Criminal Injuries Compensation Awards...Has anyone claimed this?

[Squirdle]

And what does it entail?

It's a bit of a delicate subject really, and I didn't really know where to post, but decided this was the best place.

In short, I was abused by my grandfather as a child for a number of years and have been told on good authority that I could make a claim through CICA to cover any counselling/therapy that I will need to pay for.

I just need to know how straightforward it would be (have been told it should be fairly easy as he was arrested and charged, so it will be on police record) and if they would go to other family members apart from the ones I consent to for information.

I'm trying to fill out the form online and it's quite a scary thing to do. I don't really want to drag it up with family members again and so am reluctant to send it atm.

Any experience of this would be most welcome.

Is there anybody out there.....or are you all too busy watching Jaws? Still scaring me now I keep muttering 'Get out of the water, you are going to be eaten!' DS thinks I am strange......

Bumpity bump.....

Hi there, when i was 18 and after a very turbulent chlidhood at the hands of my father it all came to a head and he was removed and taken to court..sadly for me he was not found guilty of the disgusting crimes he commited, however the solicitor and court 'made' me (persuaded perhaps better word)fill in forms for criminal injuries as although he was not jailed, there was evidence to suggest i was telling the truth(albeit not enough to convict him)...my solicitor dealt with it all and about 4 months later i was ofered a figure..my solicitor told me not to accept and that it would more than double..but at 18 and after such a crap time, i just wanted to forget about it, so accepted the offer and had fun for a while spending it...
your solicitor should be able to sort out all paperwork for you and you will hear when they have an offer/some news..good luck

im so ignorant sorry, i only read your heading and reponded, so sad that you went through similar to me, but in honesty i would go to a solicitor to do it, you will have to pay them but so much less stress for you.

also, i was able to go for councelling provided by my doctor, it was with a charity called 'search'(im in teesside) and they were fantastic..good luck chick.x

oh and you wont have to involve family about it, im suprised you wernt advised to claim at the time?, seek advise from solicitor who dealt with it at time(on your behalf) and ask them what to do next

They may have mentioned it at the time, but to be honest it was such an awful time that it probably didn't sink in.

It's good to hear that other family members wouldn't be contacted.

Thanks for the info. Apparently they are much more sympathetic with abuse cases.

well good luck, i didnt really know what it was they were suggesting at the time, thankfully my solicitor took over and dealt with it.

Have you had any counselling yet?