The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) in the UK provides compensation to victims of violent crime who have been physically or psychologically injured. To be eligible for compensation from the CICA, you must have suffered an injury as a result of a crime of violence that took place in England, Scotland, or Wales.
To apply, you must be a resident of the UK, a national of the European Economic Area (EEA), or have leave to remain in the UK. Additionally, the injury must have been reported to the police within a reasonable time frame, and you must cooperate with the police in any investigation and prosecution of the crime. The CICA may also consider the behavior of the victim in determining eligibility for compensation award.
The people who can apply for compensation under the scheme include:
- A person who has suffered an injury;
- A close relative of someone who passed away as a result of their injuries;
- A witness of a crime or someone who arrived at the scene of the crime immediately afterwards and has suffered a psychological injury;
- A person who has paid funeral expenses of someone who passed away as a result of their injuries.
