13. What if I am a victim of a crime?

If you have been injured by a criminal act (for example, you were attacked), you may be able to get compensation:

• by claiming from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority; or  
• if the court orders the person who committed the crime to pay you.

You can claim compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority if, for example, you were:

• the victim of an assault; or  
• injured while trying to help the police after a crime was committed.

You can also make a claim if you are a close relative of someone who died in either of these ways.

You should report the incident to the police as soon as possible. You must normally apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority within two years of the incident. However, this time limit may be extended in a few cases (for example, if you are making a claim because you were abused when you were a child).

To apply, you need to fill in an application form which you can get from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (see 'Further Help'). You should get expert help with filling in the form.

A court may also order someone convicted of a crime to pay you compensation for your:

• injury;  
• loss; or  
• damage.

You cannot apply for this compensation yourself. You must give the prosecution as much information as you can about your injuries and losses (for example, lost earnings) so they can put them to the court. The amount of compensation will depend on what the offender can afford to pay. The most you will get is £5000.