How the Criminal Injuries Compensation System is failing victims: A call for reform

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) was established to compensate victims of violent crime, offering them a pathway to justice and recovery. However, recent trends and statistics reveal a growing concern: the system is increasingly failing those it was designed to help. The latest CICA Annual Report for 2023-24 shows that more than half of all claims are being refused, leaving thousands of victims without the compensation they desperately need.

Jo-Anna Walmsley, Senior Litigation Executive at GLP Solicitors, brings a unique perspective to this issue. With over 14 years of experience in the legal field and three years of service as a Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Officer, Jo-Anna has witnessed firsthand the struggles victims face both within the criminal justice system and the compensation process.

“The current state of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is deeply concerning,” says Jo-Anna. “Far too many victims are falling through the cracks, denied the support they need to rebuild their lives.”

The alarming rate of claim refusals

One of the most striking issues with the CICA system is the high rate of claim refusals. According to the latest data, 57% of resolved claims were denied compensation. This means that a significant portion of victims who seek compensation are left empty-handed, often without clear reasons or understanding of why their claims were rejected.

“The refusal rate is shocking,” Jo-Anna emphasises. “These are individuals who have already endured the trauma of violent crime, and now they are being retraumatised by a system that should be helping them. Many of these refusals are based on technicalities or issues that could have been avoided with better guidance and support.”

Barriers to access and fairness

The CICA Scheme is intended to be a lifeline for victims, but in practice, it often places unnecessary barriers in their way. Strict eligibility criteria, complex application processes, and rigid evidence requirements all contribute to the high rate of claim refusals.

Jo-Anna explains, “As someone who has worked on both sides of the fence—as a police officer and now as a legal advocate—I see how these barriers disproportionately affect the most vulnerable victims. The process is overly complicated and difficult to navigate, especially for those who are already dealing with the psychological and emotional fallout of their experiences.”

One of the major hurdles victims face is the requirement to report the crime to the police and cooperate fully with the investigation. While this may seem reasonable, many victims are too traumatised or fearful to report the crime immediately, leading to delays that can result in claim refusals.

“Victims of violent crime are often in shock or fear for their safety, which can delay their reporting,” Jo-Anna notes. “The system needs to be more flexible and understanding of these realities, rather than penalising victims for circumstances beyond their control.”

The human impact of a failing system

Behind every refusal statistic is a real person—a victim whose life has been forever altered by violence. The financial compensation provided by CICA can be crucial in helping them cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, and other costs associated with their recovery. When these claims are denied, the impact can be devastating.

“I’ve seen firsthand the toll that a denied claim can take on a victim,” says Jo-Anna. “It’s not just about the money—it’s about validation and acknowledgment of the harm they’ve suffered. When that’s denied, it can feel like a second betrayal.”

A call for reform

Given the current state of the CICA system, there is a growing call for reform. Legal experts, victim advocates, and victims themselves are urging the government to take action to ensure that the system fulfils its intended purpose.

“The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme needs urgent reform,” Jo-Anna asserts. “We need a system that is more accessible, more compassionate, and more responsive to the needs of victims. This includes simplifying the application process, revising the eligibility criteria, and ensuring that decisions are made fairly and transparently.”

One area where change is particularly needed is in the handling of claims involving vulnerable groups, such as victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and hate crimes. These individuals often face additional barriers to accessing compensation, and the system needs to be adapted to better support them.

“We need to recognise that different victims have different needs,” says Jo-Anna. “The system should be flexible enough to accommodate these differences, ensuring that everyone who needs support can access it.”

The way forward

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme was established with the noble goal of providing support to victims of violent crime. However, as it stands, the system is failing too many of those it was designed to help. With over half of all claims being refused, it’s clear that significant changes are needed to ensure that victims are treated with the fairness, compassion, and respect they deserve.

“At GLP Solicitors, we are committed to standing up for victims and advocating for the changes that are so desperately needed,” Jo-Anna concludes. “We will continue to fight for our clients, helping them navigate this challenging system and pushing for the reforms that will make it truly just and effective.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with the CICA claims process, GLP Solicitors is here to help. Our team of experienced legal professionals, led by individuals like Jo-Anna Walmsley, is dedicated to ensuring that every victim receives the support and compensation they are entitled to.

Did you like this article? Try reading: “Overcoming the challenges of CICA claim refusals: How GLP Solicitors can help.”