This is a financial award to compensate for the pain and suffering caused by violent crime such as rape and sexual assault. The injury can be mental and/or physical. It does not make any difference if the person who attacked you was a stranger or someone you knew.

To claim, you must report the assault to the police and cooperate fully with them. Your attacker does not need to be caught or prosecuted for you to claim.

You must apply as soon as possible, within two years of the assault (except in certain circumstances).

You can get more information about the scheme and how to apply from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority and its customer service free helpline on 0300 003 3601.

Also in this section

• Support for reporting sexual violence to the police
• How reporting sexual violence to the police works
• How the criminal justice system works
• Evidence in sexual assault cases
• Glossary of legal terms

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