child claims for sexual abuse Archives - Rape and Sexual Assault Compensation Claims

Sexual assault and rape are profoundly traumatic experiences that can have lasting physical, psychological and financial consequences. If you have been the victim of sexual violence, you may be entitled to compensation either through a civil claim against the responsible party or via the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), depending on your circumstances. SexualAssaultClaims.co.uk, part of Ison Harrison solicitors, provides specialist legal support to individuals seeking justice and recompense for the harm they have suffered.

Who We Help

SexualAssaultClaims.co.uk is a dedicated legal service with specific expertise in rape and sexual assault compensation claims. We assist clients who have experienced a range of sexual offences including but not limited to:

Rape and non-consensual sexual assault of adults
Rape and non-consensual sexual assault of a minor
Drug or date rape
Sexual assault in the workplace or health settings
Historical abuse
Incest and family-related sexual abuse
Abuse within sports or religious institutions

Our approach recognises the sensitivity of these matters and places priority on supporting you through the legal process with empathy and discretion.

Routes to Compensation

There are principally two avenues through which victims of sexual violence may seek compensation:

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) Claims
The CICA is a government-funded scheme that can provide compensation to victims of violent crime, including sexual assault and rape. You must report the crime to the police; however, you can still make a successful claim even if the offender is not charged, convicted, identified, or located.

CICA claims are assessed on the balance of probabilities and there are specific eligibility criteria and time limits, though exceptions may apply in appropriate circumstances.

Civil Claims for Sexual Assault
A civil claim allows you to pursue compensation against an individual or an organisation. This is particularly relevant where there has been a breach of duty of care, such as in cases of assault at work or in institutional settings. Civil claims focus on compensating for physical injury, psychological harm, financial loss, and the broader impact on quality of life.

A claim can be brought against an individual, but this can be problematic if they do not have available funds for your compensation. We will always look to bring a claim against an employer or organisation if possible.

Compensation and Evidence

Compensation Levels
Compensation for sexual assault and rape is calculated based on the severity of physical and mental injury, impact on everyday life, and financial losses incurred. Civil claims typically reference the Judicial College Guidelines, which help quantify awards for physical and psychological harm. The CICA has its own tariff structure that sets fixed award bands for different types of injuries and circumstances.

Supporting Evidence
Legal claims for sexual violence are complex and evidence based. Key evidence may include:

Medical and psychological reports confirming injury and ongoing needs
Police reports and criminal investigation documentation where available
Witness statements
Impact statements detailing how the assault has affected daily life and employment

Because these matters are often deeply personal and sensitive, expert legal guidance is essential to present the strongest possible case for you.

Time Limits and Legal Considerations

Compensation claims are subject to limitation periods under UK law, but historic and child abuse cases often have special provisions that extend or remove standard deadlines to allow survivors to seek justice when they are ready.

Practical Advice for Claimants

If you are considering a claim for sexual assault or rape:

Act Promptly but safely, ensuring your wellbeing is prioritised first.
Seek Confidential Legal Advice early to navigate complex evidential and procedural issues.
Preserve Evidence where possible including medical reports, police records, and personal testimony.
Understand Your Options, whether that involves pursuing a CICA award, a civil claim, or both.

Legal expertise helps ensure your claim is prepared with care, rigour and informed strategy to maximise your chances of fair compensation.

How SexualAssaultClaims.co.uk Can Support You

At SexualAssaultClaims.co.uk, we provide:

Free, confidential initial consultations to explore your claim in confidence
No Win No Fee arrangements where appropriate
Specialist advice on both CICA applications and civil compensation claims
Support through each stage of the legal process, sensitive to your personal needs and recovery goals

We understand the courage it takes to seek justice, and we are here to guide you with professionalism and compassion.

To speak with a specialist, call our team on 0113 284 5000 or email [email protected] to get the help you need.

Childhood should be a time of safety, trust, and care. When that trust is broken through sexual abuse, the consequences can be lifelong. At Ison Harrison, we understand how deeply traumatic these experiences are and how difficult it can be to speak out. Our specialist team is here to help survivors and their families understand their legal rights and pursue justice through civil claims, with compassion and care at every step.

Civil Law Protections for Children

Under English law, children who have suffered sexual abuse have the right to bring a civil claim for compensation against the perpetrator or, in many cases, the institution responsible for safeguarding them. This could include schools, care homes, religious organisations, or local authorities.

The Sexual Offences Act 2003 provides robust protections for children, including specific offences for abuse against children under 13 and provisions that clarify consent and capacity. Civil claims are separate from criminal proceedings and focus on financial compensation and accountability.

Time Limits and Recent Legal Reforms

Historically, survivors had to bring a civil claim within three years of turning 18. However, this has proven unrealistic for many, as research shows it can take 24 to 27 years for survivors to disclose abuse. The courts recognise the issues surrounding the impact of sexual abuse and so frequently allows claims to be made outside of the prescribed limitation period.

Who Can Be Held Accountable?

Civil claims can be brought against:

The individual perpetrator: this is only practicable if known, alive, and with sufficient assets.
Institutions that failed in their duty of care e.g. schools, care homes, religious bodies.
Employers of the perpetrator, where abuse occurred in the context of employment, this is know as vicarious liability.

In some cases, survivors may also seek an apology from the institution involved. While not legally required, apologies can be transformative, offering validation and emotional healing.

What Compensation Covers

Compensation can help address:

Emotional and psychological trauma
Costs of therapy and support even if available on the NHS
Loss of education or career opportunities subject to providing evidence in support
Physical injuries or long-term health impacts

Each case is unique, and our team will work closely with you to understand your needs and build a claim that reflects your experience.

How Ison Harrison Can Help

We know that coming forward is incredibly difficult. Our solicitors are trained to handle these cases with sensitivity, confidentiality, and respect. We offer:

Free initial consultations
No win, no fee arrangements where appropriate
Specialist legal advice from experienced abuse claim lawyers
Support throughout the process, including referrals to counselling and survivor services

Taking the First Step

If you or someone you care about has experienced sexual abuse as a child, you are not alone, and you have options. Civil claims offer a pathway to justice, accountability, and healing.

Contact Ison Harrison today to speak confidentially with a solicitor who understands. We’re here to listen, advise, and support you every step of the way.

Call us on 0113 284 5000
Email [email protected]