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.
The stalking and harassment claim
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.
The application for a CICA review
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 M had been signed off work due to the trauma she had 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.
How we can help victims of stalking recover CICA compensation
M’s case 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. We specialise in CICA reviews and appeals, and you can read about other successful cases on this website, including one where the CICA time limit was breached because the police asked the claimant to delay her application.
By selecting our experienced team to handle your claim, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that you are in safe hands. We are an award-winning SRA regulated firm of solicitors, recommended by the Legal 500, the clients’ guide to the best law firms, with a five-star rating on the independent legal review website, ReviewSolicitors.
So, 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.