Story perspectives

Victims of Grooming Gangs Denied Compensation Due to Records

11/22/2025

Summary

Story summary

Victims of grooming gangs and modern slavery in the UK are denied compensation because they have criminal records.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority automatically denies claims from people with unspent convictions, affecting those coerced into crime.
Arthur Sherry, a victim of childhood abuse, was denied compensation despite his trauma.
Critics say the policy punishes victims rather than offenders, and the government has not acted on recommendations to amend the scheme.

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Story summary

Victims of grooming gangs and modern slavery in the UK are denied compensation because they have criminal records.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority automatically denies claims from people with unspent convictions, affecting those coerced into crime.
Arthur Sherry, a victim of childhood abuse, was denied compensation despite his trauma.
Critics say the policy punishes victims rather than offenders, and the government has not acted on recommendations to amend the scheme.