Domestic Abuse Compensation Claims
Last updated: June 2026
Domestic abuse causes serious and lasting harm. If you have experienced domestic abuse, you may be able to seek civil compensation from the person responsible.
TL;DR — Quick Summary
- ·Domestic abuse can be the basis of a civil compensation claim even without a police report, criminal conviction, or having left the relationship.
- ·Civil claims can cover physical injuries, psychological harm, lost earnings, therapy costs, and other financial losses — assessed individually with no fixed cap.
- ·The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 defines abuse broadly, including coercive control, financial abuse, and psychological harm — all of which can support a civil claim.
- ·Courts regularly extend time limits in domestic abuse cases where delay is explained by coercive control, fear, or psychological trauma.
- ·CICA and sexual abuse civil claims may also be available alongside a domestic abuse claim, depending on the circumstances.
Domestic abuse is not only a criminal matter. It can also form the basis of a civil compensation claim brought through the civil courts. You do not need to have reported the abuse to the police, to have a criminal conviction, or to have left the relationship before making a claim.
What Counts as Domestic Abuse?
Under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, domestic abuse is defined broadly. It includes physical or sexual abuse, violent or threatening behaviour, controlling or coercive behaviour, economic or financial abuse, and psychological or emotional abuse. The abuse must be between people who are personally connected — meaning current or former partners, family members, or people who share parental responsibility for a child.
A civil claim can be based on any of these forms of abuse, not only physical violence.
What Can a Domestic Abuse Claim Cover?
Physical injuries
Compensation for injuries caused by violence, including long-term physical consequences.
Psychological harm
Post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and other mental health consequences of sustained abuse. This is often the most significant element of a claim.
Financial losses
Loss of earnings if the abuse affected your ability to work. Costs of therapy, counselling, or medical treatment. Costs arising from having to leave your home.
Controlling behaviour
Where sustained coercive control caused significant psychological harm, this can also form the basis of a civil claim.
Other Routes That May Be Available
In addition to a civil claim, other avenues may exist:
- — The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) may pay compensation if the abuse involved violence and was reported to the police.
- — If the abuse also involved sexual violence, a sexual abuse compensation claim may be possible alongside or instead of a domestic abuse claim.
- — Financial claims on divorce or separation can sometimes run alongside a compensation claim and address the economic impact of abuse in a relationship.
A lawyer can advise on which route or combination of routes is most appropriate for your situation.
Does It Matter If the Abuse Happened Years Ago?
If you experienced domestic abuse in the past, you may still be able to make a claim. Time limits can be extended by courts in abuse cases, particularly where the delay is explained by the circumstances of the abuse itself. Coercive control, fear, financial dependency, and psychological trauma can all prevent someone from taking action at the time or for many years afterwards. Courts take these factors into account.
If you are concerned that your claim may be out of time, speak to a lawyer before drawing that conclusion.
Your Safety and Confidentiality
If you are still in contact with the person who abused you, or if there are safety concerns, your lawyer will take these into account from the outset. Confidentiality is a priority. Your enquiry will not be disclosed to anyone without your agreement.
You do not need to have left the relationship, made any decisions, or have all the answers before making an enquiry. The initial review is simply an opportunity to understand your options in confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a civil compensation claim for domestic abuse without involving the police?
Yes. A civil compensation claim for domestic abuse is separate from the criminal justice system and does not require a police report, a criminal investigation, or a conviction. You can pursue a civil claim even if the abuse was never reported, regardless of whether you are still in contact with the person who abused you, and regardless of the form the abuse took — physical, sexual, psychological, coercive, or financial.
What types of domestic abuse can be the basis of a civil claim?
Under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, domestic abuse is defined broadly to include physical or sexual abuse, violent or threatening behaviour, controlling or coercive behaviour, economic or financial abuse, and psychological or emotional abuse. A civil compensation claim can be based on any of these forms of abuse, not only physical violence. The abuse must involve people who are personally connected — such as current or former partners, or family members.
Does it matter if the domestic abuse happened years ago?
The passage of time does not automatically prevent a claim. Courts can and do extend time limits in domestic abuse cases, particularly where the delay is explained by the circumstances of the abuse itself — such as coercive control, fear, financial dependency, or ongoing psychological trauma. If you experienced domestic abuse in the past and are concerned about timing, seek legal advice before concluding that a claim is out of time.
What compensation can I claim for domestic abuse?
A domestic abuse civil claim can seek compensation for physical injuries, psychological harm including PTSD and depression, loss of earnings where the abuse affected your ability to work, the cost of therapy and counselling, and other financial losses caused by the abuse. There is no fixed tariff — compensation is assessed individually based on the nature and impact of the abuse, and can be substantial in cases involving prolonged harm.
Are there other routes to compensation besides a civil claim for domestic abuse?
Yes. In addition to a civil claim, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) may pay compensation if the abuse involved violence and was reported to the police. If the abuse also included sexual violence, a separate sexual abuse compensation claim may be possible. Financial claims on divorce or separation can also address the economic impact of abuse and can run alongside a civil compensation claim.
Legal Content Team
Abuse Compensation Specialists
This article was prepared by the Abuse Claim Lawyers content team and reviewed for legal accuracy. Content is updated regularly to reflect changes in law and policy. It is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
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