At a Glance
- Survivors of sexual assault may be able to claim compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) or, in some circumstances, through a civil claim
- You don’t need a criminal conviction to make a claim
- CICA claims require the incident to have been reported to the police
- Compensation may be available for both physical injuries and recognised psychological injuries
- Civil claims can sometimes be brought against organisations that failed to protect people from abuse
Experiencing sexual assault, abuse or rape can have a profound impact on every part of your life. The emotional effects can last long after the incident itself, affecting your relationships, confidence, work and overall wellbeing.
While compensation can’t undo what’s happened, it may help you access support, treatment and financial stability while you focus on your recovery.
If you’re considering a sexual assault compensation claim,, it’s important to know that there are different routes available. This guide explains the main options and what you can expect from the process, helping you make informed decisions at a pace that feels right for you.
Understanding your compensation pathways: CICA vs. civil claims
If you’ve experienced sexual assault or abuse, there are generally two potential routes to compensation:
- A claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)
- A civil claim against the individual responsible or an organisation that may be legally liable
The most appropriate option will depend on the circumstances of your case.
| Key Metric | Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) | Civil Personal Injury Litigation |
| Who pays compensation ? | The Government (taxpayer-funded scheme) | The abuser or the responsible organisation |
| Time limits | 2 years from the incident, but can be extended in exceptional circumstances | Normally 3 years, but flexible for historic abuse |
| Is a conviction required? | No, but you must have reported it to the police | No, decided on the civil balance of probabilities |
| Average timeline | 24 months on average | Highly variable, often 12 to 36+ months |
| How is compensation calculated? | Fixed tariff bands for physical/mental injury | Based on the specific impact of the abuse and losses suffered |
It’s also essential to consider the double recovery rule. You’re legally allowed to apply for a CICA award whilst a civil case is pending. However, you can’t be compensated twice for the same injury. A CICA claim will likely be placed on hold pending the outcome of your civil claim.
How does the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) scheme work?
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is a government organisation that compensates victims of violent crime in England, Scotland and Wales.
The scheme was created to support people who’ve suffered physical or psychological injuries because of criminal acts, including sexual assault and abuse.
One of the key benefits of the scheme is that compensation may still be available even if the perpetrator was never identified, charged or convicted.
To make a claim, you’ll need to:
- Report the incident to the police
- Cooperate with any investigation
- Meet the relevant eligibility requirements
- Submit your application within the applicable time limit
The CICA recognises that many survivors aren’t able to report abuse immediately. In some circumstances, particularly in cases involving childhood abuse or historic sexual abuse, exceptions to the usual time limits may apply.
The CICA tariff: what compensation could you receive?
The CICA operates under a strict, predetermined tariff system rather than evaluating compensation on a bespoke basis. This means the amount you receive is tied directly to the specific injuries you sustained and their documented severity.
Understanding tariff bands
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme categorises awards into fixed bands. Physical injuries and psychological trauma are evaluated separately, and survivors can receive compensation for sexual assault or disabling mental injuries. If you’ve suffered multiple injuries, the scheme uses a formula where you receive 100% of the tariff for your most severe injury, 30% for the second most severe, and 15% for the third.
The psychological evidence threshold
Many survivors experience significant psychological harm following a sexual assault.
Conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety can affect day-to-day life for years after the incident.
Where psychological injuries form part of a claim, the CICA will require medical evidence from an appropriately qualified specialist such as a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist who can assess the impact of the abuse and provide an independent opinion.
How we secure your diagnosis
Getting this medical evidence can be difficult on your own, especially with long NHS waiting lists. Working with a specialist solicitor ensures the correct medical evidence is obtained. A formal assessment protects your claim from being dismissed as temporary mental anxiety, ensuring your trauma is valued accurately.
- Disabling mental injury — Requires clinical evidence from a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
- Loss of earnings — Available if you have no or limited capacity for paid work for more than 28 weeks.
- Special expenses — Can cover things like physical clinical aids.
Pursuing a civil claim for sexual assault against organisations
While CICA claims are funded by the government, a civil claim is brought directly against a third party. In many cases, bringing a civil claim against the individual perpetrator is impractical because they lack the personal assets to pay damages.
