Rape victim compensation: How to make a claim
There has been a worrying increase in rape and sexual assaults in recent years. It is thought that this is partly due to improved reporting, but even if that is correct there is no denying that rape remains a significant problem in the UK and women of all ages and social classes are at risk.
When a woman is raped then she is entitled to receive all the help and support that can be made available to her. Voluntary organisations such as Rape Crisis do a magnificent job. Specialist counselling and therapies are also now widely available, but as with so many things in life funding is often an issue. This is where rape victim compensation can make a difference. Compensation can be claimed that will allow these specialist services to be accessed through private funding.
So, how should someone go about claiming rape victim compensation?
Making a criminal injuries rape victim compensation claim
The government operates a compensation fund called the CICA, or Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. Victims of violent crime, including rape victims, can apply to the CICA for an award of compensation.
You don’t have to use the services of a specialist solicitor to bring a CICA claim, but people often choose to do so on the basis that experienced CICA solicitors like us will be able to secure maximum compensation from the scheme and seal with any tricky legal issues that may arise.
We are also able to help with CICA reviews and appeals. We have achieved a number of notable success, including one sexual abuse case where the award was increased on appeal from £27,000 to over £180,000 after we became involved.
Making a rape victim compensation claim in the civil courts
As an alternative to making a CICA claim, rape victim compensation can be claimed in the civil courts direct from the rapist or any other party who can be held legally liable. Regrettably rapists are often lacking the resources to meet a rape victim compensation claim, but other parties may be at fault, such as an employer.
We can assist you with identifying the possible claims you have and selecting those which are likely to have the best prospects of success.
Funding a rape victim compensation claim
We can work on a No Win, No Fee basis. This means that you do not need to allow worries about legal costs put you off making a claim.
No Win, No Fee works in a slightly different way for CICA claims, but in all cases you will have the peace of mind of knowing that you will not be charged any legal costs if you lose your claim.
Free confidential helpline
For free initial guidance on making a rape victim compensation claim please call us in total confidence on 0808 139 1597 or send an email to info@sleeblackwell.co.uk
