When we think about abuse, we don’t often think about it happening inside a marriage. But it does. And sometimes, the person hurting you is the person you’re supposed to trust the most.
A woman recently told the BBC how she found out her husband had been drugging and raping her for years. She only realised something was wrong when she began feeling ill and confused after drinking things he had given her. The truth came out after a police investigation.
This story is like another well-known case that happened in France. Gisèle Pelicot spent years being drugged and raped by her husband. When she finally spoke up, it helped people understand just how hidden and serious this kind of abuse can be. It also reminded many survivors they weren’t alone.
What Can You Do If This Has Happened to You?
It can be really hard to realise that what’s happened to you is abuse. When it’s someone you live with, someone you love or used to love, you might feel too confused, ashamed and scared to tell anyone. That’s completely understandable.
But please know that you are not to blame. And you are not alone.
If you’ve been hurt by a partner or ex-partner, you may be able to get help from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). This is a government scheme that gives money to people who have been victims of violent crimes, including sexual assault.
You don’t need a court conviction to apply. If you reported what happened to the police and gave them as much help as you could, you may still get compensation.
What Is CICA Compensation?
The CICA is a government organisation that gives money to people who have been hurt by a violent crime. If you've been attacked, raped, or abused. even by someone you lived with, you may be able to claim.
CICA Compensation is money that can help you:
- Pay for therapy
- Get some stability if you’re struggling to work
- Feel recognised and supported
We work with people just like you. People who have lived through awful things and need someone who understands how to help.
But I Didn’t Report It Straight Away…
A Lots of people don’t. That’s okay.
The CICA has a rule that you should apply within 2 years of telling the police. But if you have a good reason for taking longer, such as mental health prevented you from reporting, they may still accept your claim.
These cases are never easy. But we can help you through every step.
How We Can Help
We can help you by:
- Talking you through whether you can apply
- Helping you to fill in all the forms
- Getting medical evidence to support your claim
- Fighting for you to get the money you deserve
You don’t have to do this on your own.
We’re Ready When You Are
The woman in the BBC story showed incredible courage. So did Gisèle Pelicot. If their stories made you stop and think about your own past, maybe now is the time to reach out.
We help survivors of abuse make CICA claims. Call us for a friendly, confidential chat on 0330 300 5000 or email us at cica@abuseandassaultclaims.co.uk.
You deserve to be heard. You deserve support. And we’ll be here when you’re ready
