VICTIM SUPPORT - HELP & ASSISTANCE

Victims and witnesses of crimes can seek help through a charity called Victim Support which operates throughout the UK. The services of Victim Support are free. Victim Support offices are located in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. An independent organisation similar to Victim Support in the UK serves residents of the Republic of Ireland. You can seek help from Victim Support regardless of whether you reported the crime and no matter where or when the incident took place. Victim support says on their website :-

“Victim Support is the national charity which helps people affected by crime in England and Wales. We give free and confidential support to help you deal with what you've been through as a victim or witness, whether or not you report the crime to the police.”

Victim Support is not associated with either the court system or the police. Victim Support is an independent organisation with local branches staffed by experienced volunteer councilors. Victims and witnesses receive private help, including the following services:

• completely confidential counseling and communication
• information about police and court procedures
• referrals to other helpful resources
• assistance dealing with other organisations
• information about applying for criminal injury compensation claims
• applications for insurance payments
• applications for direct court compensation

Anyone affected by a crime can contact Victim Support directly at their national head office:-

Victim Support National Office Cranmer House
39 Brixton Road London SW9 6DZ
Telephone: 020 7735 9166
Fax: 020 7582 5712

No Win No Fee

Our solicitors represent victims of violent crime on a no win no fee basis in applications to the Criminal Injury Compensation Authority (CICA). If your criminal injury compensation claim is unsuccessful for any reason then you pay absolutely nothing. Using our solicitors to make a CICA claim is completey risk-free.

Personal Injury Specialists

We are a team of expert solicitors who specialise in personal injury compensation claims. We are committed to getting our clients fair compensation for the injuries and trauma they have suffered. For free advice about your potential claim, simply fill out the contact form or call us on our helpline. There is no charge for this consultation, regardless of whether you decide to take further action. You are under no obligation to move forward with your claim.

Compensation for Victims of Crime

Victims of violent crime may receive compensation for their injuries in one of three main ways :-

CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION AUTHORITY

The CICA administrates a government-funded tariff scheme that awards compensation to victims of violent crimes. Compensation is available to qualifying victims regardless of whether the assailant has been apprehended and prosecuted. In order to be eligible for compensation, you must meet all three of the following criteria:



• you suffered a physical or mental injury due to violent crime
• you needed to visit a physician at least twice
• it took you a minimum of six weeks to fully recover

CRIMINAL COURT COMPENSATION

The Crown Prosecution Service can make a request in criminal court for victim compensation. Limitations apply to the amount of compensation that can be ordered.

CIVIL COURT COMPENSATION

Victims may also seek damages for their injuries and other losses by bringing a claim in a civil court. Cases brought in the County Courts typically involve representation by a solicitor. The small claims court, on the other hand, is more informal, enabling the victim to bring a request for compensation without assistance from a solicitor however the amount that can be claimed is limited.