Further information

If you’ve been injured by a violent crime then you can apply for compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). Please note that you are only eligible for this if the crime took place in the last two years and it was reported to the police as soon as possible.

Your care coordinator can advise you on how to apply for compensation and they will guide you through the process, as you will have to talk through the crime again and we understand this might be difficult. We also know there are a number of information and forms to go through. Do not worry because we will help you – it’s what we’re here for.

If you want any more information, or want to access the forms directly, then you can find them via the Ministry of Justice website.

Restorative Justice’s aim is to empower you to cope and recover from your experience. This can include, should you wish, the opportunity to communicate with your offender, where appropriate, in order to explain the impact their actions had on you. If you are interested in doing this, your care coordinator can explain what it involves and discuss with you if it’s suitable for your recovery.

Restorative Justice gives you the chance to have your say and to explain in real terms the affect the behaviour has had on you and those close to you. By entering into communication with the person who caused the harm, you can ask directly for answers to your questions and help establish how the harm might be repaired so that that you can move on with your life.

Restorative Justice challenges the attitudes and beliefs of those who cause harm by allowing them to hear and understand the full extent of how people are affected by their actions. By communicating with those most affected, offenders come to see victims as real people with complex lives and genuine feelings. Importantly, the restorative process enables the offender to work with the victim to make amends.

Restorative Justice is not designed to replace criminal justice proceedings, an offender may still be cautioned by the police, convicted in court and even sentenced to prison. In all these cases the victim has a right to participate in a restorative process which can run alongside any criminal justice disposal. Similarly, there may be no police or court outcome but Restorative Justice is still an option.

As long as the offender is willing to accept some responsibility for what they have done, a restorative process can be explored.

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Everybody’s victim journey is different, which is why we shape your support around what you want and need.

If you feel like you’re really struggling and haven’t been able to move on with your life following the crime, then we’re still here for you. We don’t want you suffering in silence feeling like you can’t get in touch with us again. You might need us two years after the crime happened, because something has triggered an emotion. We’ll still be here for you and will make sure you get the right support again.
This could include referring you onto a councillor or a support service that specialises in the crime that you were a victim of.

If you need us, we want to hear from you. It’s all part of how we get you back to feeling like you again.