Renewed Hope for Victims of Historical Violent Crime

Any person who has been the victim of a crime, be it an assault, sexual abuse or otherwise, can apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority for compensation. Any application must be lodged within 2 years of the incident taking place, although there is a discretion to extend that time limit.

In the case of those applicants who were living with their partner and who, in turn, was the assailant at the time the offence was committed, all offences prior to 1979 have, up until now, been rejected by the government department.  That position has now changed, which means any applicant can re-apply and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority will have the discretion to extend the 2-year limit in such circumstances.

In relation to the victims of historical child abuse claims, there is currently a 3-year period in England & Wales which, in effect, runs out on one’s 21st birthday. The Court has the discretion to allow claims being brought outside this time limit subject to providing a good reason. There is currently a campaign being brought by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers for this time restraint to be lifted to bring it into line with the law in Scotland which abolished the time conditions in 2017.

If you have suffered from historical abuse – let us help. Our team are experts in these kinds of claims and will handle your case sensitively and with the utmost discretion. Get in touch with our expert team today.