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General information only — not legal advice. Published by Edward & Amaury Solicitors, solicitors regulated by the SRA (no. 800525). How that affects what you read.

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Domestic Violence Compensation Claims

England & WalesLast reviewed 18 September 2026

People injured by domestic abuse can apply for compensation through the state CICA scheme and may also bring a civil claim against the abuser. Reporting the abuse to the police and applying within the time limit are the key practical steps, and support services are available independently of any claim.

CICA Applications

Direct Answer: Domestic violence that causes a qualifying physical or psychological injury can be compensated under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, provided it is reported and the application is made within the scheme's time limits.

Injuries are assessed by the tariff, and where abuse is ongoing the CICA looks at the specific incidents and the injuries they caused, so medical records, GP notes and hospital attendance records are valuable. Evidence of psychological injury, such as a diagnosis from a psychiatrist or psychologist, is important where mental injury is claimed.

Civil Claims

A civil claim against the abuser seeks damages for injury and can also cover financial losses. In practice it can be difficult to recover money from an individual, but claims may succeed where there is insurance or assets. Time limits are ordinarily three years, with discretion to extend in some cases.

Safety and Support

Your safety comes before any claim. National and local domestic abuse services provide confidential help with refuge, safety planning, evidence and legal remedies such as protective orders. Talk to them or a solicitor before taking steps that might alert an abuser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim compensation for domestic abuse?

Yes, potentially, through the CICA for injuries from violent crime, and through a civil claim against the abuser. The right route depends on the circumstances.

Do I have to report the abuse to the police?

Generally yes for a CICA claim. Speak to a domestic abuse service if you are worried about the consequences, and ask for support in making a report.

What evidence helps?

Medical and hospital records, photographs of injuries, police reports, messages and evidence of psychological injury from a specialist. Keep records somewhere safe that the abuser cannot access.

What if the abuse happened over many years?

The CICA and civil time limits look at each incident and the date of knowledge, so a long history complicates the picture. A solicitor can advise on what can be included.

Is compensation affected if I stay with my partner?

The CICA can consider the circumstances of the individual case. Take advice, and speak to a support service before making decisions that affect your safety.

Do I need a solicitor to apply to the CICA?

No. Applying to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority is free and you can do it yourself, and the scheme does not pay your legal costs. If you do use a solicitor or claims service, agree fees in writing first and check whether any charge will come out of your award.

You May Also Be Interested In

Criminal Injuries

Compensation for victims of violent crime

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How to Claim Criminal Injuries Compensation

The state CICA scheme, deadlines and eligibility

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Assault Compensation Claims

Civil claims and CICA after an assault

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PTSD & Psychological Injury Claims

Psychiatric injury compensation

Read more

Sexual Assault Compensation Claims

CICA and civil claims after sexual violence

Read more

Where this applies: This page covers England and Wales. The rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland are different.

Sources for this page

Every rule stated above is based on the primary sources below. Each link goes to the legislation, court rule or regulator itself so you can check it. Last verified 18 September 2026.

  1. Courts and Legal Services Act 1990, s.58 (conditional fee agreements)

    The provision that makes CFAs lawful and enforceable. CFAs derive from this section, not from LASPO.

  2. Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2013, arts. 4–5 · in force from 1 April 2013

    Art. 4 caps the success fee at 100% of base costs. Art. 5 caps what may be taken from damages in personal injury at 25% of PSLA plus past pecuniary loss, net of CRU, at first instance.

  3. Civil Procedure Rules, Part 44 (incl. rr.44.13–44.17, QOCS)

    Qualified one-way costs shifting and its exceptions. Rule 44.14 was amended with effect from 6 April 2023.

  4. Limitation Act 1980, s.11 (personal injury actions)

    Three years from the date of the accident or the date of knowledge. Property damage such as a damaged vehicle is a separate claim with a longer six-year period under s.2.

  5. Limitation Act 1980, s.14 (date of knowledge)

    The three-year period can run from the 'date of knowledge': when you first knew the injury was significant and attributable to the act or omission alleged to be negligent. Central in delayed-diagnosis cases.

  6. Limitation Act 1980, s.28 (extension for disability)

    Time does not run while a person is a child or lacks capacity to conduct proceedings. For a child's personal injury claim the three years generally starts on their 18th birthday.

  7. Limitation Act 1980, s.33 (discretionary exclusion of time limit)

    A court can allow a personal injury claim to proceed out of time where it is equitable to do so. It is a discretion, not a right, and should not be relied on.

  8. Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012

    State scheme for victims of violent crime in Great Britain. Applications must be made as soon as reasonably practicable and within two years of the incident (para 87), with special rules for those under 18 (para 88); awards are tariff-based to a maximum of £500,000, and unspent convictions and delay can reduce or bar an award.

  9. Criminal injuries compensation: a guide (GOV.UK)

    Official guidance on who can apply, what counts as a violent crime of a type covered, how to apply and what to expect. Applying is free, and you do not need a solicitor.

Who wrote and checked this page

Written and published by
Edward & Amaury Solicitors (Edward & Amaury Ltd, company no. 12195443), regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under no. 800525.
Legal review
Checked for England & Wales by Edward & Amaury Solicitors — Solicitors regulated by the SRA (no. 800525) (verify on the regulator’s register).Review is recorded against the firm. The individual reviewer is not named on this page.
Review dates
Last reviewed 18 September 2026. Next review due 18 March 2027.

Fee rules change. California’s medical malpractice fee limits changed on 1 January 2023, and the QOCS rules in England and Wales changed on 6 April 2023. If you spot something out of date, tell us — we publish corrections.

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Where this applies: This page covers England and Wales. The rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland are different.

Sources for this page

Every rule stated above is based on the primary sources below. Each link goes to the legislation, court rule or regulator itself so you can check it. Last verified 2 August 2026.

  1. Courts and Legal Services Act 1990, s.58 (conditional fee agreements)

    The provision that makes CFAs lawful and enforceable. CFAs derive from this section, not from LASPO.

  2. Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2013, arts. 4–5 · in force from 1 April 2013

    Art. 4 caps the success fee at 100% of base costs. Art. 5 caps what may be taken from damages in personal injury at 25% of PSLA plus past pecuniary loss, net of CRU, at first instance.

  3. Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, ss.44–46 · in force from 1 April 2013

    Ended recoverability of success fees and ATE premiums from the losing party. Did not create or regulate CFAs.

  4. Civil Procedure Rules, Part 44 (incl. rr.44.13–44.17, QOCS)

    Qualified one-way costs shifting and its exceptions. Rule 44.14 was amended with effect from 6 April 2023.

Who wrote and checked this page

Written and published by
Edward & Amaury Solicitors (Edward & Amaury Ltd, company no. 12195443), regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under no. 800525.
Legal review
This page has not yet been through independent legal review. It is written from the primary sources listed below, which you can check directly.
Review dates
Last reviewed 2 August 2026. Next review due 2 February 2027.

Fee rules change. California’s medical malpractice fee limits changed on 1 January 2023, and the QOCS rules in England and Wales changed on 6 April 2023. If you spot something out of date, tell us — we publish corrections.