Last Update: 13 August 2026 I Reading Time: 6-7 minutes
Summary
Domestic abuse can have a serious and lasting impact on a person’s physical and psychological wellbeing. It can involve physical violence, sexual abuse, controlling or coercive behaviour, emotional abuse and other forms of harmful behaviour within relationships or families.
If you have been injured as a result of domestic abuse, you may be able to claim compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). The government-funded Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme covers certain physical and mental injuries resulting from violent crime, including physical abuse and domestic abuse.
The rules surrounding CICA claims can be complex, particularly where abuse has happened repeatedly over a period of time. Understanding the eligibility requirements, evidence needed and applicable time limits can help you make an informed decision about your options.
Quick answer
Yes, you may be able to claim compensation for domestic abuse through CICA if you have suffered a qualifying physical or mental injury as a result of a crime of violence. The Scheme specifically provides compensation for patterns of physical abuse, including domestic abuse. Eligibility depends on the circumstances, evidence, reporting requirements and other rules of the Scheme.
In this article
- What is domestic abuse?
- Can you claim compensation for domestic abuse?
- What types of domestic abuse can result in a CICA claim?
- How much compensation can you receive?
- Can you claim for psychological injuries?
- What evidence is needed?
- Do you have to report domestic abuse to the police?
- How long do you have to make a CICA claim?
- What happens if CICA rejects your claim?
- How GLP Solicitors can help
Key takeaways
- Domestic abuse can give rise to a CICA compensation claim where the Scheme’s requirements are met.
- CICA specifically recognises physical abuse of adults, including domestic abuse.
- Compensation may be available for qualifying physical and mental injuries.
- A pattern of repeated abuse can be considered as a whole rather than treating every individual injury separately.
- The current CICA tariff provides awards for patterns of physical abuse ranging from £2,000 to £8,200 for the categories listed in the Scheme.
- The incident will generally need to have been reported to the police, and applicants are expected to cooperate with the investigation.
- The usual time limit for a CICA claim is two years, although exceptions can apply.
- If CICA refuses or undervalues your claim, you may have options to challenge the decision.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is not limited to physical violence.
It can include a range of behaviour used by one person to harm, control or intimidate another person. It can occur between current or former partners and within family relationships.
Examples can include:
- Physical violence.
- Sexual abuse.
- Threats of violence.
- Controlling or coercive behaviour.
- Psychological or emotional abuse.
- Economic or financial abuse.
- Stalking and harassment.
Domestic abuse can happen once or repeatedly. In many cases, harmful behaviour takes place over a long period and can escalate over time.
If you have suffered an injury as a result of domestic abuse, it is important to understand that you may have legal options even if the abuse happened over a period of time rather than during one isolated incident.
Can I claim compensation for domestic abuse?
Potentially, yes.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012 is a government-funded scheme designed to compensate eligible victims of violent crime in Great Britain. It is administered by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
The Scheme specifically includes payments for physical abuse of adults, including domestic abuse. It can also provide compensation for qualifying mental injuries and other consequences of violent crime.
However, not every experience of domestic abuse will automatically result in a CICA award.
CICA will consider whether the circumstances satisfy the requirements of the Scheme and whether the injuries suffered qualify for compensation.
What types of domestic abuse can result in a CICA claim?
A CICA claim may be possible where domestic abuse has resulted in a qualifying injury.
For example, this could involve:
- Repeated physical assaults.
- Punching, kicking or hitting.
- Burns or scalds.
- Injuries caused by being struck with an object.
- Injuries resulting in scarring or disfigurement.
- Psychological injuries caused by violent crime.
- Sexual offences resulting in qualifying injuries.
The CICA Scheme has specific rules for patterns of physical abuse. Where a person has suffered several injuries as part of a pattern of abuse, CICA will normally assess the pattern rather than paying a separate award for every individual incident.
This is particularly important in domestic abuse cases, where the harm may have developed over months or years.
How much compensation can you get for domestic abuse?
The amount of compensation depends on the nature and severity of the injuries and the circumstances of the abuse.
