Stalking victim wins CICA criminal injuries compensation.
Criminal injury compensation lawyer Liz Duncan has recovered CICA compensation for a victim of stalking after her client’s original application was refused.
Liz was contacted by a woman who had been the victim of stalking and harassment. This woman, who we will refer to simply as ‘M’ for confidentiality, had made an application herself to the government’s Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) but it had been refused. The CICA scheme has a strict and often narrow definition of a “crime of violence“, which can make it especially difficult for survivors of non-physical abuse — such as stalking — to access the compensation they deserve. In this case, the CICA had refused our client’s application on the basis that her experience did not meet their definition of a violent crime.
Liz took on M’s case and carried out a detailed review of the evidence. She obtained and analysed police records, identifying that the perpetrator had not only engaged in a persistent campaign of stalking and harassment, but had also made explicit threats of violence towards M. This meant that in Liz’s view the case did fall within the CICA’s criteria.
An application for a CICA review was made which Liz supported with psychological evidence to show the serious impact which the events had on M’s mental health, along with documentation confirming the period of time M had been signed off work due to the trauma she experienced.
Liz’s application for review was successful. The CICA accepted that M had been a victim of a crime of violence within the meaning of the CICA scheme. They also accepted she had suffered a disabling psychological injury as a result, and that had caused her to need time off work. They made an offer in excess of £15,000 which M was glad to accept.
This outcome highlights how crucial it is to have experienced, specialist legal representation when dealing with the CICA. Our team understands the scheme in depth and knows how to challenge unfair decisions.
If you’ve been affected by stalking, threats, or any form of violent crime, contact our free, confidential helpline for expert advice and support from a specialist lawyer.