The Victims' Compensation Advocacy Project

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Upholding Victims' Rights

The Victims' Compensation Advocacy Project

Supporting Victims in accessing Compensation for their Injuries

Providing CICA review and appeal representation for all applicants, drafting applications for survivors of modern slavery and disabled applicants, and offering step-by-step and AI tools for all new claims.

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CICA Reviews & Appeals Support

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Guiding Survivors through
the CICA Application Process

Supporting Survivors at every step of the CICA Claim Process

Supporting Survivors at every step of the CICA Claim Process

At the Victims’ Compensation Advocacy Project, we provide expert legal support to victims of violent crime navigating the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) process.

We offer full representation in review applications and tribunal appeals for individuals whose claims have been refused or under-compensated. We also provide comprehensive legal assistance to survivors of modern slavery, as well as to individuals who are unable to complete the application process on their own due to disability, trauma, or other substantial barriers. This includes drafting and submitting new CICA applications on their behalf.

For all other applicants, we offer clear, step-by-step self-help resources and AI-powered guidance to help them understand the process, prepare evidence, and complete their application with confidence.

Our work is driven by legal precision and a commitment to justice. Whether through representation or guided assistance, we ensure that victims are not left to face the CICA process alone, and that every claim is treated with the care and seriousness it deserves.

Supporting Survivors at every step of the CICA Claim Process

Drafting CICA Review
Applications

When a claim is refused or under-awarded, we support victims in challenging CICA outcomes by reviewing decision letters, and identifying further evidence or legal arguments.

When a claim is refused or under-awarded, we support victims in challenging CICA outcomes by reviewing decision letters, and identifying further evidence or legal arguments.

When a claim is refused or under-awarded, we support victims in challenging CICA outcomes by reviewing decision letters, and identifying further evidence or legal arguments.

Representation at Tribunals
for CICA Review Appeals

Representation at Tribunals for CICA Appeals

In cases that proceed to a tribunal, we offer free representation to ensure victims have a voice and receive fair, informed advocacy throughout the hearing process.

In cases that proceed to a tribunal, we offer free representation to ensure victims have a voice and receive fair, informed advocacy throughout the hearing process.

In cases that proceed to a tribunal, we offer free representation to ensure victims have a voice and receive fair, informed advocacy throughout the hearing process.

Drafting CICA Applications for
Victims of Modern Slavery

We provide full legal support to modern slavery survivors by preparing and submitting their CICA applications, ensuring their claims are clear, accurate, and trauma-informed.

We provide full legal support to modern slavery survivors by preparing and submitting their CICA applications, ensuring their claims are clear, accurate, and trauma-informed.

We provide full legal support to modern slavery survivors by preparing and submitting their CICA applications, ensuring their claims are clear, accurate, and trauma-informed.

Our Step-by-Step Process

Our Step-by-Step Process

01.

Step 1: Initial Consultation & Eligibility Review

We begin by reviewing the victim’s circumstances to assess eligibility for criminal injuries compensation. This includes a confidential consultation, gathering key facts, and providing clear guidance on next steps.

02.

Step 2: Application or Appeal Preparation

03.

Step 3: Representation at Tribunal (if required)

01.

Step 1: Initial Consultation & Eligibility Review

We begin by reviewing the victim’s circumstances to assess eligibility for criminal injuries compensation. This includes a confidential consultation, gathering key facts, and providing clear guidance on next steps.

02.

Step 2: Application or Appeal Preparation

03.

Step 3: Representation at Tribunal (if required)

01.

Step 1: Initial Consultation & Eligibility Review

We begin by reviewing the victim’s circumstances to assess eligibility for criminal injuries compensation. This includes a confidential consultation, gathering key facts, and providing clear guidance on next steps.

02.

Step 2: Application or Appeal Preparation

03.

Step 3: Representation at Tribunal (if required)

What the Numbers Say About CICA’s Accessibility

In 2023–24, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) received 41,428 new applications, the highest volume since the 2012 Scheme began. Yet, more than 57% of resolved claims (21,305 cases) were refused compensation. One of the most common refusal reasons was that the injury was deemed not to result from a “crime of violence”, a criterion that continues to exclude many victims, including survivors of modern slavery and trafficking. This refusal rate has remained consistently high for years, demonstrating how thousands of victims are denied financial recognition of their suffering despite clear evidence of harm.