Instead, survivors often pursue organisations, such as schools, religious institutions, foster care providers, sports clubs, or businesses, where the abuse occurred.
This process relies on the legal principle of vicarious liability. Under vicarious liability, an organisation can be held legally responsible for the wrongful acts of its employees or volunteers.
If the organisation failed in its duty of care, failed to vet staff properly, or ignored warning signs, you have a strong foundation for a claim.
Accessing justice for historic abuse has also become more supportive. Under Clause 87 of the Crime and Policing Bill, there are efforts to remove the strict three-year limitation period entirely for civil child sexual abuse claims.
This shift means that instead of technical time limits blocking your path, the legal focus remains on whether a fair trial is still possible, opening the door for many survivors to seek the accountability they deserve.
Navigating the process: police evidence, privacy, and timelines
Entering a legal process can feel like exposing your private life, but the systems are designed to protect your sensitive personal details. You don’t have to hand over your entire medical and personal history to secure justice.
- Restricted data sharing — Your solicitor can help you pursue a “police evidence only” pathway, meaning the CICA only reviews police records rather than your entire GP history.
- GDPR and privacy shields — Strict data protection regulations prevent institutions from sharing any details of your claim with the abuser; doing so is a serious legal breach.
- Solicitor monitoring — We manage the procurement of files directly with the police and medical experts so you don’t have to handle painful documents yourself.
It’s also important to prepare for the realistic timeline of these cases. Survivors often refer to the CICA black hole because the authority can take 24 months or more to process a claim. This delay occurs because the CICA must wait for police reports, criminal proceedings to conclude, and medical records to be verified. Our dedicated solicitors will monitor this progress constantly, chasing the CICA for updates so you’re never left in the dark.
How no win, no fee supports your access to justice
Financing a legal claim should never be a barrier to seeking justice and recovery.
For CICA claims, we operate on a Contingency Fee Agreement (CFA), on a no win, no fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs for you, and if your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t pay our legal fees, removing any financial risk.
The CICA doesn’t pay for your legal representation and our fees are deducted from any compensation you receive at a capped percentage. Having specialist representation is highly beneficial.
Freedom of Information (FOI) data indicates that only around 13% of CICA applicants actually receive awards when applying on their own. Our expertise helps navigate the complex evidentiary requirements, ensuring your case is presented robustly to secure the maximum possible tariff.
Start your confidential recovery journey today
Pursuing compensation for sexual assault is all about securing the resources you need to rebuild your life. Whether you choose the CICA route or a civil claim, having dedicated, trauma-informed legal advocates on your side ensures your voice is heard, your privacy is protected, and your claim is valued accurately.
Taking this step is a profound act of reclaiming your future, and we’re here to support you at every stage of that journey.
If you’re ready to discuss your options, we’re here to listen. Contact Express Solicitors today for a completely confidential, free assessment of your case from our empathetic, specialist team.
Sexual assault compensation in the UK FAQs
Can I claim sexual assault compensation if the perpetrator was never convicted?
Yes. A criminal conviction is not necessary for either a CICA claim or a civil claim. The standard of proof in these civil processes is the balance of probabilities, meaning whether it is more likely than not that the abuse occurred, which is lower than the criminal standard of beyond reasonable doubt.
What is the CICA compensation tariff for rape and sexual assault in the UK?
The CICA operates a fixed tariff system ranging from £1,000 to £44,000 depending on the severity and duration of the abuse and whether mental injuries were sustained. Awards are also available for loss of earnings.
Is there a time limit on claiming compensation for historic sexual abuse?
Yes, but there are exceptions to the rules. For CICA claims, the limit is generally 2 years from the date of the incident, but the CICA can waive this rule in exceptional circumstances. For civil claims, courts have wide discretion to waive the standard 3-year limit, and upcoming legislation aims to axe the limitation period entirely for childhood abuse.
Can I make a civil claim for sexual assault against an organisation rather than the individual?
Yes. If the abuse occurred in an environment like a school, care home, sports club, or religious group, you can bring a claim against the organisation under vicarious liability if they failed in their duty of care or had an employment-like relationship with the abuser.