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If you have suffered domestic abuse, you may be wondering whether you can claim compensation for the harm it has caused and what support is available to help you move forward. At Accident Claims, our solicitors provide compassionate support to survivors who pursue domestic violence compensation claims through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), the government-backed scheme that compensates victims of violent crime.
Many people are unsure whether they have the right to claim, particularly when the abuse was committed by a current (or former) partner or a family member. However, the CICA recognises that domestic violence can have serious and lasting consequences, and a conviction is not always needed for a claim to be considered.
A successful claim could provide compensation for physical injuries, recognised mental injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and, in some circumstances, related financial losses. Throughout the claims process, our solicitors will combine expert legal representation with a commitment to your individual needs. So, alongside prioritising your wellbeing, we will gather supporting evidence and present your criminal injuries claim to the CICA as strongly as possible. Please contact us today to learn more:
4.8Yes, you can claim compensation after domestic violence through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority if the abuse caused physical or psychological harm. The CICA can award compensation to people who have been injured as a result of a crime of violence, including forms of domestic abuse.
At Accident Claims, our solicitors can see whether your situation meets the CICA’s requirements for making a claim. This involves showing that:
If you are unsure whether you could claim compensation after domestic violence, our solicitors can assess your circumstances and help you take the next steps with confidence. Contact us today to discuss your case.
If the offender was not convicted, you can still seek compensation through the CICA. This is because the CICA reaches its own decision when assessing an application and does not require a criminal conviction.
For survivors of domestic abuse, this can be especially important since incidents often happen behind closed doors and obtaining evidence can be challenging. As long as the abuse was reported to the police and the other eligibility criteria are met, the CICA may still consider the claim.
Contact Accident Claims today for clear, confidential advice on whether the outcome of a police investigation or court case leaves a CICA claim open to you.
You can begin a domestic violence compensation claim by setting out the core facts of the abuse and how it was reported to the police. This gives the CICA the starting point it needs to consider your application. Once those details have been reviewed, a CICA application can be prepared. Our solicitors can help ensure the application is completed accurately and that all relevant information is included from the outset.
Following the submission, the CICA will begin its assessment and may contact the police or other organisations for further information before reaching a decision. If additional details are requested during the process, we can help explain what is needed and assist you in responding.
For support with preparing your account or understanding what the CICA needs at this stage, speak with us today for clear, tailored guidance.
Domestic violence can affect people in different ways, which is why the CICA considers the specific circumstances of each claim. Examples of situations that could lead to a claim include:
Not every domestic violence compensation claim looks the same. If you recognise your own circumstances in any of the examples above, contact us for free advice and find out whether you could be eligible to claim through the CICA.
The amount of compensation awarded for a domestic violence claim will depend on the injuries sustained and how they affect your life and finances. Claims made through the CICA are assessed using a tariff system within the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012 (the Scheme), which assigns fixed amounts to different types of physical and psychological injuries.
The table below provides examples of CICA payouts that may be available for domestic violence claims. Please note that the lead entry is the maximum the CICA awards in any type of claim.
| Injury | Notes | CICA Tariff Award |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple severe criminal injuries with special expenses and lost earnings. | Compensation for up to 3 severe criminal injuries, as well as lost earnings and the cost of required mobility aids or home adaptations. | Up to £500,000 |
| Mental injury | Permanent and seriously disabling mental injury. | £27,000 |
| Mental injury | Disabling mental injury lasting between 2 to 5 years. | £6,200 |
| Minor brain damage | Moderate to medium-term brain damage lasting 6 months to 2 years with a good recovery. | £16,500 |
| Multiple fractures to the face | E.e.g Le Fort fractures types 2 and 3 | £11,000 |
| Facial scarring | Causing a serious disfigurement. | £11,000 |
| Physical abuse | A pattern of severe abuse over 3+ years. | £8,200 |
| Fractured radius (forearm bone) | To both arms, but with a substantial recovery | £6,200 |
| Fractured clavicle | Both clavicle bones, with a continuing significant disability. | £4,600 |
| Fractured tibia (shin bone) | To one leg, causing a continuing significant disability. | £4,600 |
| Dislocated shoulder | One shoulder but with a continuing significant disability. | £3,500 |
Where a victim has suffered more than one injury, the CICA’s multiple injuries formula may apply. Rather than paying the full tariff amount for every injury, the Scheme awards 100% of the highest-valued injury, 30% of the second highest-valued injury and 15% of the third highest-valued injury, subject to the Scheme’s rules. You can also use our criminal injury claim calculator to help you.
