Compensation for rape may be available to survivors who experienced sexual violence that caused psychological harm, physical injury, trauma, financial losses, or long-term effects on daily life and wellbeing. Survivors may be able to pursue compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), depending on the circumstances of the offence and the available evidence. Compensation can reflect emotional harm, therapy costs, loss of earnings, medical expenses, and care needs.
Experiencing rape can have a profound impact on a person’s mental health, relationships, confidence, sense of safety, and ability to move forward with daily life. At Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice, we understand that deciding to speak out or look into your legal options is a deeply personal choice that requires a safe, supportive environment. Our team is mindful of this, providing tailored guidance with sensitivity and absolute confidentiality from your very first conversation.
Whether you pursue compensation through the civil courts or the CICA, our priority is to take care of the intricate details and communication for you, so you are never left unsupported as you navigate the process. We handle sexual abuse cases on a strict No Win No Fee basis, which means we immediately take on the practical work of building a comprehensive timeline of events, tracing relevant institutional records, and coordinating directly with CICA caseworkers on your behalf.
Contact Us
You can speak to one of our friendly advisors today by:
- Calling us on 0333 091 8597
- Filling out our online contact form
- Using our live chat
Jump To A Section
- How Much Compensation For Rape Could Be Awarded Through The CICA?
- Can CICA Rape Compensation Cover Special Expenses?
- Who Is Liable For Paying Rape Compensation?
- Who Is Eligible To Claim CICA Compensation For Rape?
- How Long Does A Rape Victim Have To Claim With The CICA?
- What Do I Need To Do To Bring A CICA Rape Claim?
- How Can A Solicitor Help Me Claim Compensation For Rape?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Learn More
How Much Compensation For Rape Could Be Awarded Through The CICA?
Generally, how much compensation for rape that could be awarded through the CICA depends on the nature and severity of your injuries, and whether there are financial losses. The CICA bases its awards on the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012, which sets fixed values for varying forms and severities of harm. Awards under this tariff take into account various considerations, such as:
- The presence of multiple attackers.
- A pattern of rape and sexual assault over a specific period of time.
- Whether there is a disabling mental injury.
You can find several entries from the CICA in our table below. The first row of the table outlines the maximum compensation the CICA can pay for a successful claim.
| Type of Injury | Tariff | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple severe criminal injuries + special expenses | Up to £500,000 | Special expenses may be for the cost of property damage, mobility aids, and care |
| Non-consensual penile penetration where the victim is any age | £22,000 | Internal bodily injuries that are serious in nature. |
| £22,000 | There is a pattern of repetitive incidents for over 3 years. | |
| £16,500 | Up to 3 years where there is a pattern of repetitive incidents. | |
| £13,500 | Involving 2 or more attackers. | |
| £11,000 | There will be a single attacker involved. |
Through this tariff system, the CICA can award compensation for more than 3 injuries. This involves using a multiple injuries formula to calculate CICA payouts, broken down as follows:
- The injury with the highest value gets 100% of the tariff value.
- The second injury receives 30%.
- The third gets 15%.
Rape and sexual assault can sometimes lead to other forms of physical harm. The CICA accounts for this by offering additional payments that are not subject to the multiple injuries formula where a rape results in a sexually transmitted disease, pregnancy, or foetal loss.
Compensation For The Psychological Damage Of Rape
If you are claiming through the CICA, compensation for the psychological damage of rape can be awarded if the incident caused a disabling mental injury, such as PTSD. According to the CICA, mental injuries are defined as disabling if they substantially impact your ability to perform ordinary day-to-day tasks, such as working. This harm would also need to be confirmed by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist’s prognosis or diagnosis.
You can find entries from the tariff scheme featuring varying severities of mental injury. As with the previous table, the first row lists the maximum that the CICA can award.
| Type of Injury | Tariff | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple severe criminal injuries + special expenses | Up to £500,000 | Lost earnings and special expenses, such as for administrative, care, and supervision costs. |
| Non-consensual penile penetration where the victim is of any age | £44,000 | Alongside serious internal bodily injury, there will be severe and permanent disabling mental illness. |
| £33,000 | Serious bodily injury, together with a moderate and permanent disabling mental illness. | |
| £27,000 | Severe and disabling permanent mental illness. | |
| £22,000 | Moderate and permanent disabling mental illness. |
For a tailored and sensitive discussion of compensation for rape, please reach out to one of our advisors.
