Last Updated: 6 August 2026 I Reading Time: 7 minutes
Summary
As technology evolves, so do the ways in which crimes are committed. Online grooming, cyberstalking, image-based abuse and AI-generated sexual abuse can cause severe psychological harm, yet many people question whether these offences fall within the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICA).
While the CICA’s definition of a crime of violence has traditionally focused on offences involving physical force or the threat of violence, recent court decisions demonstrate that the law continues to develop. This article explains the current legal position, what recent case law means for victims and whether compensation may be available.
Quick answer
Some cyber-enabled offences may qualify as a crime of violence under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, particularly where they involve threats, coercion or serious psychological harm. The law continues to evolve, and recent Court of Appeal decisions have confirmed that physical contact is not always required. Whether compensation is available depends on the facts of each individual case.
In this article
- What is a crime of violence?
- Can cybercrime qualify for compensation?
- The impact of online abuse
- The importance of the RN v CICA case
- How GLP Solicitors can help
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key takeaways
- The CICA compensates victims of crimes of violence, not every criminal offence.
- Traditional definitions focused on physical violence, but the courts have recognised that some non-contact offences may qualify.
- Online grooming, cyberstalking and image-based abuse can cause serious psychological injuries.
- Each CICA claim is assessed on its own facts.
- Recent Court of Appeal decisions have broadened the understanding of what may constitute a crime of violence.
- Victims of online abuse may also be eligible to claim compensation for psychological injuries where the legal criteria are met.
- Seeking legal advice can help clarify whether a particular offence may fall within the Scheme.
What is a crime of violence under the CICA Scheme?
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) administers the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, which provides compensation to eligible victims who have suffered physical or psychological injuries as a result of a crime of violence.
Historically, crimes of violence have included offences such as:
- assault
- robbery
- sexual assault
- homicide
- other offences involving physical force or threats of violence
However, advances in technology have raised important questions about whether certain online offences should also fall within the Scheme.
How Has Cybercrime Changed the Nature of Violent Crime?
Many modern offences occur entirely online but can have devastating consequences for victims.
Examples include:
- online grooming
- cyberstalking
- image-based sexual abuse
- online coercive behaviour
- blackmail involving intimate images
- AI-generated (“deepfake”) sexual abuse
Although these offences may not involve physical contact, they can cause profound psychological harm that affects victims for many years.
Does Every Cybercrime Qualify?
No.
Many cyber offences, such as online fraud, identity theft or computer hacking, do not usually fall within the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme because they do not involve a crime of violence as defined by the Scheme.
However, offences involving:
- credible threats of violence
- sexual exploitation
- coercive control
- serious psychological abuse
may require a more detailed legal assessment.
Whether compensation is available will depend on the facts of each case.
The Growing Concern Around AI and Online Abuse
The rapid development of artificial intelligence has created new forms of online abuse.
One example is the creation of AI-generated intimate images, commonly known as “deepfakes”, which can be used to harass, humiliate or exploit victims.
In recent years, Parliament has introduced and strengthened legislation aimed at tackling image-based abuse through measures including the Online Safety Act 2023 and related criminal offences.
Although criminal law continues to evolve, questions remain about how emerging forms of online abuse fit within existing compensation schemes such as the CICA.
The Importance of RN v Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority [2023]
A significant development came in the Court of Appeal decision in RN v Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority [2023] EWCA Civ 882.
The case involved a young victim who had been groomed online by an adult posing as another child. The offender later made threats that caused the victim to fear for his safety, resulting in serious psychological injury.
The Court of Appeal held that a crime of violence does not necessarily require physical touching. The judgment recognised that fear of violence may arise even where the offender is not physically present.
This decision is particularly important because it demonstrates that modern forms of abuse can, in some circumstances, satisfy the definition of a crime of violence under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.
What Does This Mean for Victims?
The RN decision does not mean that every cybercrime now qualifies for Criminal Injuries Compensation.
Instead, it confirms that:
- physical contact is not always essential
- psychological injuries can be highly significant
- the circumstances of each offence matter
- every application will be assessed individually
Victims of online grooming, threats or serious image-based abuse should not assume they are automatically excluded from making a claim.
Why Early Legal Advice Is Important
Cyber-enabled offences often raise complex legal questions.
Obtaining legal advice early can help determine:
- whether the offence may amount to a crime of violence
- what medical evidence may be required
- whether a psychological injury satisfies the Scheme
- what evidence should be gathered
- whether a CICA application is appropriate
Because every case is different, specialist advice can help clarify your options.
How GLP Solicitors Can Help
GLP Solicitors has extensive experience helping victims pursue Criminal Injury Compensation claims involving both physical and psychological injuries.
Our specialist team can:
- assess whether your circumstances may fall within the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme
- explain how recent case law may affect your claim
- help gather supporting evidence
- prepare and submit your application
- advise on reviews and appeals where necessary
We provide clear, practical advice while supporting clients throughout the claims process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes. Whether compensation is available depends on whether the offence falls within the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme’s definition of a crime of violence and whether the eligibility criteria are met.
Not automatically. However, depending on the circumstances—including threats, fear of violence and the psychological impact—it may require careful legal assessment.
Possibly. Serious psychological injuries resulting from online grooming may qualify under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme where the legal requirements are satisfied.
The Court of Appeal confirmed that physical contact is not always necessary for an offence to amount to a crime of violence under the Scheme. The decision recognised that certain forms of non-contact abuse involving threats and fear of violence may qualify.
Generally, no. Financial crimes such as fraud or identity theft do not usually fall within the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme because they are not normally considered crimes of violence.
Yes. Cyber-enabled offences often involve developing areas of law. A solicitor can explain whether your circumstances may fall within the Scheme and what evidence may be required.
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