Yes, domestic violence compensation can include financial losses linked to the harm you have suffered. Through the CICA, these are considered under specific parts of the Scheme, including special expenses and loss of earnings.
Special expenses are intended to cover necessary costs that arise directly because of the injuries caused by the abuse. The expense must be reasonable, required as a result of the injury and unavailable free of charge from another source. Depending on the circumstances of your claim, this could include:
The CICA Scheme may also allow some claimants to recover loss of earnings. However, strict eligibility requirements apply. When assessing whether financial losses may form part of a claim, we can help identify which costs may be recoverable under the Scheme and ensure any relevant information is included within the application.
If domestic abuse has left you facing ongoing costs or affected your ability to work, contact us for free advice on whether these losses could be considered as part of a CICA claim.
4.8The evidence that could support a domestic violence compensation claim may include police reports and medical records showing how the abuse has affected you. The CICA can contact the police directly, but it can still help to understand what information may be relevant.
Key evidence stages can include:
Gathering evidence for a domestic violence claim can feel overwhelming, particularly when the abuse has had a lasting impact or happened some time ago. Our solicitors can identify what information may support your application and ensure your evidence is presented clearly to the CICA, allowing you to focus on your wellbeing while your claim progresses. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.
Yes, there are time limits for domestic violence compensation claims made through the CICA. In most cases, you will have 2 years from the date of the incident to start your application.
However, the CICA recognises that domestic abuse can be complex and that some victims may not feel able to come forward immediately. In certain circumstances, exceptions can be made to the standard 2-year time limit. To secure an extension, you will need to show that exceptional circumstances prevented you from making a claim sooner and that there is sufficient evidence available for the CICA to assess the application.
Different rules can apply if the abuse happened when you were under the age of 18:
Because time limit exceptions are assessed on a case-by-case basis, it can be helpful to seek advice as early as possible. If you are worried that too much time has passed since the abuse occurred, contact us, and we can assess whether the CICA may still be able to consider your claim.
At Accident Claims, our solicitors can help you start a domestic violence compensation claim by ensuring your application is prepared correctly and that relevant information is presented clearly from the outset. Our role is to guide you through the process with care, helping you set out what happened in a way that feels manageable and respectful of your experience.
When you choose our solicitors, we will support you by:
Seeking compensation after domestic abuse is an important step, and having experienced legal support can help make the process easier to navigate. Contact us today to discuss your circumstances and find out how our solicitors could help you pursue a domestic violence compensation claim.
Our specialist solicitors understand the sensitive nature of domestic violence compensation claims and can provide clear, practical advice tailored to your circumstances. Whether you are considering a claim through the CICA, have concerns about time limits, or are unsure whether you may be eligible to claim, we can explain your options and help you make informed decisions about the next steps.
Yes, you could claim domestic violence compensation on a No Win No Fee basis with our solicitors under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA).
A CFA means you will not be asked to pay upfront service fees for a solicitor to start work on your claim or while it is ongoing. If compensation is not awarded, you will not be required to pay our solicitors for the work they have carried out under the agreement.
Should your claim succeed, your solicitor will deduct a small portion of your compensation. This success fee is taken as a legally capped percentage and will be clearly explained before any work begins, allowing you to decide whether proceeding with a claim is right for you.
For further guidance about making a domestic violence compensation claim, our solicitors are here to answer your questions and explain your options in confidence. Contact Accident Claims today for free advice and find out whether we could help with the domestic violence compensation claims process.
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