What Counts as a ‘Crime of Violence’ for CICA Claims?

When you apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), one of the first questions they ask is whether you were injured as the result of a “crime of violence.” This definition is central to your eligibility. If you have not been the victim of a crime of violence you will be made an award. Many victims are surprised by what is included and equally surprised by what is not within this definition.

This guide explains how CICA interprets a “crime of violence,” the types of incidents that typically qualify, common areas of dispute, and how our specialist team at Ison Harrison supports victims through the process.

Why the Definition Matters

CICA claims are governed by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012. To receive an award, you must show:

You suffered a physical or mental injury
The injury was directly caused by a crime of violence
The incident was reported to the police, and you cooperated with the investigation
You meet residency, timing, and conduct requirements

Establishing that the incident falls within CICA’s definition is often the first hurdle.

How CICA Defines a “Crime of Violence”

Under the 2012 Scheme, a crime of violence includes:

Physical Attacks

This covers any assault resulting in injury. Examples include:

Punching, kicking, head‑butting or striking
Attack with a weapon
Group assaults
Robberies involving force

There does not have to be a conviction and the CICA applies the civil standard of proof i.e. is it more likely than not you were the victim of a crime of violence.

Threats of Violence

A threat can amount to a crime of violence if:

It caused you to genuinely fear immediate violence, and
That fear resulted in a psychological injury recognised by a medical professional.

Example: Someone threatens to kill you while brandishing a weapon, leaving you traumatised.

Sexual Assault and Abuse

CICA treats all non‑consensual sexual acts as crimes of violence, including:

Rape
Sexual assault
Child sexual abuse
Exposure and sexualised behaviour

These claims have specific evidential rules, and awards are often higher to reflect the seriousness of the harm.

Arson and Fire‑Related Offending

You may be eligible if you were injured due to:

Deliberate fire‑setting
Arson of a home or vehicle where the perpetrator intended or was reckless as to causing injury

Victims often overlook this category, but CICA regularly accepts such claims.

Reckless Conduct

Even where no direct intent to harm exists, reckless behaviour can qualify. Examples include:

Throwing objects from height
Dangerous driving that is intentional or reckless (not mere carelessness)
Using or brandishing weapons in a way likely to injure others

This is a complex area and commonly disputed by CICA.

**What CICA Does Not Count as a Crime of Violence**

Understanding exclusions is just as important. CICA may refuse a claim where the injury arose from:

Ordinary road traffic accidents (unless the driver intended harm or used the vehicle as a weapon)
Simple negligence without violent or reckless conduct
Accidents where no criminal offence occurred
Self‑inflicted injuries or mutual fights
Harm linked to your own criminal behaviour

Breaking the law resulting in harm is not sufficient.

These boundaries often create issues for victims trying to navigate the Scheme alone.

Practical Examples

Here are typical scenarios we encounter in practice:

Eligible: A customer assaulted by a doorman, resulting in a fractured jaw. This may also allow a civil claim, on the basis of vicarious liability, against the doorman’s employer.
Eligible: A partner threatened with serious harm by an ex-partner, causing PTSD.
Eligible: A tenant injured when an arson attack was carried out on the property.
Possible dispute: Injury during a fight if CICA alleges you contributed to the incident.

Not eligible: An out-of-control dog does not constitute a crime of violence; the animal has to be used as a weapon for the CICA to consider an award.

Every situation turns on its facts, and this is where legal support makes a real difference.

How Ison Harrison Assists Victims

As one of the UK’s leading claimant law firms, Ison Harrison has extensive experience supporting victims through the CICA process. We help by:

Assessing whether your incident meets the definition of a crime of violence
Ensuring the application is carefully evidenced from the outset
Managing disputes about eligibility, residency or police reporting
Securing medical evidence to support physical or psychological injuries
Challenging refusals and reducing delays

Victims often tell us they tried to navigate the Scheme alone and became overwhelmed. Our role is to take the pressure off and ensure your case is presented clearly and professionally.