Claiming compensation for sexual abuse committed by another child

How does the age of the person responsible affect a claim?

The age of the person responsible for the abuse does not automatically prevent compensation from being available.

In England and Wales, the age of criminal responsibility is 10. If the person responsible was under that age, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) may still consider whether their actions can be treated as a crime of violence under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. This will depend on the individual circumstances of the case, including whether the child understood the nature and consequences of their actions.

The age of the person responsible is only one factor that will be considered. Every claim is assessed on its own facts, taking into account the available evidence and the requirements of the relevant compensation scheme or legal claim.

When can an organisation be held responsible?

In some circumstances, it may also be possible to bring a civil compensation claim against an organisation.

Unlike a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), which is made under a government-funded compensation scheme, a civil claim considers whether an organisation may be legally responsible for failing to take reasonable steps to protect a child from abuse.

This may be relevant where the abuse took place in a setting where an organisation had responsibility for the child's care, education or supervision, such as:

• a school
• a children's home or residential care setting
• foster care
• a sports club or youth organisation
• a religious organisation
• a healthcare setting
• another organisation responsible for safeguarding children

Every case is different, but a civil claim may be possible if it is alleged that an organisation failed to respond appropriately to concerns about harmful sexual behaviour, did not follow its safeguarding procedures, ignored warning signs, failed to supervise children appropriately or did not take reasonable steps to protect a child from abuse.

Bringing a civil claim does not mean the organisation carried out the abuse itself. Instead, the claim considers whether the organisation failed in its legal duty to safeguard the child and whether that failure allowed the abuse to occur or continue.

Whether an organisation can be held legally responsible will always depend on the individual facts of the case, the available evidence and the steps that could reasonably have been expected to prevent the abuse.

Is there a time limit for making a claim?

The time limits for making a compensation claim will depend on the type of claim being pursued.

Applications to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority are subject to the time limits set out in the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. Although there are strict deadlines, the CICA has discretion to consider some applications made outside the usual time limits where the Scheme's requirements are met.

Different limitation rules apply to civil compensation claims. Recent changes introduced by the Crime and Policing Act 2026 have removed the limitation period for many civil child sexual abuse claims in England and Wales. A defence can still be raised if there can no longer be a fair trial. However, these changes do not apply to every type of abuse claim, so each case must be considered on its own facts.

If the survivor is under the age of 18, a parent or someone with parental responsibility can usually begin the claims process on the child's behalf. If the survivor is now an adult, it is still worth seeking specialist legal advice, even if the abuse happened many years ago, as compensation may still be available.

What evidence may be needed?

The evidence required will depend on the circumstances of the case and the type of claim being made.

For a CICA claim, evidence will usually include information obtained from the police, together with medical records or other documents that help demonstrate the impact the abuse has had.

For a civil claim, additional evidence may be needed to establish whether an organisation failed in its safeguarding responsibilities. This could include school records, local authority records, safeguarding documents, witness statements, complaints, inspection reports or other records showing how concerns were handled.

Independent medical evidence may also be obtained where appropriate to assess the psychological impact of the abuse, any diagnosis that has been made and whether further treatment or support is likely to be needed.

Not every claim will require the same evidence. The documents needed will depend on the circumstances of the abuse, how long ago it happened and the legal route being pursued.

How our specialist abuse claims solicitors may be able to help

Claims involving sexual abuse committed by another child can be more complex than many people realise. Questions often arise about whether compensation is available, whether an organisation may also be legally responsible and which route to compensation is most appropriate.

Our specialist abuse claims solicitors have extensive experience advising survivors of abuse and parents bringing claims on behalf of their children. We can assess the circumstances of your case, explain whether a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), a civil compensation claim or both may be available, and provide clear, straightforward advice on the options open to you.

If you decide to proceed, we can support you throughout the claims process by gathering evidence, obtaining relevant records, arranging independent medical evidence where needed and pursuing the claim on your behalf.

If you would like to discuss your circumstances with a specialist member of our team, call 0800 260 5010 or request a callback, and we'll get in touch at a time that works for you.