Sexual Abuse Claims Solicitors

Sexual abuse claims enable survivors to seek compensation when sexual abuse, sexual assault or other sexual offences have caused psychological or physical harm. If you experienced abuse as a child or adult, you could be eligible to claim through a civil claim against an individual or organisation, or through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). This can include historic abuse that occurred in childhood or adulthood, in schools, care settings, religious organisations, workplaces or other environments. Compensation may cover the impact on your mental health, treatment costs, loss of earnings and other related losses. At Accident Claims, our solicitors can assess your circumstances and, where appropriate, support your claim on a No Win No Fee basis.

Many survivors continue to feel the effects of abuse long after it happened, and these can influence mental health, relationships and other parts of everyday life. Our solicitors recognise that some survivors do not feel able to come forward until years later, particularly where historic abuse, family pressures or fear of the alleged perpetrator are involved. Whether the abuse was recent or happened decades ago, Accident Claims is ready to explain the claims process and help you understand your options for seeking compensation.

Our trusted legal specialists have decades of combined experience and have helped secure over £100 million in compensation. As part of the No Win No Fee support we provide in sexual abuse claims nationwide, our solicitors can help gather medical records, police evidence, and other supporting evidence while providing straightforward legal guidance throughout the process. If you would like to discuss your case in confidence, reach out to our team for a free consultation where your circumstances and legal options will be explained clearly and without obligation:

• Call 0800 073 8801
• Message live chat
• Contact us online

 

Jump To A Section

1. Can I Make A Sexual Abuse Claim With Accident Claims?
2. Could I Claim Sexual Abuse Compensation Through The CICA? 
3. Can I Claim For Sexual Abuse Directly Against The Perpetrator?
4. Sexual Abuse Compensation Claims Against An Institution
5. Can I Make A Sexual Abuse Claim On Behalf Of A Loved One?
6. Examples Of Sexual Abuse Claims
7. How Much Compensation Could Be Awarded In Civil Sexual Abuse Claims? 
8. Could Sexual Abuse Claims Include Financial Losses?
9. CICA Sexual Abuse Compensation Pay Out Amounts
10. How Can I Begin A Sexual Abuse Compensation Claim?
11. Sexual Abuse Claims With Accident Claims Solicitors
12. More Information

Can I Make A Sexual Abuse Claim With Accident Claims?

Yes, you can make a sexual abuse claim with Accident Claims through either a civil case against the perpetrator or a responsible organisation, or by submitting an application to the government-funded Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). During an initial assessment, our solicitors will carefully review what happened, talk you through these different avenues, and explain what types of evidence may help support a claim.

If you are considering seeking compensation, speak to an advisor for a confidential discussion about the options that may be available to you.

Could I Claim Sexual Abuse Compensation Through The CICA? 

Yes, you could claim sexual abuse compensation through the CICA if the abuse or sexual assault amounts to a crime of violence and you meet the CICA’s eligibility requirements.

The CICA is a government-funded scheme that compensates victims of violent crime in England, Wales and Scotland. Sexual offences, including child sexual abuse and many forms of sexual assault, are generally recognised as crimes of violence under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012 (The Scheme).

To qualify, you will need to have met the following eligibility requirements:

• You must have suffered a physical or psychological injury in a crime of violence, such as sexual abuse or assault.
• The incident must have taken place in Great Britain or another relevant place, such as a ship registered here.
• Reported the abuse to the police and co-operated with any criminal investigation where reasonably possible. 
• Filed the CICA claim within 2 years of the abuse occurring.

If you are unsure whether the abuse could qualify as a crime of violence under the CICA Scheme, contact us today for confidential guidance on your eligibility and the evidence that may support your application.

Can I Claim For Sexual Abuse Directly Against The Perpetrator?

Yes, you may be able to claim for sexual abuse directly against the perpetrator through a civil claim if there is sufficient evidence, you know who they are, and the individual has the means to pay compensation.

A civil claim seeks damages from the abuser, rather than from the government‑funded CICA. Evidence from a police investigation, medical records or other supporting documentation can help establish what happened, but a conviction is not required for a civil case to proceed.

If you are unsure whether compensation could be pursued directly against the perpetrator, speak to an advisor in confidence about the evidence available and the options open to you. 

Sexual Abuse Compensation Claims Against An Institution

In some circumstances, sexual abuse compensation claims can be brought against an institution where failures in safeguarding, supervision, recruitment or reporting procedures contributed to the abuse taking place. These civil claims typically arise in settings where an organisation is responsible for your safety. This can include abuse that occurred in schools, care homes, religious organisations, youth groups, and similar institutions.

To pursue this type of claim, it is necessary to show that the abuse occurred and that either the perpetrator’s role created a link to the organisation or that institutional failings contributed to the harm. Claims against institutions can be particularly important where direct legal action against the perpetrator is not practical or where the organisation’s actions, or lack of action, enabled the abuse to take place.

Our team at Accident Claims is here to provide clear, straightforward answers about making a claim against an institution in confidence. There is no pressure to proceed, and you are welcome to reach out to us whenever you feel ready.

Can I Make A Sexual Abuse Claim On Behalf Of A Loved One?

Yes, you can make a sexual abuse claim on behalf of a loved one if they cannot pursue compensation independently because they are under 18 or are lacking in mental capacity.

To act on behalf of your child, you can become their litigation friend. This allows you to make decisions in the child’s best interests throughout the claims process. If no claim is made during childhood, they will have the option to pursue compensation themselves once they turn 18.

This role can also be used to claim on behalf of a protected party. This is a vulnerable adult who lacks the mental capacity to conduct legal proceedings on their own due to a condition that affects their ability to make decisions about the claim.

You can learn more about the litigation friend role and the process of claiming on a loved one’s behalf by contacting our team in confidence at a time that works for you.

Examples Of Sexual Abuse Claims

Sexual abuse claims can arise from different forms of abuse, exploitation or sexual violence. The examples below are intended to show the types of circumstances that may lead to a claim, but eligibility will depend on the evidence available, the route being pursued and the harm suffered. 

Childhood Sexual Abuse Claims

Abuse in childhood often involves an adult in a position of trust, such as a family member, a babysitter, or a teacher, using their access or authority to cause harm. Claims may arise where concerns were raised but not acted upon, or where those responsible for safeguarding missed clear opportunities to intervene. These factors can help us show how the abuse was allowed to continue and who may be legally accountable.

Historical Sexual Abuse Claims

Even if the abuse took place many years ago, a claim may still be possible if there is supporting evidence such as police records, medical notes, witness accounts or institutional documents. This evidence, along with your own account, can help build a clearer picture of what happened. If you are considering a historic abuse claim, our solicitors can review this documentation confidentially and advise whether compensation may still be pursued.

Sexual Abuse In Care Homes Or Foster Care

In care settings, abuse may occur where a foster carer, residential worker or another resident uses their position or proximity to cause harm. Claims often focus on whether supervision was adequate, whether concerns about behaviour were escalated, and whether the placement itself was appropriate for the child or vulnerable adult.

Abuse In Educational Or Religious Settings

Schools, youth groups, and religious organisations may be liable where a teacher, youth leader or clergy member used their authority to commit abuse. Some claims may involve situations in which concerns about the same individual were repeatedly raised but not acted upon, or where the organisation failed to remove someone who posed a known risk. Our solicitors can help to identify and gather evidence, including institutional records or safeguarding documents.

Workplace Sexual Abuse Or Exploitation Claims

Sexual abuse connected to the workplace may involve a manager, supervisor or colleague using their position or influence to coerce or harm. Civil claims often consider whether the employer ignored complaints, failed to act on patterns of behaviour, or allowed someone with a known history of misconduct to remain in their role.

Abuse By Trusted Professionals

Some claims involve professionals such as healthcare workers, therapists, police officers or social workers who used their role, access or authority to commit abuse. These cases often focus on breaches of professional boundaries, earlier concerns or complaints raised about the individual, and situations in which the organisation responsible did not take appropriate action. Our solicitors can work with you to understand how the professional’s role, their access to you, and any organisational failings might help support a claim.

If one of these examples reflects your experience, or you are unsure how the abuse should be categorised, speak to us in confidence about the type of claim that may apply and the evidence that could help support it.

How Much Compensation Could Be Awarded In Civil Sexual Abuse Claims? 

The amount of compensation that could be awarded in civil sexual abuse claims will depend on the extent of the physical, psychological, and financial harm caused by the abuse.

As part of a civil claim, compensation for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity resulting from the abuse is awarded under general damages. Our solicitors and other legal professionals often refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) when valuing this aspect of a claim. The JCG provides guideline compensation brackets for different types and severities of injury.

Several of these brackets are listed below only as guideline amounts, as the compensation awarded in any individual case will depend on the specific facts and evidence. The first entry has not come from the JCG.

