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violence

Understanding Sexual Assault and Rape Compensation Claims in the UK

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.

 

after work event

Claiming for Sexual Assault at a Work Christmas Party, Understanding Your Legal Rights

Work Christmas parties are intended to be positive, morale boosting events. However, when alcohol, relaxed boundaries, and workplace hierarchies combine, serious incidents such as sexual assault can occur. For anyone who has experienced this, the impact can be life changing. It is essential to understand that you are not at fault, you are not alone, and legal protections exist to support you.

At Ison Harrison, we guide survivors through the legal process with care, clarity, and professionalism. Our priority is to protect your wellbeing and help you access the justice and compensation you deserve.

Can You Claim for Sexual Assault at a Work Event

In many situations, yes. A work Christmas party is typically seen as an extension of the workplace. This means that if you were sexually assaulted by a colleague, manager, or contractor at the event, you may be able to bring a civil claim.

Key points:

  • Work social events are commonly treated as occurring “in the course of employment”
  • Employers have a general duty to safeguard their staff
  • Employers can be liable for the behaviour of their employees
  • You may also have a right to a CICA claim, even if no civil claim is pursued

Each situation is fact sensitive, and early legal advice is important.

Understanding Vicarious Liability

The principle of vicarious liability allows a claimant to pursue an employer for harm caused by an employee, even when the employer did not directly commit the wrongful act.

Courts consider factors such as:

  • Whether the event was organised, funded, or endorsed by the employer
  • Whether alcohol provision or organised activities increased risk
  • The relationship between the parties, for example a manager, colleague or supervisor
  • Whether the assault was sufficiently connected to workplace duties or the work environment

Case law has repeatedly confirmed that workplace social events fall within the potential scope of employment. As such, an employer may be held accountable if they failed to manage risk or failed to respond appropriately after the incident.

Alternative Route, Claiming Through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)

If the assault is reported to the police, you may be eligible for an award from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), which compensates victims of violent crime including sexual offences.

CICA may be appropriate when:

  • The perpetrator is unknown or uninsured
  • The employer denies responsibility
  • There is insufficient evidence for a civil claim
  • You wish to pursue both civil and criminal injury options in parallel

We can advise on time limits, evidence requirements, and the interaction between civil and CICA claims.

Why Choose Ison Harrison

  • Specialist knowledge: Decades of combined experience in sexual assault, workplace injury, and complex vicarious liability claims
  • Survivor focused approach: Our team prioritises discretion, compassion, and trauma informed practice
  • Strong track record: We have successfully represented many survivors of workplace related sexual assault, achieving meaningful outcomes and compensation

Call to Action

If you have experienced sexual assault at a work Christmas party or any workplace event, expert guidance can make a real difference. Speak confidentially with a specialist solicitor at Ison Harrison Solicitors. Call us on 0113 284 5000 or email at [email protected]