We dedicate significant resource to specific initiatives relating to domestic abuse and human trafficking, which involve our Dispute Resolution lawyers making applications on behalf of survivors of domestic abuse and human trafficking to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (“CICA”), a governmental agency which administers a compensation scheme for injuries caused to victims of violent crime in England, Scotland and Wales (the “CICA Scheme”).
Our potential clients for CICA applications tend to either be referred to us from organizations which we regularly work with, such as Justice & Care (a charity whose mission is to fight human trafficking and slavery), or arise out of our own pro bono projects, such as the Domestic Abuse Response Alliance (DARA).
This process allows survivors of abuse and trafficking to obtain financial compensation and acknowledgement of the harm they have suffered without having to initiate lengthy and often costly civil proceedings against their assailant.
We work closely with our clients to produce comprehensive witness statements and packs of documentary evidence to support their applications. The clients we work with are particularly vulnerable and we work hard to avoid retraumatising them during the application process, including in some cases putting together an all-female legal team.
We are very proud that in the first quarter of 2024 alone, our pro bono and Dispute Resolution lawyers have secured awards totalling £50,000 for two exceptionally brave survivors of domestic abuse and human trafficking. We have acted for both clients for a number of years, in one case navigating civil and criminal proceedings as well as the compensatory process. These sums are life-changing and will help both individuals rebuild their lives and move towards a happier future