As a victim of an abusive relationship and a recipient of the Infected Blood Compensation, I raise this petition to protect the rights of hundreds like myself. In 2011, I was diagnosed with Hepatitis C, which I contracted from a transfusion in 1983, and now live with life-limiting cirrhosis. Despite my predicament, my ex-partner, from whom I separated in 2018, was able to claim a share from my interim payments, a plight that many of us face as infected individuals continue to pass at a rate of two per week.

Currently, the law recognises ex-partners as ‘affected persons’ rendering them eligible to stake a claim in their own right for compensation.
Alongside this, existing legislation also allows our compensation to be considered as marital assets and not totally ring-fenced  during divorce proceedings, further exposing us to financial exploitation by abusive ex-partners. 

The Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) was established to compensate victims of infected blood transfusions and blood products. Tragically, the existing laws do not adequately protect victims from potential financial manipulation by abusive ex-partners. It is shocking that those of us who are fighting medical battles are also expected to fight financial battles with those who have hurt us.

Therefore, we call upon the legislators and policymakers to urgently address this issue. We seek an amendment in the law to prevent abusive ex-partners from being able to claim compensation from the IBCA. Furthermore, we demand that the compensation paid to infected individuals be ringfenced so that it cannot be used as marital assets during divorce proceedings.

This is our fight – not just for our dignity, but for our survival. Let the compensation serve its rightful purpose: to aid us in our fight against our health conditions. Sign this petition today, and join us in our fight for justice and a dignified existence.