Solutions
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority was set up to compensate the victims of violent crime.
You may be eligible if:
- you have been the victim of a violent crime
- the matter was reported to police within 48 hours of it happening
- the incident took place in England, Scotland or Wales
- your injury is serious enough to qualify (for example, black eyes and small bruises do not qualify)
- the incident was no more than two years ago
Your claim will not be successful if:
- it was your conduct that led to the attack (for example, you started a fight)
- you have not co-operated with the police investigating the crime
It usually takes around nine months for the CICA to gather the information they need and make an award.


