Crime victims who lived with their attacker share £20 million payout after rule change

More than 1,000 victims of crime denied compensation because they lived with their attacker have shared in a £20 million payout by the Ministry of Justice.

The money has been paid out after the government abolished the so-called ‘same roof’ in rule in 2019.

The rule denied compensation to victims of crime if the attacker was a family member they were living with at the time of the incident.

Previous governments had feared that it left the state open to scams or would lead to the offenders sharing in compensation paid to their vulnerable victims.

Since the abolition of the same roof rule more than £20 million has been offered to over 1,000 victims who have so far applied for compensation. The deadline to apply closes on 13 June this year.

Kit Malthouse, victims minister, said: “I am delighted our action has meant so many victims can receive the compensation that was unfairly denied to them, with more than £20 million already offered.

“Whilst no amount of money can make up for the immense suffering caused by such appalling crimes, we urge those affected to continue to come forward and access this vital support.”