Struggling to find support after a violent crime? These changes could make a difference

This month marks Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, a vital opportunity to draw attention to the challenges faced by survivors and the need for reform in how we support victims of violent crime.

In a positive development, the UK government announced this week that it will remove the three-year time limit for bringing child sexual abuse claims in civil cases, allowing victims to come forward when they feel ready.

Kim Harrison, the president of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), recently posted a blog highlighting key changes needed to assist crime victims better.

We examine the crucial reforms she discussed and show how we can ensure that all victims of crime have access to justice and the support they deserve.

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICS) was designed to financially redress crime victims. However, it falls short in many ways.

As legal professionals, we understand the importance of ensuring victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Based on the concerns raised by APIL’s Kim Harrison, these are the key changes she wants to see to improve the scheme and support those affected by crime.

Raise awareness of the CICS and violent crime

Currently, there is a significant lack of awareness about the compensation scheme. Every year, around 480,000 people in Great Britain suffer due to violent crime. Yet, in the 2022/23 financial year, the CICS received only 36,686 applications —just 8% of all victims.

This suggests that many victims are simply unaware that they could claim compensation. More must be done to ensure that victims know their rights and the support available to them. We play a vital role in bridging this gap, helping clients understand their entitlements and guiding them through the claims process.

Extending the time limit for applications

Until this month, civil child sexual abuse claims had to be brought within three years of the victim turning 18 unless they could prove a fair trial could proceed despite the time-lapse. This restriction prevented some victims from accessing compensation altogether.

APIL has been calling on the government to extend this limit as survivors of childhood sexual abuse may take decades to come forward due to trauma or a lack of awareness about their rights.

And now the government has confirmed it will remove the three-year time limit for bringing child sexual abuse claims.

We back the move as we understand the long-term impact of abuse and trauma. Our experienced solicitors work closely with survivors to provide support and assist with compensation claims.

Allowing more reporting options for violent crime

Victims must report the crime to the police for the CICS to consider their claim. However, many victims, particularly survivors of sexual violence, do not report their experiences due to fear, shame, or concerns.

Before 2012, the scheme allowed victims to qualify if they had reported the crime to other “responsible people,” such as teachers, doctors, or religious ministers. Reverting this rule would provide much-needed flexibility and ensure more victims can access the compensation they deserve.

We help victims navigate these complex requirements and advocate for fairer policies that acknowledge how victims seek support and validation.

Recognising psychological and emotional harm

The CICS currently only compensates victims of “violent” crimes, leaving many others without support. However, crimes such as stalking, coercive control, and online sexual abuse may not involve physical violence but still cause deep psychological and emotional trauma.

Victims of these crimes should have access to the same support as those who have suffered physical injuries. The government must remove the requirement for a crime to be “violent” to qualify for compensation, recognising that harm comes in many forms.

We have extensive experience in handling complex personal injury and abuse claims. Our solicitors understand the profound impact of psychological trauma and fight to ensure that all victims receive the recognition and financial compensation they deserve.

As legal advocates, we urge the government to act. We stand with organisations like APIL calling for urgent reforms to ensure the CICS is fit for purpose and helps those it supports.

NV Legal

Navigating the CICS can be daunting, particularly for those already dealing with trauma. We specialise in helping victims of crime secure compensation. Our expert solicitors offer compassionate, professional support, guiding clients through the claims process and ensuring they receive the justice they deserve.

If you or someone you know has been affected by crime and needs legal assistance, we are here to help. Contact NV Legal today for confidential, expert advice.

Contact us for a complimentary, no-obligation consultation. A solicitor with extensive experience will assist with your query.

Call – 03330 112 732

Email – info@nvlegal.co.uk

Website – nvlegal.co.uk

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