Injury Type	Notes	Amount
Multiple Forms of Severe Harm With Financial Losses	Compensation for suffering multiple severe injuries as well as associated financial losses such as medical costs, therapy fees and lost earnings.	Up to £250,000+
Severe Sexual and/or Physical Abuse	Serious and prolonged physical and sexual abuse causing severe long-term psychiatric injury and major effects on work, education and relationships.	£129,920 to £197,440
Moderately Severe Sexual and/or Physical Abuse	Serious sexual or physical abuse and significant psychiatric injury with substantial effects on daily life and future wellbeing.	£59,450 to £129,920
Moderate Sexual and/or Physical Abuse	Less prolonged sexual or physical abuse or a less severe psychological reaction, with a good or improving prognosis.	£27,170 to £59,450
Less Severe Sexual and/or Physical Abuse	Lower-level or shorter-term abuse with relatively mild psychological effects and a strong prognosis for recovery.	£12,850 to £27,170

To discuss how factors such as the duration of the abuse, its impact on your relationships, education, employment and mental health could affect the value of a civil claim, contact us for a confidential assessment of your circumstances. 

 

Could Civil Sexual Abuse Claims Include Financial Losses?

Yes, civil sexual abuse claims could include financial losses where you have incurred expenses or lost income as a direct result of psychological or physical harm. These losses fall under special damages, covering both past and future out-of-pocket costs. To include these in your claim, we will work with you to identify and gather the evidence needed to show the financial impact on your life, such as bank statements, receipts or invoices.

Our solicitors have extensive experience helping survivors recover a wide range of documented financial losses that often arise from long‑term trauma, such as the examples highlighted below:

Loss Of Earnings

If the abuse or its psychological effects affect your ability to work, reduce your hours or prevent you from career opportunities, you may be able to claim for lost income. Payslips, employment records and other financial documents can help us demonstrate this impact. 

Counselling And Therapy Costs

Many survivors require counselling, psychotherapy or other forms of trauma-informed professional support. Where these costs have been reasonably incurred as a result of the abuse, they may form part of a claim. As part of gathering evidence, our solicitors can help identify the records needed to verify these treatment expenses. 

Medical Expenses

Medical costs linked to the abuse may also be recoverable. Examples can include prescription charges, private treatment, specialist assessments and other healthcare expenses that were necessary because of the physical or psychological effects of the abuse. Before you pay anything out of pocket for treatments, please check with our team that these costs can be recovered should your case be successful. We can then review your medical invoices and other records to document them for your claim. 

Travel Costs For Treatment Or Support

Travel expenses can accumulate over time, particularly when ongoing therapy or medical support is required. Costs for journeys to counselling sessions, hospital visits, or other trauma-informed services connected to your recovery may form part of your claim.

Care And Support Costs

If the effects of the abuse have made daily tasks more difficult, compensation may be available for care provided by professionals, friends or family members. Evidence of the level and frequency of support can help us accurately assess this part of your claim.

We are here to assess your situation confidentially. You can speak with our team about what records may help demonstrate your financial losses and how they can be included in your claim.

CICA Sexual Abuse Compensation Pay Out Amounts

CICA sexual abuse compensation is based on a tariff system, which sets fixed awards for specific criminal injuries. Unlike civil claims, where compensation is assessed on the individual facts of the case, successful CICA applicants receive the tariff amount that corresponds to their injury.

The level of compensation depends on factors such as the nature of the abuse, the age you were when it happened, the duration of the abuse and the physical or psychological harm it caused.

Below, we have listed some of the CICA payouts for sexual abuse or rape. Please note that the top entry is the maximum amount the CICA will award.

Injury	Notes	Compensation Tariff
Multiple Severe Criminal Injuries with lost earnings and special expenses	Compensation for suffering multiple severe injuries, lost earnings and special expenses such as mobility aid costs.	Up to £500,000
Non-consensual Penile Penetration	Resulting in serious internal bodily injuries and a permanently disabling and severe mental illness.	£44,000
Non-consensual Penile Penetration	A pattern of repetitive incidents over 3+ years.	£22,000
Non-consensual Penile Penetration	By one attacker.	£11,000
Sexual Assault	Resulting in a permanently disabling and severe mental illness.	£27,000
Sexual Assault	Resulting in a permanently disabling and moderate mental illness.	£22,000
Sexual Assault	Resulting in serious internal bodily injuries.	£22,000
Sexual Assault	Pattern of repetitive, frequent and severe abuse over 3+ years.	£8,200
Sexual Assault	Minor, non-penetrative sexual physical acts over clothing.	£1,000

If you suffered more than one criminal injury, the CICA’s multiple injuries formula applies. Under this formula, compensation can be awarded for up to 3 injuries at:

• 100% of the tariff amount for the highest-valued injury.
• 30% of the tariff amount for the second highest-valued injury.
• 15% of the tariff amount for the third highest-valued injury.

In some circumstances, additional compensation may also be available where the crime resulted in pregnancy, the loss of a foetus or the transmission of a sexually transmitted infection. These payments are not subject to the multiple injuries formula.

Can CICA Sexual Abuse Claims Cover Financial Losses Too?

Yes, CICA sexual abuse claims can cover certain financial losses in addition to compensation for criminal injuries, provided the relevant eligibility requirements are met.

