Victim Support - Croydon

Applying for Criminal Injuries Compensation

How does CIC Work?

Victims of crime, who have suffered physical or psychological injuries, or families of victims bereaved by murder or manslaughter, can apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority for compensation.

Who should Apply for Criminal Injuries Compensation?

You should consider applying if you can answer “Yes” to all of the questions in ONE of the following boxes:

Have you been physically or psychologically injured because of a violent crime?
Did the crime take place within the last 2 years?

Has your parent, child, husband, wife or partner died as the result of a violent crime?
Did the crime take place within the last 2 years?

Do you have a close relationship with another person who has been the victim of a violent crime?
Were you present when the crime took place, or involved immediately afterwards?
Did your involvement in the incident cause you a psychological injury?
Did the crime take place within the last 2 years?

Other things which may affect your claim

The crime must have taken place in England, Scotland or Wales.

Helping the Police

In making an assessment the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority normally ask the Police for a report on the incident, and the doctor or hospital which treated you, for a report on your injury. There does NOT need to be a conviction for a compensation award to be made. You need to have reported the crime to the Police as soon as possible after the incident. You need to have co-operated with the Police throughout their investigation and have conducted yourself in a lawful manner before, during and after the incident. You will need to be prepared to go to Court and give evidence if required.

You can access more information about claiming and how to qualify by going to www.cica.gov.uk or telephoning 0800 358 3601.

Victim Support workers can guide you through the forms and give you information as and when you need it. All volunteers have been trained to help you, but we cannot give legal advice. Click here to find out how to contact Victim Support Croydon.