Same roof rule finally abolished for pre 1979 victims of crime

The government announce the removal of the "same roof" rule from the CICA compensation scheme

13th June 2019

The government today announced the long awaited rule change concerning the right to claim compensation for those injured by members of their family before 1979. Under the controversial "same roof" rule many thousands of victims were denied compensation if they lived under the same roof as their attacker. This mean that a victim of a crime such as historical sexual abuse went without compensation. The same roof rule directly affected those who suffered harm prior to October 1979. Anyone claiming after this period would have their claim properly assessed.

Last year one victim challenged this unfair rule in the law courts and won her case in a landmark decision.

From today any victims who have had their claim denied can now claim again. Those who have yet to claim can now make a formal application. More here on this very important rule change.