The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) handles financial compensation for victims of crimes.

The offender does not have to be traced or prosecuted for a victim to claim compensation. However, the crime does need to be reported to the police. CICA ensures that the victim receives compensation, even where the offender does not have money to give it.

To apply for compensation, you need to show that you have been physically or psychologically injured, or that your parent, child, spouse or partner has died as a result of a violent crime. Each year, around 60,000 applications for compensation are made, and £200 million paid out in compensation for personal and fatal injuries. Amounts vary from £1,000 to £250,000.