CICA vs Civil Compensation vs Restraining Order

After a crime there are three separate things you may want: money to cover what the offence cost you, and protection from the person who did it. Three routes address those needs, and they run in parallel rather than competing — applying to the criminal injuries scheme does not stop you bringing a civil claim, and neither affects a restraining order. They have different time limits, different evidence requirements and very different timescales. This comparison sets out what each one gives you and what it asks of you.

Tip: scroll the table sideways to see all columns →

Feature	CICA	Civil Claim	Restraining Order
What it gives you	State-funded compensation	Damages from the perpetrator	Protection order restricting perpetrator's contact
Who pays	Government scheme (Ministry of Justice)	Perpetrator (or their insurer)	No financial element
Time limit	2 years from incident	6 years (3 years for personal injury)	After conviction or acquittal in criminal court
Requires perpetrator known?
Standard of proof	Balance of probabilities	Balance of probabilities	Balance of probabilities
Awards	£1,000 - £500,000 + dependency awards	Actual loss + damages (unlimited)	Non-financial — protection only
Cost to apply	Free (online application)	Solicitor fees; conditional fee often available	Free if applied for by police; private application £75
Typical decision time	6-18 months	12-36 months	At sentencing or shortly after

You can pursue all three routes at the same time. CICA is fastest and easiest. Civil claims are best where the perpetrator has assets or insurance. Restraining orders are critical for ongoing safety.

Deal with safety first, then compensation

If the offender still poses a risk to you, protection comes before money. A restraining order can be made by the criminal court at sentencing — and, importantly, even after an acquittal — so raise it with the police and the Crown Prosecution Service before the case concludes rather than afterwards. Say clearly what contact you fear and what conditions would actually help. An independent sexual violence or domestic violence adviser can put this to the court on your behalf.

Ongoing risk? Restraining order, and ask about other protective measures. This is time-critical and tied to the criminal proceedings.
Injuries and losses, offender unidentified or without means? The criminal injuries scheme is free, does not require a conviction, and is usually the only route that pays.
Offender has assets or insurance? A civil claim can recover far more, and conditional fee arrangements are often available.

The mistake people make is waiting for the criminal case to finish before applying for compensation. The scheme has the shortest time limit of the three and it runs from the incident, not from the verdict. Apply now and tell the authority that proceedings are ongoing — they will hold the application rather than reject it.

Reporting the crime to the police, promptly, underpins all three routes. If you have not yet reported it, that is the first step, and support services can go with you.

Frequently asked questions

Can I pursue all three routes at once?

Yes, and for a serious offence you often should. They address different things and none blocks another. The one rule to observe is that you cannot be compensated twice for the same loss — if a civil claim succeeds after a criminal injuries award, the scheme will normally recover what it paid. Tell each process about the others honestly. A restraining order sits entirely apart from both and has no effect on any compensation you receive.

What if the restraining order is breached?

Report it to the police immediately, on 999 if you feel at risk. Breaching a restraining order is a criminal offence in its own right and carries a substantial maximum sentence, so it is treated separately from the original case. Keep a record of every incident with dates, times, screenshots and any witnesses, because a pattern of small breaches is easier to prosecute when it is documented. If you feel the police response is inadequate, ask for a supervisor and contact a support service.

Will I have to see the offender if I claim compensation?

Not for a criminal injuries application — it is a paper process with no hearing and no contact with the offender, which is one reason many people prefer it. A civil claim is different, since you are suing the person directly and they will know about it, although most claims settle without a trial. If contact of any kind is a safety concern, tell your solicitor and any support worker at the outset so it can be managed.

What support is available while all this is going on?

Independent advisers exist precisely for this. Independent sexual violence advisers and independent domestic violence advisers support you through the criminal process, explain what is happening and advocate for special measures at court, and their support is free and independent of the police. The Victims' Code sets out what you are entitled to expect from criminal justice agencies, including updates about the case. Ask the police for a referral, or approach a support organisation directly without going through them.

Related guides

CICA Criminal Injuries Compensation

If you have been physically or psychologically injured as the result of a violent crime in Great Britain, you may be able to claim compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). The scheme is funded by the government and does not depend on the offender being caught or convicted. Awards range from £1,000 to £500,000 depending on the nature and severity of your injuries.

10 min

Restraining Orders and Stalking Protection Orders

Restraining orders and Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs) are court orders designed to protect victims of harassment, stalking, domestic abuse, and related offences. They prohibit the perpetrator from doing certain things — such as contacting you or coming near your home or workplace. Breaching these orders is a criminal offence.

9 min

Victims' Code Rights

The Victims' Code (formally the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime) sets out the minimum level of service that criminal justice agencies — including the police, Crown Prosecution Service, courts, and probation service — must provide to victims of crime in England and Wales. The 2024 edition of the Code was updated to strengthen victims' rights and improve accountability.

8 min

Independent Sexual Violence and Domestic Violence Advisors (ISVAs and IDVAs)

Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) and Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) are free, independent, confidential support workers who guide victims through the criminal justice process and beyond. They are not part of the police, CPS, or social services — their loyalty is to the victim. This guide explains who they are, how to access them, and what they do.

9 min

Disclaimer

The information on this page was correct at the time of writing. Amounts, thresholds, and rules may change. Always check the latest official guidance.