Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week 2025

This week is Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week. People often feel the need to shy away from conversations surrounding this topic and the purpose of this week is to open the dialogue. 

At Anthony Collins, we act on behalf of many clients who have been victims of sexual abuse and sexual violence in Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) claims. 

The purpose of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority is to provide compensation to victims of this type of abuse who may not be able to claim against those responsible for causing their injuries. These injuries can be physical or psychological. 

Most people are unfamiliar with the CICA process despite it being an important scheme in place to help victims of abuse. 

The CICA process 

• Step one - Our team will offer a free appointment with the potential applicant to advise whether they are eligible to bring a claim. We can do this in person or over the phone - whatever makes the applicant most comfortable. If we are able to take the claim on, we act for the applicant on a ‘no win no fee’ basis. 
• Step two - We work with the applicant to submit an online application to the CICA. 
• Step three - We gather information (e.g. medical records) to support the claim. 
• Step four - The applicant will attend an appointment at our offices with an independent medical expert. Their report is submitted to the CICA to support the application. 
• Step five - The CICA decides how much compensation is to be awarded. We will advise if this is a fair amount based on the applicant's injuries/experience. 
• Step six - If the applicant decides to accept the award, our fee is deducted and the remainder of the money is paid into the applicant's bank account. 
• Step seven - If the applicant decides to appeal the award, we will be able to provide ongoing support to review and appeal the decision. 

Our team 

We have specialist lawyers here at Anthony Collins with years of experience in CICA claims.

 The team will guide applicants through the process in a sensitive and supportive way. We are very mindful of the fact that the cause of the claim is very distressing for the applicant therefore we will always put the applicant's needs and wellbeing at the forefront of our minds. We will ensure that applicants who instruct us will have the best chance of being awarded the amount of compensation they deserve. 

If you wish to discuss a potential CICA claim, please contact: 

Stacey Barnard - Legal Assistant stacey.barnard@anthonycollins.com 

Nicola Woods - Senior Associate nicola.woods@anthonycollins.com 

Read more about this week on the organiser's website.