Abstract
English and Welsh responses to rape have long been critically examined, leading to attempted improvements in the criminal justice system. Despite this, little attention has been paid to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICS) and the difficulties applying it to rape. To begin addressing this gap, researchers interviewed three, and qualitatively surveyed 22, Independent Sexual Violence Advisors. The findings suggest that CICS may not only reinforce rape myths and disadvantage vulnerable survivors, but is also a source of validation and contributes to survivor justice. The study, while exploratory, therefore, highlights the need for further discussion about rape survivor compensation.
Highlights
Reasons for not applying to CICS The data suggested that survivors initially had very little, if any, information about the compensation scheme
Our findings suggest that financial burdens and a sense of reparation were the main reasons for applying, that the narrow eligibility impacted on more vulnerable survivors, and that the awarded money sometimes led to reduced unemployment benefits
This reflects research in other parts of the world, which show that the social solidarity provided by state compensation is the key factor in applying (Feldthusen et al, 2000)
Summary
Given the controversy surrounding CICS eligibility, as well as the move to providing individual discretion in these cases, it is useful to explore what happens when survivors apply for compensation and whether the concerns noted above are still relevant. The key themes that emerged in both the surveys and interviews were: Stigma versus validation in applying for compensation, narrow eligibility rules that reinforced shame, lengthy waiting times, and a contradiction between CJS advice and CICS timeframes for an application.
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