Sexual Assault
UK Compensation Awards For Sexual Assault
Compensation awards for victims of sexual abuse can range from £1,000 to tens and potentially hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Money can never make up for the horrifying damage of sexual assault or rape but it may provide some form of acknowledgment of your suffering.
If you would like to speak to a legal advisor with expertise in the field of personal injury compensation related to sexual assault, feel free to contact the Personal Injury Bureau. If necessary you can speak to a female solicitor with experience in this branch of criminal compensation.
Effects Of Sexual Assault
Sexual assault results in widespread psychological damage and symptoms. If you were a victim of sexual assault you are likely to experience at least some of the following symptoms.
- Feelings of isolation
- Depression
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Self-harm
- Eating disorders
- Fear and panic attacks
- Low self esteem
- Sexual dysfunction
- Headaches, migraines and body pains
Sexual violence can take many forms:
- Male rape
- Marital Rape
- Incest
- Sexual abuse
- Under age sex
- Non-consensual behaviour
- Rape
- Violent sexual assault
- Sexual kissing, fondling
- Exposure
- Voyeurism
It does not matter if you were in a relationship with your attacker or if you were drunk or asleep when the assault took place if a sexual assault took place it is still sexual assault and you can apply for compensation.
In the event of a personal injury compensation pay out, the amount paid will depend upon on the:
- Level and seriousness of the sexual assault (s)
- Frequency of the sexual assault (s)
- The age of the victim
CICA
CICA is the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, the government body responsible for administering the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme in England, Scotland and Wales.
Anyone who has been the victim of a sexual assault can apply for compensation through CICA.
Factors likely to be considered include the levels of physical injuries, levels of mental trauma and lost income.
Specific issues in relation to sexual assault which may affect the level of compensation payment also include:
- Pregnancy resulting from a sexual attack.
- Any sexually transmitted diseases including genital herpes, HIV, syphilis.
Advice On Eligibility For The Compensation Scheme
Unfortunately you will not be eligible for the compensation scheme from CICA if you were:
- Injured before 1 August 1964.
- You have already applied for compensation for the same criminal injury, under the 2008 Scheme or under any earlier scheme operating in England, Scotland and Wales.
- The injury happened before 1 October 1979 and you and the person who injured you were living together at the time as members of the same family in the same household.
- The injury and the act of violence took place outside England, Scotland or Wales. However, compensation may still be available via awards systems available in other countries.
If you have any concerns about the application procedure you may wish to seek legal advice from a specialist lawyer who will be able to assist you through the process. Many legal specialists offering criminal compensation services offer a no win-no fee agreement.
