VICTIMS OF CRIME FACE A BROKEN COMPENSATION SYSTEM APIL’s research has found that the current compensation system for injured victims of crime - administered by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) - denies far too many the support they need. Meanwhile, those who submit claims without legal support face an arduous process which leaves them without the compensation they are entitled to. APIL’s most recent analysis found that only 3% of injured victims of crime go on to receive compensation. Lack of awareness of the scheme, a stressful claims process, and restrictive eligibility rules are likely to be key drivers of this justice gap. The real amount of compensation provided to victims of crime has collapsed over the past thirty years. For example, the maximum amount which can be awarded has fallen by more than half since 1996, as compensation payments have not been increased in line with inflation. This leaves victims of crime without the financial support which they need to rebuild their lives. The amount of financial support has collapsed Too few injured victims receive support Those without representation receive far less compensation On average, unrepresented applicants receive less than half of the compensation provided to represented claimants. PAGE 14
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