In 2023–24, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) received 41,428 new applications, the highest volume since the 2012 Scheme began. Yet, more than 57% of resolved claims (21,305 cases) were refused compensation. One of the most common refusal reasons was that the injury was deemed not to result from a “crime of violence”, a criterion that continues to exclude many victims, including survivors of modern slavery and trafficking. This refusal rate has remained consistently high for years, demonstrating how thousands of victims are denied financial recognition of their suffering despite clear evidence of harm.

In 2023–24, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) received 41,428 new applications, the highest volume since the 2012 Scheme began. Yet, more than 57% of resolved claims (21,305 cases) were refused compensation. One of the most common refusal reasons was that the injury was deemed not to result from a “crime of violence”, a criterion that continues to exclude many victims, including survivors of modern slavery and trafficking. This refusal rate has remained consistently high for years, demonstrating how thousands of victims are denied financial recognition of their suffering despite clear evidence of harm.

The Criminal Injuries Support Project

30 July 2025

57%

of all resolved claims were refused in 2023–24

57%

of all resolved claims were refused in 2023–24

0.2%

of modern slavery survivors applied to CICA between January 2021 and May 2024

0.2%

of modern slavery survivors applied to CICA between January 2021 and May 2024

39%

of refusals to modern slavery survivors were because exploitation was deemed "not a crime of violence"

39%

of refusals to modern slavery survivors were because exploitation was deemed "not a crime of violence"

about us

Founded to Stand Up for
all Survivors

Founded to Stand Up for all Survivors

Driven by Justice,
Made for Everyone

We make the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) process accessible to those who need it most. Survivors of violent crime, including modern slavery, often face complex and overwhelming barriers to justice.

We provide full legal representation in reviews, appeals, and modern slavery applications, and offer step-by-step guides and AI tools to support new applicants. Our work is supervised by experienced legal professionals to ensure clarity, compassion, and a high standard of support.

Thousands of valid claims are refused each year. Many victims never apply. We are here to change that by making justice possible for everyone.

We care

Driven by Justice,
Made for Everyone

We make the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) process accessible to those who need it most. Survivors of violent crime, including modern slavery, often face complex and overwhelming barriers to justice.

We provide full legal representation in reviews, appeals, and modern slavery applications, and offer step-by-step guides and AI tools to support new applicants. Our work is supervised by experienced legal professionals to ensure clarity, compassion, and a high standard of support.

Thousands of valid claims are refused each year. Many victims never apply. We are here to change that by making justice possible for everyone.

About Us

Our Ai

Our Values

Compassion

Empowerment

Justice

Accessibility

Commitment

Collaboration

Resilience

Care

Equality

Clarity

Dedication

Courage

mission 2025

Our 2025 Mission To Educate and Empower

Find Out More

01

Mission

Break Down Barriers

We will guide applicants through their CICA claims while challenging misinformation and systemic obstacles so they are never left to face the process alone.

Mission

Break Down Barriers

We will guide applicants through their CICA claims while challenging misinformation and systemic obstacles so they are never left to face the process alone.

02

Mission

Train Professionals

We will equip frontline workers, charities and community organisations with the knowledge to guide survivors to the scheme.

Mission

Train Professionals

We will equip frontline workers, charities and community organisations with the knowledge to guide survivors to the scheme.

03

Mission

Raise Awareness

We will increase public and community understanding of the CICA scheme so more people know they are entitled to apply and can access support sooner.

Mission

Raise Awareness

We will increase public and community understanding of the CICA scheme so more people know they are entitled to apply and can access support sooner.

Partnerships

We would be privileged to partner with charities, educational institutions and legal organisations in the pursuit of enhanced access to justice.

Get in touch

Access clear and compassionate 'Criminal Injury Compensation' support with The Victims' Compensation Advocacy Project.

Get Support

Secure fair outcomes through the trusted support

of The Victims' Compensation Advocacy Project.

The Victims' Compensation Advocacy Project.

Legal Disclaimer

Access clear and compassionate 'Criminal Injury Compensation' support with The Victims' Compensation Advocacy Project.

Get Support

Secure fair outcomes through the trusted support

of The Victims' Compensation Advocacy Project.

TenantShield

Legal Disclaimer

Access clear and compassionate 'Criminal Injury Compensation' support with The Victims' Compensation Advocacy Project.

Get Support

Secure fair outcomes through the trusted support

of The Victims' Compensation Advocacy Project.

TenantShield

Legal Disclaimer