CICA statistics show a sharp drop in abuse claims from children

Freedom of Information request shows a drop in abuse application numbers from minors

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) have released statistics showing the number of sexual abuse or assault related cases submitted on behalf of children - minors under 18. The figures show that despite the surge in abuse cases reported to the police, the CICA  are handling almost two thirds less claims than was the case 9 years ago. The full year 2016 numbers show only 1207 cases were settled as compared to 3500 in the year 2009, this year of course pre dates the Jimmy Savile scandal.

The statistics are surprising and suggest that the compensation scheme changes introduced during 2012 have led to less payouts being made to young victims of abuse. The 2012 scheme is likely to be reviewed and amended during 2019 and we welcome positive changes that benefit rather than hinder victims.

Please see below table which details victims of sexual assault, where the applicant was under 18 years old at the time of the incident, that were successful in receiving an award for sexual assault in the stated year:-

Calendar Year Award Received / Number of Award Received 
1996 - 97 
1997 - 126 
1998 - 261 
1999 - 90 
2000 - 379 
2001 - 276 
2002 - 242 
2003 - 302 
2004 - 400 
2005 - 448 
2006 - 584 
2007 - 671 
2008 - 1972 
2009 - 3500 
2010 - 2798 
2011 - 2923 
2012 - 3256 
2013 - 2651 
2014 - 2560 
2015 - 2243 
2016 - 1207 

2017/2018 statistics were not released.