More victims of violent crimes will be able to apply for compensation as new legislation comes into force abolishing the longstanding ‘same-roof’ rule.
Up to 7,500 victims of child abuse or domestic violence will now be able to claim from a pot worth £126 million bringing relief to those who'd until now been locked out of the system.
Under previous rules, victims of violent crimes were banned from receiving any compensation if the attacker was a family member with whom they were living at the time of the incident.
The changes mean that anyone previously denied compensation under the rule, or put off from coming forward because of it, will be able to make fresh applications.
The changes were brought in after a court of appeal test case decided the rule was incompatible with human rights - and subsequently resulted in the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) abolishing it.
Victims will now have two years to apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), and will be given a named contact to ensure they do not have to repeat their traumatic experiences to multiple people.
Victims Minister Edward Argar said: "The ‘same-roof’ rule was unfair and we recognise the impact this had on victims whose applications were refused simply because they lived with their attacker.
"Whilst no amount of compensation can make up for the immense suffering caused by such appalling crimes, by abolishing the rule we are widening access to much needed support and continue to review the entire scheme so it better supports victims."
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme awards taxpayer-funded payments to victims injured as a result of violent crime, paying out over £150 million to victims in 2017/18.
Victims applying or reapplying for compensation will have to meet the Scheme’s other eligibility criteria to be made an award.
Internal MoJ documents suggest impact assessments estimate there are 7,500 people entitled to between £16,500 and £22,000 each after being denied justice.
The MoJ impact assessment estimates 70% of 4,000 victims who were rejected will now be successful in securing compensation, and that there are a further 3,500 who will be entitled and could now claim pay-outs.
Gabrielle Shaw, NAPAC’s CEO, said: "We are delighted that the ‘same roof’ rule has been scrapped. Given that most child abuse happens within the family and children are likely to have had no choice but to live under the same roof as their abuser, this rule was rightly viewed as deeply unfair and punitive.
"It is impossible to measure the damage done by childhood abuse, but for many survivors the impacts affect their health, their adult relationships and their earning potential throughout their lives."