At a glance

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) may award compensation to survivors of domestic abuse who have suffered physical injuries or diagnosed psychological trauma
You’ll usually need to make your claim within two years of the incident, although exceptions can apply in some circumstances
CICA claims are subject to strict eligibility and evidence requirements, which means many applications are unsuccessful
Claims for psychological injuries require a diagnosis from a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist
If you’re still living with the person responsible for the abuse, this will affect your eligibility for compensation

Taking the first step after experiencing domestic abuse can feel overwhelming. If you’re looking for financial support to help you move forward, a CICA claim may be an option.

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) provides compensation to victims of violent crime, including domestic abuse. However, the process isn’t always straightforward. There are strict rules around eligibility, evidence and reporting, so understanding how the scheme works can help you make informed decisions about your next steps.

What is the CICA domestic abuse compensation scheme?

The CICA domestic abuse compensation scheme is a government-funded programme that compensates victims of violent crime in England, Scotland and Wales.

Unlike a personal injury claim made against an insurer, compensation awarded through the CICA is funded by the government. Because of this, the scheme operates under its own set of rules and eligibility criteria.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to claim compensation for:

Physical injuries caused by domestic violence
Sexual abuse or sexual assault
Diagnosed psychological injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Other qualifying injuries covered by the CICA tariff scheme

To make a successful claim, you’ll usually need to show that the abuse was reported to the police and that you’ve cooperated with any investigation.

The low success rate of unrepresented domestic abuse claims

Many survivors find the CICA process challenging, particularly when they’re already dealing with the emotional and practical impact of abuse.

The scheme has strict rules around evidence, eligibility and reporting. Even small mistakes or missing information can delay a claim or lead to a claim being refused.

It’s also important to be aware that CICA claims often take time to resolve. Depending on the complexity of the case and the evidence required, claims can take many months and, in some cases, several years before a final decision is reached.

For many people, having legal support can make the process feel more manageable. An experienced solicitor can help gather evidence, deal with correspondence and ensure your application is presented as clearly as possible, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Key eligibility rules you must meet to claim

The CICA has strict eligibility requirements. While every case is assessed on its own facts, you’ll usually need to meet the following criteria:

Reporting to the police: You must have reported the abuse to the police. The CICA won’t consider a claim without a full police report and a crime reference number.
The two-year time limit: You must normally submit your application within two years of the incident. The CICA can accept applications outside of this time limit if there are exceptional circumstances for the delay.
Cooperating with the investigation: You must fully cooperate with the police and the criminal justice system. If you withdraw your statement or refuse to attend court, the CICA will reject your claim.
Exceptions to the time limit: The CICA can waive the two-year deadline if you can prove that exceptional circumstances, such as severe psychological trauma, prevented you from submitted your claim earlier.

Before starting your application, it’s highly beneficial to review the detailed guidance on CICA eligibility and time limits to ensure your case meets the necessary threshold.

What types of abuse does the CICA actually compensate?

The CICA only awards compensation for certain injuries and conditions covered by its tariff scheme.

This means compensation isn’t available simply because you’ve experienced distressing or difficult circumstances. Instead, there must be evidence of a qualifying injury or award.

The table below outlines what is covered and what is excluded under the current rules:

Covered by CICA	Excluded by CICA
Physical injuries listed on the CICA physical injury tariff, such as fractures, scarring, or head trauma	Pure emotional abuse, verbal insults, or general marital distress
Severe, disabling psychological trauma (like PTSD) that has been formally diagnosed by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist	Stalking or harassment that has not resulted in physical injury or a diagnosed mental injury
Sexual abuse, sexual assault, or physical violence directly resulting in bodily harm	Financial abuse or control where no physical violence or sexual assault took place

Evidence for psychological injury

If you’re claiming for psychological trauma, strong medical evidence is essential.

The CICA will require a diagnosis from a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist to consider making an award of compensation. The evidence will need to show how the condition has affected your day-to-day life and whether the impact is likely to be long term.

Medical records, treatment history and specialist reports can all play an important role in supporting your claim.

Understanding the ‘same roof’ and cohabitation rules

One of the most complex aspects of claiming domestic violence compensation is the CICA cohabitation rule. This rule is designed to ensure that an abuser cannot benefit financially from the compensation awarded to their victim.

The ‘same roof’ restriction

In the past, some claims were blocked because the victim and abuser lived together at the time of the abuse. The historic ‘same roof’ rule has since been removed.

However, current rules can still affect your claim if you’re living with the person responsible for the abuse, or even if you still have contact with them, when compensation is due to be paid.

The CICA may refuse or delay payment if there’s a risk that the abuser could access, control or benefit from the compensation.

Proving you live separately

Many survivors can’t leave straight away. You may have been affected by fear, coercive control, financial abuse, housing issues or concerns about children.

If you’ve now left the abuser, you may need to provide evidence that you’re living separately and don’t have any contact with them. This can include:

A tenancy agreement or mortgage documents
Utility bills in your name
Council tax bills showing a new address
Official letters from the DWP, HMRC or another government department
Bank statements showing your current address
Letters from a refuge, support worker or local authority

Your solicitor can help you understand what evidence is suitable and how to provide it safely.

How to safely gather evidence for your claim

Gathering evidence can be stressful, especially if you’re still worried about your safety. Your safety must always come first.

If you’re still living with your abuser, planning to leave or concerned they may monitor your communications, take extra care before requesting documents or contacting anyone about your claim.

Here’s how you can safely build your case:

Secure your communications: Set up a brand-new, private email address that your partner cannot access. Ensure your phone has passcode protection, or ask your solicitor to send all postal correspondence to a trusted family member’s address or directly to their legal offices.
Request medical records safely: Contact your GP or local hospital to request copies of your medical records. Be sure to highlight any visits where you received treatment for physical injuries or sought help for psychological distress. Request that the surgery does not send text notifications about these requests to a shared mobile number.
Secure your police records: Keep a safe record of every police incident number and the names of the officers you spoke to. The CICA will contact the police directly, but having these details on hand speeds up the process significantly.
Partner with a legal expert: Relying on a professional to handle your claim means you do not have to correspond with the CICA yourself. Your solicitor will manage all the paperwork and evidence gathering, protecting you from unnecessary stress and keeping your information safe.

Make a criminal injury claim with Express Solicitors

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority offers a vital financial lifeline for survivors of domestic abuse, helping you rebuild your life on your own terms. However, navigating the highly restrictive rules, strict time limits, and extensive evidence requirements alone can be incredibly difficult, often resulting in unrepresented claims being rejected.

Partnering with a compassionate, specialist solicitor is the most effective way to protect your rights. By working with a legal expert on a no win, no fee basis, you can focus fully on your recovery while a dedicated professional fights to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.

If you’re ready to take the next step, contact Express Solicitors for a free, confidential, and safe consultation with a specialist abuse claims expert who will support you through your recovery.

Domestic abuse compensation claims with the CICA FAQs

Can I claim CICA compensation if my partner was not convicted?

Yes, you can. Criminal courts require proof beyond reasonable doubt, but the CICA operates on the balance of probabilities. As long as you reported the abuse to the police and fully cooperated with their investigation, you can still secure compensation without a conviction.

Does CICA pay out for coercive control or emotional abuse alone?

No, the CICA does not pay out for emotional abuse or coercive control on its own. To claim, these behaviours must be linked to physical or sexual violence, or the threat of violence which results in a disabling mental injury.

What is the CICA time limit for domestic violence claims?

The standard time limit is two years from the date of the incident. However, the CICA may waive this deadline if for example you can prove that severe psychological trauma prevented you from reporting the abuse or claiming sooner.