Can CICA Rape Compensation Cover Special Expenses?
Yes, CICA rape compensation can cover special expenses in cases where a criminal injury has led to incurred financial losses, such as the cost of care, home adaptations, and specialist equipment. These and other expenses can only be claimed if they are necessary, reasonable, and not available for free anywhere else.
Special expenses in a rape compensation claim can cover the cost of:
- Any necessary physical aids damaged because of the rape, such as hearing aids or glasses.
- Professional support to assist with bodily functions and food preparation.
- Supervision, if this is required to avoid you posing a danger to yourself or others.
- Administering your affairs if mental incapacity has necessitated this.
- Payments for equipment needed to help you live with the harm you have suffered (e.g., a specially adapted car).
Besides these special expenses, you can also claim for lost earnings if you meet the CICA’s criteria for doing so.
Our advisors understand this aspect of the CICA claims process can raise a lot of questions, so please don’t hesitate to reach out day or night by using the contact details listed in this guide.
Who Is Liable For Paying Rape Compensation?
The perpetrator, a vicariously liable third party (such as your employer), or the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority may be liable for paying rape compensation, depending on whether you pursue a civil action or claim through the CICA. You may be able to pursue a civil claim if:
- The person responsible for the rape is known and has sufficient funds to pay compensation.
- A third party, such as a school or care home, had a responsibility to protect your safety, termed a duty of care. You would need to show that your injuries were the result of this duty being breached (e.g., a school failing to perform a background check on a teacher with previous rape convictions).
If civil action isn’t viable and you claim through the CICA, then they will be responsible for paying your award. This would be paid out from the agency’s own budget and valued in line with the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012.
As you focus on your recovery and healing, you don’t have to figure out which compensation pathway to take on your own. Our advisory team can sensitively review your case and help you determine what your options are for claiming.
Who Is Eligible To Claim CICA Compensation For Rape?
Any individual who has suffered a physical or mental injury due to a violent crime in Great Britain may be eligible to claim CICA compensation for rape. To have a valid CICA claim, you will need to meet the following conditions set by the agency:
- Your injuries were the direct result of a violent crime, as established in Annexe B of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012. This includes rape, sexual abuse and assault, for example.
- You reported the rape to the police.
- The rape occurred in Great Britain or another applicable location, such as a UK-registered vessel or aircraft.
Whether you wish to discuss CICA’s eligibility criteria or would like further guidance on the claims process itself, our supportive advisors are here to listen and help you with care and discretion.
How Long Does A Rape Victim Have To Claim With The CICA?
Rape victims are generally required to start a claim with the CICA within 2 years of the crime, but the agency considers exceptional circumstances for applications made outside of this time limit. Moreover, the 2-year time limit works differently for claimants who were under 18 at the time of the rape, depending on:
- If a police report was made before you turned 18: You will have 2 years from your 18th birthday to file your claim, unless exceptional circumstances apply.
- If a police report was made after your 18th birthday: Your claim must be started within 2 years of the date that you reported the rape to the police. In this instance, you would need to supply evidence showing why your police report could not have been made earlier.
Can Claims Be Made For Historical Rape?
Yes, claims can be made for historical rape, as there is no time limit for reporting a sexual offence to the police, and the CICA has special provisions for individuals who were under 18 at the time of the incident. The reasons survivors may wait to make a report vary widely and are often deeply personal. However, the important thing to keep in mind is that the CICA requires you to have filed a police report to claim through the agency.
So long as you meet the agency’s eligibility criteria, the CICA does have discretion to consider any exceptional circumstances that prevented you from making a claim sooner. This is done on a case-by-case basis.
