Criminal Injury
Do I Make a Claim Through CICA (Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority)?
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme was set up in 1996 to provide a financial safety net for people who have been the victims of crime. The scheme is financed by the government, and makes it possible for anyone, provided they meet certain criteria, to seek criminal injury compensation for any injuries, physical or mental, which they may have received. Those who can make a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority include:
- Innocent people who have been directly injured during a crime perpetrated by someone else.
- People who have suffered long term psychological trauma after witnessing a crime perpetrated by someone else.
- People who have lost a loved one due to a crime.
- People who have suffered mental stress and trauma due to the effects of a crime on somebody close to them.
In order to make a criminal injury claim, it is not strictly necessary to know the name of the person who committed the crime, or even for somebody to have been convicted. As long as you can demonstrate that a crime took place, that you were a totally innocent bystander and that the effects have been detrimental and long term, then you will be in a strong position to pursue compensation. The amounts awarded by the CICA vary widely, and depend upon the exact circumstances of either the crime committed or the nature of the long term injuries suffered. The existence of the CICA means that it is not necessary for the victims of crime to sue the perpetrator directly, which means that compensation will always be forthcoming where it is due, and will not be dependent upon seizing the assets of the criminal.