Compensation

Sometimes a court will award compensation to a victim of a crime. The offender pays the money to the court, and the court then passes it on to the victim.

Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is responsible for administering the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme throughout England, Scotland and Wales.  They pay compensation to eligible applicants who have been the victim of a violent crime, for example a physical assault or sexual offence.

For more information visit the CICA website or you can call free on 0800 358 3601.  The lines are open from 8.30am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 1pm on Saturday.  The CICA also works closely with organisations such as Victim Support Scotland. 

Victim Support Scotland
Victim Support Scotland can provide information on compensation and how to apply for it. For more information visit the Victim Support website.

You may also be able to get information about compensation from other places, including your solicitor, or Citizens Advice Scotland.

Jargon Buster

Some words in this website have legal meanings, which may be different to what you would expect, or may be unfamiliar to you. This section explains these words as well as some other words you may come across in the criminal justice system.