I bloody hate the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme - TW

[Unthinkable8]

This is outing so I've nc but I'm so upset I want to shout about it. I live with severe psychological & physical damage from someone who hurt me over a 15yr period as a child. I went to the police as a 14yo and was handed back - no action taken! I've spent 10s of 1000s on therapy through my life and especially the last few years. Lately, through covid, we've had a 4yr court process which was obfuscated by the defendant at every possibility. Despite this, I trumped in court and after a 40yr gap, the defendant received a near 52yr prison sentence. It took everything in me to achieve this. I'm then told about the compensation scheme. I'm unemployed because of my irrational fears (that I haven't yet healed, though I'm trying). I could really do with this money. I am sick-to-death with the process to the extent that I'm close to throwing the towel in. The onus is on me, yet again, to prove the extent of my damage. I don't think this is fair. Is the prison sentence not enough? It's massive. For a 2nd time I'm to comb my many therapists for reports (some of whom have died in the interval) and I have to get proof from HMRC or someone of my non-employment etc. I really don't think I can do this. I'm so sick to death of it. I've already proved everything. And yet if I don't, I won't get a penny! I shouldn't have to flog myself like this, I'm the bloody victim!

Hi there, so sorry to hear you have gone through all that. I wish you all the best in your healing.
i went through what sounds like very similar situation to yourself, i appreciate what you are saying about having to go through it again. I found the process of criminal injury compensation quite straight forward (not necessary a lot of back and fourth etc) and the fact that you have managed to get your perpetrator a sentence will all support and provide your evidence,
i used a copy of my victim statement to the sentencing court for my claim, could you do this?

I didn't write one. I tried and tried to prepare one in advance, but there were so many charges no words could sum it up. I just didn't have the words. What gets me is all my therapy stuff was submitted to court but I have to collect it all again & submit it myself. It's like I'm piggy-in-the-middle.

Unless there is a time limit can you take a breath? Do it when you feel stronger? I can't begin to imagine what you went through for them to get that sentence and I'm not going to Google it though I am sure it is a very prominent case I would leave it six months then roll my sleeves up and get on it.

There must be someone to help you? Friends or family? I'd spend hours of my time happily helping you with this. Don't give up, get help. You need and deserve this money.

There is a time limit for it, that's why I put the original paperwork in.

Could you ask the courts for a copy of everything you submitted?

@newnamequickly The cost to do this is at least 5k

Sorry, that 5k was for the whole court transcript not just my evidence

They have the court evidence already from the police

This is just awful but I would see it through. Make a list of every action you need to take to get this done then tick as you go. Once it’s done you can relax.

Easier said than done I know

That's a good idea @DontStopMeNow7 break it into chunks. I feel maybe wrongly, that my therapists won't submit reports a 2nd time or will charge me ££ to do it. And then some of them have died, so I guess that's their input gone. And I have no idea how I'm supposed to get proof from the government that I haven't worked.

I know somebody who was horrifically injured in a criminal act. It took all of their resolve too to get this compensation. But they did and it has changed their life for the better. Although, she says it was traumatic in its own way and in her head is part and parcel of the trauma of the incident.

They had a couple of people really involved with the process so it wasn't solely on them. She said this was one of the only reasons she saw the process through.

So basically, I think it's common for it to make you feel like this and if there is someone who can share the burden of applying with you, take them up on it.

Stay strong. This is the last hurdle. I hope you're going to get the money and be as ok as you can be. 52 years is huge. I can't imagine the damage inflicted on you.

I should correct my OP, compensation for the physical crimes has been agreed, what hasn't yet been agreed is the loss-of-earnings & psychological impact. Obviously psychological impact is the biggest bit.

Hi OP, I have recently been through CICA. Really sorry to hear what you've been through but as others have said this is the last hurdle.

I just wanted to say, they will be requesting proof from yourself and giving you chance to show all evidence so they can make the fairest award possible, rather than doing it to make it a difficult process.

They can't award for both sexual/physical abuse and psychological damage so will pay the one with the highest amount which is why they will need to see the full extend of the psychosocial damage - to be able to pay you the most possible. It is better to provide everything now then get an award you aren't happy with and have to go through the appeals process

Hope this helps. Best of luck and hope you can take a breather and have a lovely Christmas

Perhaps I can make peace somehow that I managed what I could. There's no point further psychologically damaging myself to prove psychological damage!

Do you have a victim liason officer? They may be able to support you in providing any evidence you submitted to the police. Alternatively they may know of any organisation that can help if they are unable to? Sharing the mental load may help. Just know that whilst it is draining and feels like everything is against you it will be worth it in the end.The biggest hurdle has been over come. You were brave, your reported it, you saw it through and the perpetrator is now locked away. You have an awful lot of inner strength and it will get you through this