If you are the victim of a physical crime in the UK, there are three different ways you can make a personal injury claim for compensation. You can make a claim against the perpetrator directly (though ensuring compensation is paid can be difficult), you can make a claim against your employer or organisation responsible for your care, and finally you can make a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
A specialist assault and abuse lawyer will be able to advise you on which options are available to make a compensation claim. There is no need to wait for a successful criminal prosecution in order to make a claim. For Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority claims you need to claim within two years of the crime being committed, so we recommend you make contact with a lawyer as soon as possible.