Domestic Abuse Compensation
Do you know that you can claim domestic abuse compensation? Practically every aspect of a domestic abuser survivor’s life is altered in the aftermath of domestic violence. Leaving an abusive relationship involves transitioning from being controlled to being in control. All the while coping with the costs of a domestic life filled with fear, terror, and devastation. This change takes tremendous strength as one’s energy shifts from survival mode to starting a new life.
Women subjected to prolonged, repeated trauma develop a progressive form of posttraumatic stress disorder that invades and erodes the personality. Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence)
- Psychological and/or emotional abuse
- Physical or sexual abuse
Women can transform their struggles and demonstrate tremendous strength and resources to recover from domestic violence. The pain individuals experience from domestic violence should not be minimized. Yet, it does not have to be the centrepiece of one’s identity. Standing alongside the entire range of debilitating effects of trauma, most survivors display a stunning capacity for survival and perseverance.
Domestic Abuse Recovery
Resilience can emerge from such chaos and devastation. As part of that process a domestic abuse compensation payment can assist financially to help women re-establish independence and control. The CICA will consider awarding compensation to domestic abuse victims for individual injuries (if significant enough) or for a period of abuse as follows:
- serious abuse – intermittent physical assaults
- severe abuse – pattern of repetitive violence resulting in minor disfigurement
- persistent pattern of severe abuse over a period exceeding 3 years
Incidents preferably need to have been reported to the police as soon as possible (i.e. within 48 hours). However, the CICA accept that this can be difficult in domestic violence scenarios. As long as there has been at least one report to the Police and evidence to support the version of events such as in their medical notes (GP, counselling, etc.); then we can help.
Don’t suffer in silence. You are not what happened to you. It does not define you. You can begin your journey to recovery and we are here to support you. Let us help you today. Call FREE on 0800 470 2009 or email Dr Victoria Handley at vhandley@handleylaw.co.uk