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For victims of child abuse and exploitation compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) acts as a life line to the emotional and physical support that they require. However under a Freedom of Information request made by the BBC to the CICA, it was revealed that since 2010 over 400 victims of abuse had their compensation payout reduced as a result of criminal convictions.
The CICA also revealed that some of the offences committed by victims ranged from violence, to drink and drugs offences, and in a statement the released they commented:
“The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme has always asked that awards are reduced or refused if the victim had unspent convictions”.
The effects of child abuse on victims and society
Critics of the scheme have highlighted this issue of punishing victims of abuse by not linking their behaviour with abuse in childhood. Founder of the leading child abuse charity the National Associated of People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC), Peter Saunders commented: “it is patently obvious that in some cases,where someone has gone down a route of criminality, proceeded by a life utterly devastated by abuse, there is a link. And for the system to not recognise that is for the system to be failing our people”.
In a video discussion between Peter Saunders, and leading child abuse solicitor and compensation expert, Malcolm Underhill of IBB Solicitors, Peter Saunders commented:
“We hear from people who are still suffering nightmares, flashbacks, panic attacks for things that sometimes occurred forty, fifty, or even more years ago. This is a crime like no other that leaves an indelible mark within the survivor. And you’re absolutely right, there is little point in asking people to come forward to give this vital evidence and to tell their story unless there is some support for them.”
A link to the video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLnR22vUw1k
A link to the video transcript can be found here:
Child abuse and the link between physical and mental health concerns
Research has revealed a link between childhood abuse (physical, emotional and sexual) and potential negative health issues.
On a mental level these effects could include: depression, anxiety, PTSD, and violence / aggression. Researchers have discovered a potential link between historic child abuse and physical health issues. These could include complex physical problems such as blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.
For more details on the topic see: http://www.havoca.org/the-effects-of-childhood-abuse-and-the-process-of-recovery/
Reaction by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ)
The BBC contacted the MOJ to determine their response to the issue of reducing compensation for victims of abuse who have committed a criminal offence. The MOJ stated that there was no current intention of reviewing the scheme and justified the reduction in a victims’ compensation – stating that the criminal act “may have caused distress, loss or injury to another person, and cost the taxpayer money through a police investigation or court proceedings”.
Child abuse in the UK Reveals shocking numbers of victims
Since 2010, compensation has been awarded to 12,665 people who have suffered sexual abuse as children or vulnerable adults.
There is an increase in the number of child abuse – physical and sexual allegations being reported through out the UK.
For more information see:
Release ID: 88185