Domestic Violence Compensation Claims

What is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic abuse, which is also known as “domestic violence” or “intimate partner violence” refers to any form of abusive behaviour, whether physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or financial that occurs within an intimate relationship.

It can involve partners, spouses, or family members, and it can affect both men and women, however statistics suggest women are more disproportionately affected. Victims of domestic violence may experience a broad range of behaviours such as:

Physical abuse

Hitting, slapping, kicking, or any other form of physical harm.

Emotional or psychological abuse

Intimidation, humiliation, threats, controlling behaviour, or constant criticism.

Sexual abuse

Coercion, assault, or any non-consensual sexual activity including rape.

Financial abuse

Controlling access to money, preventing a partner from working, or restricting financial independence.

Coercive control

A pattern of controlling behaviours that can include isolating the victim from family and friends, monitoring their actions, or making all decisions for them.

Stalking and harassment

Persistent following or intimidating behaviour that makes the victim feel unsafe or threatened.

Who are the victims of domestic abuse?

Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, faith or background.

I’m a Victim of Domestic Violence. What support can I get?

In an emergency you should always call the police on 999.

You don’t need to suffer in silence. There are various support and advice resources available for domestic violence victims. These include but are not limited to:

National Domestic Violence Helpline

Phone: 0808 2000 247 (Freephone, 24/7)
Website: www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk

No Win No fee

Our panel solicitors can handle your case on a no win, no fee basis which means there’s nothing to pay upfront and nothing to pay if your case is unsuccessful.
If your case is successful, our panel solicitors take between 25% – 40% + VAT of any awarded compensation. This varies amongst our panel members and will be dependent on the law firm we recommend you to as well as your individual circumstances. Fees will always be agreed with your solicitor’s firm upfront.

Full terms & conditions will be included in your solicitor’s agreement so please read this carefully and speak to them if you are unsure of anything before signing. For more information, please visit our Terms & Conditions page.

There may also be a fee charged if you:

• Do not fully cooperate with the legal panel
• Withdraw your claim against their advice, after the 14 day cooling-off period
• Do not remain truthful

We receive marketing fees from our panel solicitors for successful introductions. You are under no obligation to use our panel solicitors.

Important Notice

You do not need to use a claims management company to make a claim for compensation. You can use a solicitor or company of your own choice or alternatively you can make a claim yourself for free via the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. For more information on this, please visit https://www.gov.uk/claim-compensation-criminal-injury/eligibility

This helpline is run by Women’s Aid and Refuge and offers free, confidential support for women experiencing domestic violence. It provides advice, support, and information about emergency housing options, safety planning, and legal rights.

Victim Support

Phone: 0808 168 9111
Website: www.victimsupport.org.uk

Victim Support provides confidential support to all victims of crime, including domestic abuse. They offer emotional support, help with understanding your rights, guidance on reporting abuse, and assistance with legal processes.

National Men’s Advice Line

Phone: 0808 801 0327
Website: www.mensadviceline.org.uk

The National Men’s Advice Line is a confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic abuse. They provide advice, support, and practical steps for escaping abusive situations.

Galop (for LGBTQ+ victims)

Phone: 0800 999 5428
Website: www.galop.org.uk

Galop provides specialist support for LGBTQ+ people experiencing domestic violence. They offer advice on how to get help, find safe housing, and navigate the legal system.

Can I Claim for Domestic Violence Compensation?

Many individuals affected by domestic abuse may be eligible for compensation to help manage its impact. In cases where the offender cannot pay directly due to a lack of financial resources, the victim can make a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). The CICA is a government body which compensates victims of physical, sexual, or emotional harm caused by violent crime in Great Britain. You may be eligible to make a CICA claim for domestic violence compensation if:

You were the victim of a Violent Crime.
The crime occurred in England, Scotland, Wales, or other qualifying locations such as British-controlled aircraft or naval vessels.
You reported the crime to the police.
Claims must typically be made within two years of the incident, although exceptions may apply in certain circumstances.

Can I claim if the perpetrator has not been convicted?

When claiming for domestic violence, you do not need to prove the offender’s guilt or wait for a criminal conviction before seeking compensation through the CICA.

If the incident has been reported to the police, you can proceed with your case. The CICA will work with the police to gather evidence. Unlike a criminal court, where guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, the CICA makes its decision based on the balance of probability.

I want to make a claim. What are my options?

If you or someone close to you is a victim of domestic violence and wish to seek compensation, you can seek legal advice and services from a solicitor of your own choice.

You can also pursue a claim yourself for free via the criminal injuries compensation authority. For more information on this, please visit https://www.gov.uk/claim-compensation-criminal-injury/eligibility

Our No Win No Fee Solicitors

Alternatively, you can seek compensation through our panel of skilled law firms which specialise in domestic abuse cases. They have extensive knowledge and experience in handling CICA claims and are committed to making the process as simple and stress-free as possible.

They offer a free no obligation consultation to determine your eligibility. From there, you can decide if they are the right for you and your individual circumstances.

Our panel of law firms work on a “No Win No Fee” Basis which means there’s nothing to pay upfront, and nothing to pay if your case is lost. If your case is successful, a success fee will be deducted from your awarded compensation which is typically 25% – 40 + VAT of any awarded compensation and will be dependant on the law firm we recommend as well as your individual circumstances. Full terms and conditions will be included in your solicitor’s agreement and fees will always be agreed between you and them upfront.