From today (Thursday 13 June) more adult survivors of child abuse will be able to apply for compensation as new legislation comes into force abolishing the longstanding ‘same-roof’ rule. The so-called ‘same roof’ rule blocked victims of violent crime from receiving compensation if the attacker was a family member they were living with at the time of the incident.
Anyone previously denied compensation under the rule, or put off from coming forward because of it, will be able to make fresh applications. Survivors now have two years to apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). CICA has a dedicated team set up to provide extra support with the claim process – including a named contact to ensure applicants do not have to repeat their traumatic experiences to multiple people.
Gabrielle Shaw, NAPAC’s CEO, said:
“We are delighted that the ‘same roof’ rule has been scrapped. Given that most child abuse happens within the family and children are likely to have had no choice but to live under the same roof as their abuser, this rule was rightly viewed as deeply unfair and punitive. It is impossible to measure the damage done by childhood abuse, but for many survivors the impacts affect their health, their adult relationships and their earning potential throughout their lives.”
Any applicant will need to have reported the incident for which they are making a claim to the police. You may have already done this at the time, or since the incident occurred. If you haven’t, you can report it now. There is only a requirement for the incident to have been reported to police the once.
Find out more from CICA Click here for CICA website or CICA Telephone 0300 003 3601.