Compensation for childhood abuse

Can I claim compensation for abuse when I was a child?

Yes you can, even if it was many years ago. In fact any sexual abuse suffered after 1965 which has been reported to the police can be considered for compensation.

Speak to our criminal injuries claim team, call 0113 320 5000

But I have not reported the abuse to the police

That’s fine. You do need to report it before a claim can be made, but you do not need to worry that the abuse you intend reporting occurred many years ago. Hopefully the person that abused you is still alive, so the police will be able to interview them, but even if they are not, the police should still interview you.

How will the police handle my historic abuse?

Surprisingly well. We always suggest contacting the police first to say you wish to report a historic abuse matter. That way they will usually have appropriately trained officers present to take down your statement. Feedback from our clients especially over the last 3 years has on the whole been positive about how sensitively and well their statement has been dealt with.

I reported the abuse many years ago but have not made a claim.

Don’t worry, speak to our specialist childhood abuse lawyers on 0113 320 5000 or email cica@winstonsolicitors.co.uk and we will be able to explain how a claim can be made. It’s a bit more complicated, but with our experience we will be able to tell you quickly if a claim can be made.

I’m worried that applying for compensation will bring back bad memories

By using a specialist solicitor, they will act for you and ensure that you deal with matters in your own time. The CICA does have mechanisms in place to give victims more time, and we use these where appropriate. Of course if you would prefer the claim to be dealt with as quickly as possible, a solicitor will be able to move your claim on as they are used to communicating with the CICA on a daily basis.

To discuss making a claim, contact us on 0113 320 5000

So I’d like to claim, but how long will it take?

Claims timescales do differ considerably. There are cases that are dealt with very quickly, literally within a few months, and others that take more than 2 years. We know which cases are dealt with quickly and which much more slowly, so just ask – call 0113 320 5000 or email cica@winstonsolicitors.co.uk

Client feedback

I had a great experience with Winston Solicitors. They were professional, responsive, and guided me through the entire process with ease. I felt supported and informed at every step, and I’m very pleased with the outcome. I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of legal assistance!

Rochelle

Excellent communication and organised in resolving issue.

Anonymous

Good solicitor

Mahdi

Winston solicitors are very helpful they tell you every what they do and they contact you fast and easy method very friendly thank you very much for your help and sporting

Katrina

Winston Solicitors and specifically Heidi Stewart and her team have been outstanding from start to finish when completing my CICA claim. Although the claim has taken a long time due to the complexity, Heidi has provided updates on the claim at least every 4-6 weeks and has had complete transparency throughout, any questions are answered promptly and they’re usually available to speak to on the phone whenever you require.

Anonymous

Keertan was very informative and answered all my questions with no problems. Managed all my expectations perfectly and still got me the result even though it was a bit harder. Would recommend to anyone!

Sephora

Keertan was so helpful & understanding, she spoke through everything & kept me in the loop, highly recommend. Thank you Keertan xx

Jessica

I instructed Winstons to assist me in a CiCA application. Keertan and Heidi made it a stress free process. The communication was amazing and all conversations were done in a sensitive and compassionate way. The knowledge and advice I received was comprehensive but helped me understand each stage of the process. I needed an out of time waiver and was so grateful that they achieved this and I received and award that accounted for all of the offences. I could not recommend them enough. Thank you so much for your help.

Victoria