Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund: compensation without conviction
Have you been the victim of a violent crime and is the perpetrator (still) unknown, not convicted, or unable to pay? If so, you may be eligible for compensation from the Violent Crimes Compensation Fund.
The Compensation Fund offers financial compensation to victims of serious violent and sexual crimes, even if:
the criminal case is still ongoing,
the perpetrator is not convicted,
whether the damage cannot be recovered through criminal proceedings.
When are you eligible for the Compensation Fund?
You may be eligible if:
you are the victim of a violent crime, sexual offense, or a surviving relative,
the crime took place in the Netherlands (or falls under Dutch jurisdiction),
you have suffered physical or psychological injury.
The Compensation Fund does not consider full compensation, but rather a lump sum compensation in fixed amounts.
How does the Compensation Fund relate to compensation in criminal proceedings?
Important to know:
an application to the Compensation Fund is separate from the criminal case,
you do not have to wait for a conviction,
Any compensation awarded may affect subsequent claims for damages.
In some cases:
damages compensated through the Compensation Fund,
and later (partially) recovered from the perpetrator.
A lawyer can help determine which route is most sensible.
Is legal assistance required for an application?
Applying to the Compensation Fund seems straightforward, but in practice it becomes:
regularly rejected,
or only partially granted.
A criminal defense attorney or victim's attorney can:
assess whether you are eligible,
assist in substantiating injury and impact,
and advise on the combination with criminal proceedings or civil proceedings.
Suffered damage due to violence? Make sure you are well informed.
It is important for victims to know that there are several ways to obtain (partial) compensation for damages. The best route to take varies depending on the situation.
👉 Have you been the victim of a violent crime and would you like to know whether you are entitled to compensation through criminal proceedings or the Violent Crimes Compensation Fund? Contact us for a no-obligation initial consultation. We will put you in touch with a specialized criminal lawyer.