Under the CICA Scheme, these additional losses are known as special expenses. Unlike civil claims, where a wider range of financial losses may be recoverable, the CICA only compensates certain necessary and reasonable costs that arise directly because of the injury and cannot be obtained free of charge from another source.

Examples of special expenses that may be covered include:

• Specialist equipment required because of the injury.
• Adaptations to a home to accommodate the effects of the injury.
• The repair or replacement of physical aids damaged because of the abuse, such as glasses or mobility aids.
• Care costs where the injury has created a need for assistance with daily activities.

In some cases, the CICA may also consider a claim for loss of earnings if specific requirements are satisfied. Because the rules governing special expenses can be complex, our solicitors can help assess whether any losses may fall within the Scheme and identify the evidence needed to support this part of a claim.

If the effects of the abuse have left you facing ongoing care needs or a loss of income, speak to our solicitors about whether these expenses could be considered as part of a CICA application.

How Can I Begin A Sexual Abuse Compensation Claim?

You can begin a sexual abuse compensation claim by gathering relevant evidence, understanding the applicable time limits, and identifying whether a civil claim or CICA application may be appropriate. Steps that can be taken include:

• Prioritise Your Wellbeing: Accessing professional counselling, therapy, or medical support is the most vital step to look after your health during this time. We can use these records to clearly demonstrate the long-term impact the abuse has had on you.
• Reporting the abuse: For CICA claims, the abuse will need to have been reported to the police. Police records, social services files and other documents may help support your case, even where there has been no criminal conviction.
• Gathering evidence: This may include witness contact details, safeguarding records, institutional documents, previous allegations, medical records and police evidence. Our solicitors can request these records on your behalf.
• Document the impact: Keeping a record of how the abuse has affected your mental health, relationships, education, employment and finances can help demonstrate the extent of the harm suffered.
• Understand the time limits: Different time limits apply to civil claims and CICA applications. While deadlines can be strict, historic sexual abuse claims may still be possible in some circumstances, so it is important to seek advice from us as early as possible.

If you are unsure what evidence may be available or what time limits could affect your case, speak to an advisor for confidential guidance on the next steps involved in pursuing a sexual abuse compensation claim.

Sexual Abuse Claims With Accident Claims Solicitors

Pursuing a sexual abuse claim can feel daunting, particularly where the abuse has had a lasting impact on your mental health, relationships, education or career. Our solicitors understand the sensitive nature of these cases and aim to provide clear guidance and practical support throughout the claims process, always at a pace that feels right for you.

Why Choose Accident Claims For Sexual Abuse Claims?

By choosing Accident Claims to look after your case, you will gain a team that is genuinely committed to your recovery, pairing clear legal action with a supportive approach that prioritises your wellbeing. Making a claim should never feel like an added burden, so we focus on handling the administrative tasks while keeping you informed and in control.

To help you make confident decisions from the start, our solicitors offer focused, ongoing support in key areas, including:

• Explaining your legal routes and whether a CICA application or civil claim is more appropriate based on your circumstances.
• Obtaining and reviewing evidence such as police logs, medical records, therapy notes and institutional documents where available.
• Assisting with historic sexual abuse claims, including cases where the abuse took place many years or decades ago.
• Communicating with the CICA and other relevant organisations on your behalf, ensuring your interests are represented clearly throughout the claim.
• Providing clear updates and straightforward explanations at each stage of the sexual abuse claims process so you understand your options and the progress of your case.

Can Sexual Abuse Claims Be Made On A No Win No Fee Basis?

Yes, sexual abuse claims can be made on a No Win No Fee basis as our solicitors represent eligible claimants under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). This means you will not need to pay for your solicitor’s work upfront or while the claim is ongoing. There are also no fees to pay for the solicitor’s work if the claim is unsuccessful.

If the claim succeeds, a success fee will be deducted from the compensation. This fee is a legally capped percentage and will be explained clearly before any agreement is entered into.

Contact Accident Claims Today 

If you are considering making a sexual abuse claim, our advisors are available to discuss your circumstances in confidence. They can explain the available routes to compensation, answer your questions and arrange for your case to be assessed by an experienced solicitor. Contact Accident Claims today to find out whether you could be eligible to pursue compensation for the harm you have suffered. 

• Call us on 0800 073 8801
• Contact us online
• Use our live chat

More Information 

More of our guides:

• Guidance on claiming for a road rage attack.
• Advice on claiming compensation for actual bodily harm.
• Learn if you could claim for sexual abuse if it was not reported to the police.

Resources:

• Help after rape and sexual assault from the NHS.
• Support for victims of sexual violence or abuse from Gov.UK.
• Mental health conditions from the NHS.

Thank you for reading this guide on sexual abuse claims.