Listen, believe, support - Yellow

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is a UK government organisation that runs a compensation scheme for victims of violent crime in England, Scotland, and Wales.

Many people don’t realise that if they’ve been the victim of a violent crime (including rape and sexual assault) and reported it to the police, they may be eligible to claim compensation.

SARSAS understands that trauma cannot be measured or put a price on, but we also want to raise awareness of the scheme so that victims and survivors have access to information and options, allowing them to make an informed choice about what feels right for them.

If you choose to, you can find out more about eligibility criteria, the application process, and what’s involved here.

Some key points to consider:

  • The crime must have happened in EnglandWales or Scotland
  • You can make a claim online
  • It does not cost anything to apply
  • You may be eligible for an injury payment of between £1K and £250K
  • You do not have to use a legal adviser
  • If you do choose to use one, you cannot claim the cost back


We understand that this process may not feel right for everyone, and that choosing to pursue a claim is a deeply personal decision. It can sometimes be lengthy and challenging, and at times may bring up difficult memories or be retraumatising.

We also recognise that some people may have already applied for compensation and not received the result they wanted or deserved, which can understandably feel invalidating and disheartening.

If this is the case, you can get in touch via our helpline and online (live chat and email) services for emotional support.


Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA): Overview – GOV.UK

Please note that we are not legal experts and cannot advise you on making a claim to the CICA.

Support services and resources

Untitled design (11)

I need help

the word support put together using wooden scrabble pieces

Support services

A paper calendar with a pen and a fake plant.

Refer yourself

Rocks with words of encouragement on them

Learning disability and autism support

Shelf of books

Information on rape and sexual abuse

lady looking out window with mug in her hand

Victim-survivor resources

Hands holding the word support written down on a piece of paper shaped as a heart

Friends and family resources

Man looking at laptop

General information

The latest from our news and blogs

For subject names please contact info@toucan-productions.co.uk or GSKIMPACTAwards@gsk.com

What is the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)? 

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is a UK government organisation that runs a compensation scheme for victims of violent crime in England, Scotland, and Wales.

SH at Work

Why workplace sexual harassment training is a financial investment

Last year, SARSAS reached out to the financial sector, training staff at Digby Associates in Sexual Harassment at Work, as part of our continued efforts and collaborations to create safe, inclusive workplaces where staff can thrive and, together, we can prevent sexual violence.

SARSAS Silent Auction - Instagram Posts (2)

SARSAS Silent Auction 2026: online charity auction supporting survivors

Join our online silent auction raising funds for survivors of sexual violence, supporting our specialist counselling and support services across Avon and Somerset.