Our advisors understand that the CICA claims process can raise many questions, so they always take the time to provide peace of mind and clear answers. Whenever you feel ready, please reach out to one of them for more information on time limits and how they might apply to your circumstances.
What Do I Need To Do To Bring A CICA Rape Claim?
To bring a CICA rape claim, you will need to have a police reference number, medical evidence, and proof that you met the agency’s residency requirements at the time of the violent crime.
While you can pursue compensation without knowing the identity of your rapist, the CICA nevertheless does require you to have made a police report as part of its claims process. This allows the organisation to communicate with the force and use the police investigation to inform their decision on whether to award compensation.
As you take your first steps toward seeking compensation, you can rest assured that you don’t have to navigate the CICA claims process by yourself. Our advisors are available 24/7, ready to provide empathetic guidance and explain what is involved in making a criminal injury claim.
How Can A Solicitor Help Me Claim Compensation For Rape?
One of our specialist solicitors can help you claim compensation for rape by communicating with the CICA on your behalf, assisting with evidence gathering, and using their knowledge to guide you throughout the process. In all the years that our solicitors have advocated for clients, one thing has stood out: the right support can make a huge difference for survivors navigating the claims process.
That is why each solicitor from Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice always strives to provide the most supportive environment possible. So, your solicitor will take the time to understand your needs and what they can do to help you during this journey. That involves:
- Evidence: You can get help with gathering and preparing the documentation required by the CICA.
- Communication: Our solicitors doesn’t just correspond with the CICA; they also provide regular updates to clients, ensuring they never feel disconnected from their own cases.
- Straightforward guidance: Your solicitor will provide clear explanations of the CICA process, so you never feel lost or confused when claiming.
- Ongoing support: Beyond practical support, your solicitor can aid your recovery by putting you in contact with rehabilitation specialists.
These services, and the many others provided by our solicitors, are offered on No Win No Fee terms under a Conditional Fee Agreement. It would allow your solicitor to get started on the rape compensation claims process without charging:
- Upfront service fees.
- Ongoing service fees at any stage of the claim.
- A service fee if they don’t secure compensation for you.
If the claim wins, your solicitor will receive a success fee as a percentage of the compensation. Since this percentage is legally capped, you can be sure from the outset that you’d keep the largest share of what you get.
Contact Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice
For free, sensitive guidance and to find out if you can make a claim today, please contact Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice anytime during the week. Our advisors dedicate themselves to offering clear, no-pressure support to survivors exploring their options for seeking compensation, and any advice they give is always provided in confidence. You can speak with one today by:
- Calling on 0333 091 8597
- Filling out our online contact form
- Using our live chat
Frequently Asked Questions
You can find further information on making a claim by reading our answers to five of the most frequently asked questions about pursuing compensation for rape.
Will The Assailant Know If I Claim For Rape Compensation?
If you go through the CICA route, your assailant will not know if you claim for rape compensation.
Can I Claim If My Assailant Was Never Convicted Of The Rape?
Yes, you can claim if your assailant was never convicted of the rape, as this is not a requirement for seeking compensation through the CICA.
Will I Need To Press Charges To Claim Compensation For Rape?
No, you don’t need to press charges to claim compensation for rape, as a criminal prosecution is not required when going through the CICA route.
Am I Able To Claim Rape Compensation If The Assailant Has Passed Away?
You would be able to claim rape compensation if the assailant has passed away, as the CICA can process a case whether or not a rapist has been identified, prosecuted, or convicted.
How Long Will It Take To Settle A Rape Compensation Claim?
Generally, the CICA aims to assess cases within 12 months, but the timeframe for how long it will take to settle a rape compensation claim may vary depending on the circumstances of a case.
Learn More
To learn more about the criminal injury claims process, please explore our guides on:
- Seeking compensation for sexual assault at work.
- How to claim for hospital sexual abuse.
- Starting the grooming claims process.
Further resources:
- NHS guidance on getting help after a rape or sexual assault.
- Government outline of your rights after a crime.
- Police overview of what happens during a rape or sexual assault investigation.
If you’re ready to take your first steps towards claiming compensation for rape, please reach out to our team of advisors.
