CICA appeals tribunal success
At a recent CICA appeals tribunal hearing in Liverpool, the second of two hearings in this case, Graham Wilmer MBE, Director of the Lantern Project, argued the case for a survivor of non recent child sexual abuse, who had been refused criminal injuries compensation by the CICA on the basis that the survivor had not submitted an application to the CICA within the two year time frame stipulated under the scheme.
The Tribunal judge and panel accepted Mr Wilmer’s argument that child abuse was a unique crime of violence, when compared to other crimes of violence, and, as such, the two year time window was a barrier to justice, and should not apply.
After consultation with a representative of the CICA, the Tribunal judge ruled that the decision not to award compensation by the CICA was in this case wrong, and that an award should now be made.
Mr Wilmer said after the hearing: “I am pleased that we have been able to bring this case to a positive conclusion for the survivor we have been working with. This has been a long battle, but it has been worth all of the hard work, as it not only brings some element of justice to the survivor, but it also sets a bench mark that will help other appeals.
