Victim of Crime Compensation - UK Violence Statistics

Our specialist personal injury solicitors offer assistance to victims of violent crime. We deal with applications to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) using the no win no fee scheme and make no charge if the application fails for any reason. You do not have to pay for expenses incurred in the duration of your violent crime compensation claim. For free advice without obligation just call the helpline or send the contact form.

The number of incidents of violent crime committed in the UK is in general stable having fallen by over a third in the last decade. The number of incidents of violent crime peaked in 1995 and although better statistical recording techniques have shown increases in some recent years it is generally believed that any increase is attributable to the new recording technique and is not considered a reflection of the reality of an actual increase in violent crime. Every year in the UK there are almost three million victims of violent crime including domestic violence (15%), violent crimes where the offender was known to the victim (36%), violent crimes where the offender was a stranger (38%) and mugging (robbery) incidents (11%).

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority is in charge of administering awards to UK victims of violent crime. When making a claim, the following factors are considered :-

• Injuries must require at least 2 visits to a doctor and last for at least 6 weeks.
• Loss of wages may be compensated together with some medical expenses.
• A tariff scheme is applied for pain and suffering with bands ranging from £1,000 to £250,000.
• The victim’s behaviour is considered– must not be aggressive nor unreasonable before, during or after the incident.
• The claim must be made with a 2 year limit. The CICA can waive this limit in special circumstances.
• The incident must be reported to the police as soon as possible as delay may affect the claim.
• Full cooperation must be given to the police during the investigation and any subsequent prosecution.
• The victims ‘unspent’ criminal convictions are considered.
• Neither identification nor conviction of the offender is necessary to receive compensation.
• Unsatisfactory decisions, awards or refusals by the CICA may be reviewed by a senior case officer upon the request of the claimant.
• Final awards or refusals can be appealed to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeal Panel.

A judge in a criminal trial may order violent crime compensation to be paid to a victim of crime for any personal injury or other losses. A request for compensation must be made in court by The Crown Prosecution Service after consultation with the victim. Unfortunately the awards made in the criminal court frequently do not reflect the value of the personal injury suffered by the victim and most convicted criminals do not pay making it necessary for an application to the CICA to ensure payment of compensation.

A potential claimant can take legal action for compensation in the civil courts. Proceedings can be issued in the County Court or in the Small Claims Court which has less formal procedures however the amount that can be claimed is capped.