Child Sex Abuse Victims with Criminal Records Denied Compensation

Survivors of sexual abuse in care homes are denied compensation or have pay-outs cut because of their own criminal convictions, an inquiry has found. The Independent Inquiry on Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) heard how one boy stole jewellery to survive after running away from an abusive care home. It meant his compensation years later was cut in half.

The compensation scheme should recognise abuse can directly contribute to offending, the inquiry said. It found that the criminal and civil justice systems are unable to provide redress for victims of abuse, often leaving them “retraumatised” and missing out on compensation. For victims and survivors of child sexual abuse, the suffering does not stop when the abuse ends. In our investigation we found that the criminal and civil court proceedings for redress can be frustrating, hostile and ultimately futile,” said Professor Alexis Jay, chair of the inquiry. “Many are left retraumatised and deeply unsatisfied with the often lengthy and confusing litigation.”

Among the issues the inquiry identified was that the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) can deny or reduce claims if a victim has unspent criminal convictions.

Read more: BBC News, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-49755421