic abuse cases. Many people are still able to claim years later.
These claims may involve:
- Physical injury
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Other recognised psychological harm
You may be able to claim for both physical and psychological effects.
Domestic violence compensation
Domestic violence compensation claims can cover physical and psychological injury caused by a partner, ex-partner, or family member. This might include assaults, repeated violence, and abuse that leads to conditions like PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
CICA does cover domestic abuse cases. Earlier restrictions affecting people living in the same household have been relaxed, so more survivors may now be eligible than they realise.
This is important for people unsure about what counts as a criminal injury. Abuse within a relationship or family setting might still qualify as a crime of violence for CICA purposes.
CICA may also take a more flexible approach where someone could not safely report the abuse straight away. That can matter in cases involving fear, coercion, or prolonged control.
These claims can include:
- Physical injuries
- Psychological injuries
- A combination of both
These cases are always handled with care and confidentiality.
PTSD and psychological injury claims
Psychological injuries caused by violent crime are fully covered by the CICA scheme. You do not need to have suffered a physical injury to make a claim for psychological harm.
This is a key point for many people making a criminal injury claim in the UK. A violent incident can leave serious mental health effects even where there is little or no visible physical injury.
Conditions that may be covered include:
- PTSD
- Complex PTSD
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Specific phobias caused by the crime
CICA will usually require clinical evidence, such as GP records or reports from a psychologist or psychiatrist.
The level of compensation depends on how severe the condition is and how long it lasts.
Other criminal injury claim types
Not every case falls neatly into one category. CICA covers many other types of violent crime compensation claims, including the following:
Knife and stabbing attacks
Knife injuries and stab wounds are commonly dealt with as physical assault claims. Severe injuries, long-term symptoms, and permanent scarring can all increase the level of award.
Acid and chemical attacks
These are covered under physical assault claims. Where an acid attack causes serious scarring or facial disfigurement, the award may be significant.
Hate crimes
Violent attacks motivated by race, religion, sexuality, disability, or another protected characteristic can still qualify for CICA compensation. The motive does not decide eligibility, though it may be relevant in criminal proceedings.
Terror attacks
Victims of terrorism in Great Britain might be able to claim through CICA. If an attack happened abroad, a separate scheme may apply.
Witnessed violence
In limited cases, you may be able to claim if you witnessed a violent crime and developed serious psychological injury. These claims are more complex and need careful assessment.
Not sure which applies to you?
Many people don’t fit neatly into one category. You might have both physical and psychological injuries, or your situation may be more complex than it first appears.
That’s completely normal.
You don’t need to label your claim before speaking to someone. We can look at what’s happened, explain whether CICA may apply and help you understand how your injuries could be assessed.
If you’re ready to take the next step, or just want some clarity, our team is here to talk things through with you.
Type of criminal injury claims FAQs
What types of crime does CICA cover?
CICA covers victims of violent crime in Great Britain, including physical assault, sexual abuse, domestic violence, knife attacks, acid attacks, terror attacks, and hate crimes. It also covers psychological injuries such as PTSD where they were caused by a violent crime. Property crimes such as theft or fraud are not usually covered unless violence was also involved.
Can I claim CICA compensation for a crime that happened years ago?
Yes, in some cases. The standard time limit is usually two years from the date of the crime, but there are important exceptions, especially in cases involving childhood sexual abuse. IL4U can assess whether your claim may still be in time.
Can I claim for PTSD after witnessing violence?
Possibly, but only in limited circumstances. Witnesses who suffer serious psychological injury after seeing a violent crime may be eligible in some cases. These claims are more restrictive than claims made by direct victims, so specialist advice is important.