Compensation Levels for Victims of Rape and Sexual Assault

Compensation levels for victims of rape and sexual assault. If you have been the victim of rape or sexual assault then you can seek an award from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. You can make a civil claim against your attacker or, in some instances, their employer.

The level of compensation you may be entitled to is, to some degree, dependent on who makes the payment.

Applying to the CICA

You can make an application for a financial award (compensation) to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) for both physical and psychiatric injuries. You can also look to recover any financial losses you may have suffered. However, not all financial losses are recoverable and your legal adviser will be able to tell you what can be recovered.

The CICA is a government-funded organisation that makes payment to the victims of crimes of violence which includes rape and sexual assault. An award can never undo the injury and damage that may result from a sexual attack or rape, but it can help give a sense a closure and the feeling that someone has listened.

Compensation levels for victims of rape and sexual assault from the CICA.

The amount of compensation paid by the CICA depends upon on the frequency and extent of any attack/abuse as well as the age of the victim (minors are classified differently to adults).

When assessing an adult, the CICA use a tariff-based system for valuing claims producing the following awards:

A single incident of sexual assault without penetration and over clothing – £1000.00, whereas one incident of full penetrative rape – £11,000.00. Abuse over a longer period of time can attract an award as high as £33,000.00 with various levels in-between depending on the above-mentioned factors.

Forced oral sex is now regarded as a crime of rape.

In addition, compensation can be awarded for:

• Physical/Internal injuries
• STD’s
• Psychological damage (in limited cases)
• Pregnancy resulting from the assault – there is no claim for the cost of raising any child that may result
• Lost income if the period of absence from work exceeds 28 weeks

Making an application to CICA can be a lengthy and complex procedure, especially in rape and sexual assault cases. Criminal Injury Claims Advice was established to give you the help you need with making an application to the CICA. Our expert advice can help you claim the award you deserve.

From filling in the initial application form to advising on the award that you may be offered we are able to provide help and support.

Compensation levels for victims of rape and sexual assault under a civil claim

Claims against individuals or their/your employers are based on a more detailed review of the effects of the assault on the victim rather the one-size-fits-all tariff system of the CICA. This means that civil awards tend to be larger than the CICA awards.

You can claim for all lost income rather than only after the first 28 weeks as per the CICA.

A successful civil claim allows for recovery of your legal fees. Your legal fees are not recoverable from the CICA.

Starting your claim for compensation

To get the help you need to bring a claim for compensation or advice on compensation levels for victims of rape and sexual assault, get in touch with us today: