What is a Civil and CICA claim?

Mental health awareness week 12th – 16th May 2025: What is a civil and CICA claim?

As mentioned in the previous blog, this week’s theme is all about community – reminding us how important it is to feel safe, supported and believed. 

For survivors of abuse, taking the first step to speak up can be very difficult. One way in which people can find closure is by making a legal claim. We help people through this either that be a civil claim or a CICA claim. 

What is a civil claim?

A civil claim is where the survivor (Claimant) brings legal action against the abuser, their employer or the organisation responsible for the abuse. This would be the defendant. Examples include: the abuser themselves, schools, children’s homes, religious organisations or other institutions. In a civil claim you can hold the people or organisations accountable and receive compensation for the harm done to you including: your pain and suffering, costs for therapy and counselling and loss of earnings if the abuse affected your ability to work. A conviction is not required for a civil claim. 
In a civil claim time limits do apply. For adults this is typically three years from the date of when the abuse happened and for a child the claim would need to be issued before your 21st birthday.  However, despite this, you may still be able to claim years later depending on the reasons why you were unable to come forward which could include trauma or mental issues. 

What is a CICA claim?

A CICA claim is a government scheme which provides financial compensation to people who have been survivors of abuse. This is handled through an application process and is completely separate from a civil claim. In order to be eligible to make a CICA claim the abuse must be reported to the police and the application is advised to be made within 2 years from reporting to the police, however extensions are possible for good reasons as above, such as trauma or mental health issues. 

We can advise where a civil, CICA claim, or both are right for you. We will prepare and submit your applications and support you through every step. Mental health awareness week is more than just talking it’s about taking action. If you have been abused, pursuing a legal claim can be a huge step towards feeling seen, heard and supported.