Same roof rule abolished for CICS claims

Same roof rule abolished for CICS claims

The CICS (Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme) was set up to compensate victims of violent crime but until 13 June 2019 it did not allow applications on behalf of those victims who resided under the “same roof” as the perpetrators of the crime.

For a long time this has been considered completely unfair and irrational.  It has been used to perpetuate the myth that most people do not know their attacker and, of course, we have known for some years now that this is simply not the case.

At long last this has now been changed with new legislation that came in to force on 13 June 2019, which abolishes the so-called “same-roof rule”.

Until now, victims of violent crimes which took place before 1979 have been blocked from obtaining compensation under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICS) if they lived with their attacker at the time of the incident.

Anyone denied compensation under the rule previously will be able to make a fresh application as from 13 June 2019. They have two years to apply and they will be put in touch with a dedicated team set up to provide extra support with the claim process. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority will use discretion to extend the two-year limit in some circumstances.

Vicki Wright is a Personal Injury Lawyer and Associate with Swain & Co Solicitors.  Vicki regularly makes applications to the CICA on behalf of Clients and has been able to recover large sums of money for them.  She says :

“I am so pleased that finally, this rule has been abolished.  It has prevented legitimate claims from being progressed and has left many victims of violent crime without the damages they deserve.  I will now be reaching out to people who approached me over the years in respect of these types of claim and who I had to advise that a claim was not necessary.”

If you have been a victim of violent crime and wish to seek financial compensation as a result of injuries suffered, including crimes where you have been residing with your attacker, call to speak with one of team today on 02392 483322 or fill out our enquiry form and we will contact you.