New CICA data shows over 60% of victims are refused criminal injury compensation often unfairly.
The CICA 2024–25 Annual Report reveals that 62% of all criminal injury claims were refused, more than 21,800 applicants. At GLP Solicitors, we see the human cost behind these numbers: traumatised individuals being told “no,” even with clear evidence of harm.
Top reasons for CICA refusal:
- Injury not covered by the tariff: 6,564 cases
- Failure to cooperate with CICA: 5,454
- Injury not caused by a violent crime: 5,211
- Claim submitted outside the 2-year time limit: 2,756
- Failure to cooperate with police: 2,743
Each reason hides a deeper issue. Many victims of domestic violence, rape, or childhood abuse delay reporting due to trauma, yet CICA rarely applies discretion. Others are refused because their psychological injuries don’t fit neatly into the tariff.
The current rules fail to reflect the realities of trauma, healing, and justice.
What needs to change:
- Reform the outdated injury tariff
- Apply the two-year time limit sensibly
- Recognise trauma-related reporting delays
- Make legal support more accessible early in the process
If you’ve been the victim of a violent crime, or support someone who has, contact our specialist team at www.criminalinjurycompensation.org for free advice.
Tap here and speak with our team.