For physical abuse of adults, including domestic abuse, the current CICA tariff includes the following awards:
| Type of abuse | Standard CICA award |
|---|---|
| Intermittent physical assaults resulting in an accumulation of healed wounds, burns or scalds, without appreciable disfigurement | £2,000 |
| Repetitive violence resulting in minor disfigurement | £5,500 |
| Persistent severe abuse over a period of more than three years | £8,200 |
These are specific tariff amounts under the CICA Scheme.
A claim may also involve other qualifying injuries. For example, a person may have suffered a disabling mental injury as well as physical injuries.
The precise award will depend on the evidence and the rules that apply to the claim.
Can I claim compensation for psychological injuries caused by domestic abuse?
Potentially, yes.
Domestic abuse can have a significant psychological impact, including conditions such as anxiety, depression and trauma-related disorders.
The CICA Scheme allows compensation for certain disabling mental injuries. To qualify, a mental injury generally needs to meet specific requirements, including lasting for at least six weeks and being diagnosed by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
It is therefore important not to overlook psychological harm when considering a CICA claim.
If you have received medical or psychological treatment following domestic abuse, records of that treatment may be relevant when assessing your claim.
What if the domestic abuse happened repeatedly?
Repeated abuse can make a CICA claim more complicated.
The Scheme specifically addresses situations where someone has suffered a number of injuries as part of a pattern of abuse.
Rather than automatically treating each incident as a separate claim, CICA will normally consider the overall pattern and the seriousness of the injuries within it. The assessment can take into account factors such as the nature of the injuries, the incidents involved and the period over which the abuse occurred.
This means that keeping records of incidents and injuries can be important, particularly where the abuse has taken place over a long period.
Do I have to report domestic abuse to the police to claim CICA compensation?
Generally, yes.
The CICA Scheme requires the incident giving rise to the injury to have been reported to the police as soon as reasonably practicable, subject to the exceptions and circumstances set out in the Scheme.
Applicants are also generally expected to cooperate with the police and other authorities in bringing the offender to justice.
CICA will need information about the police report as part of the application. When applying, you will generally need to provide details such as the police force involved and your crime reference number.
However, domestic abuse can make reporting particularly difficult. If you are unsure whether a previous report or your circumstances meet the CICA requirements, it is worth seeking legal advice rather than assuming that you cannot claim.
What evidence do I need for a domestic abuse CICA claim?
Evidence can be particularly important where domestic abuse has taken place over a long period.
Depending on your circumstances, relevant evidence could include:
- Police records and crime reference numbers.
- Medical records.
- GP records.
- Hospital records.
- Photographs of injuries.
- Records of treatment or counselling.
- Evidence of psychological injury.
- Messages, emails or other communications.
- Statements from witnesses.
- Evidence relating to previous incidents.
- Documentation from domestic abuse support organisations.
You do not necessarily need to have gathered every piece of evidence before seeking legal advice.
A solicitor can help you understand what evidence may be relevant and whether further information should be obtained.
How long do I have to make a CICA claim for domestic abuse?
The usual CICA time limit is two years from the date of the incident. However, there are circumstances in which CICA may accept a claim outside the normal time limit.
The position can be particularly complicated where the abuse happened repeatedly or where a person was unable to make a claim earlier because of their physical or mental health.
If the abuse happened more than two years ago, do not automatically assume that you are unable to claim.
The circumstances should be considered carefully, particularly where there are reasons why it was not reasonably possible to make an application earlier.
Can I claim if the abuse happened years ago?
Potentially.
The CICA rules recognise that some victims may not have been able to make a claim within the normal time limit. CICA’s eligibility guidance states that an exception may apply where, for example, a person could not claim earlier because their mental or physical health prevented them from doing so.
Historical domestic abuse cases can be particularly sensitive and complex.
If the abuse happened years ago, it is important to obtain advice about the specific circumstances rather than assuming that the claim is automatically out of time.
Can I claim if the person who abused me was never convicted?
A criminal conviction is not necessarily required for a CICA claim.
CICA makes its own decision under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. However, the incident will generally need to have been reported to the police, and you are normally expected to cooperate with the investigation.
The absence of a conviction does not therefore automatically mean that you cannot make a claim.
However, CICA will consider the evidence available and whether the requirements of the Scheme have been satisfied.
What happens after making a CICA claim?
You can apply directly to CICA online, and there is no application fee. You will generally need to provide information such as the date and location of the crime, the police force involved and your crime reference number.
After submitting an application, CICA may ask for further information or evidence.
The CICA process can take time. CICA currently states that it can take up to 12 months to contact an applicant again after the application has been acknowledged, depending on the circumstances and information required.
If CICA makes a decision on your claim, you should carefully read the decision letter. If you disagree with the decision or the amount awarded, you may have the right to ask for a review and potentially appeal.
What if CICA rejects or undervalues my domestic abuse claim?
A CICA refusal does not necessarily mean that there are no further options.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to request a review of the decision. If you remain dissatisfied following the review, you may be able to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal.
There are strict deadlines for challenging CICA decisions, so it is important to act promptly.
A solicitor can review the decision, consider the reasons CICA has given and advise you on whether there may be grounds to challenge it.
How GLP Solicitors can help
Our specialist Criminal Injury Compensation team can advise people who have suffered physical or psychological injuries as a result of domestic abuse.
We can help you understand:
- Whether you may be eligible for CICA compensation.
- Which injuries may qualify.
- How a pattern of abuse may be assessed.
- What evidence may be relevant.
- Whether an exception to the usual time limit could apply.
- How the CICA application process works.
- What options may be available if your claim has been refused or undervalued.
We understand that making a claim about domestic abuse can be difficult. Our role is to explain the process clearly and help you understand your options without adding unnecessary complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, potentially. The CICA Scheme specifically provides compensation for physical abuse of adults, including domestic abuse, where the requirements of the Scheme are met. Compensation may also be available for qualifying mental injuries and other injuries resulting from violent crime. The amount depends on the nature and severity of the injuries and the circumstances of the abuse.
The amount depends on the type and severity of the injury. For adult physical abuse, including domestic abuse, the current tariff includes awards of £2,000, £5,500 and £8,200 for specified patterns of abuse. Additional compensation may potentially be available where other qualifying injuries or consequences are involved. CICA uses fixed tariff amounts, so the process differs from calculating damages in an ordinary civil personal injury claim.
Psychological harm may be relevant to a CICA claim where it amounts to a qualifying disabling mental injury resulting from a crime of violence. CICA’s current guidance states that a disabling mental injury must generally last for at least six weeks and be diagnosed by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. The precise circumstances and evidence will need to be considered before determining whether compensation is available.
Generally, yes. CICA normally requires the incident giving rise to the injury to have been reported to the police as soon as reasonably practicable, and applicants are generally expected to cooperate with the authorities. Domestic abuse can create significant barriers to reporting, so if you are concerned about the reporting requirement or delayed reporting, seek advice about your specific circumstances rather than assuming you cannot claim.
Potentially. The usual CICA time limit is two years, but exceptions can apply. For example, CICA’s eligibility guidance recognises circumstances where a person could not claim earlier because their mental or physical health prevented them from doing so. Historical domestic abuse cases can be complicated, so it is important to seek advice about the particular circumstances of the abuse and the reasons for any delay.
A conviction is not necessarily required for CICA compensation. CICA makes its own assessment under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. However, the incident will generally need to have been reported to the police, and you will normally be expected to cooperate with the investigation. CICA will consider the available evidence and whether the requirements of the Scheme have been satisfied.
If CICA refuses your claim or awards less compensation than you believe you should receive, you may have the right to request a review. If you remain dissatisfied after the review, an appeal to the First-tier Tribunal may be possible. There are strict deadlines for challenging CICA decisions, so you should obtain advice promptly if you receive a refusal or award that you believe is incorrect.
Yes. You do not have to use a legal adviser to make a CICA claim, and applying does not cost anything. However, domestic abuse claims can involve complicated questions about patterns of abuse, psychological injuries, evidence, reporting and time limits. If you are unsure about your eligibility or have already received a refusal or award, obtaining specialist legal advice may help you understand your options.