The Victim of Violent Crime Compensation Fund provides a financial contribution to victims of violent crimes in the Netherlands, including Westland, when the damage cannot be recovered from the perpetrator.
When are you eligible for the Compensation Fund?
- You have become a victim of an intentional violent offence in the Netherlands
- You have thereby sustained serious injuries
- The perpetrator cannot compensate the damage (in full)
- Next of kin of deceased victims
Amounts per category
| Category | Amount (2024) |
|---|---|
| Category 1 (minor injuries) | € 1,000 |
| Category 2 | € 2,500 |
| Category 3 | € 5,000 |
| Category 4 | € 10,000 |
| Category 5 | € 20,000 |
| Category 6 (serious permanent injury) | € 35,000 |
| Death | € 5,000 - € 35,000 |
Conditions for an application
- Filing a police report (not mandatory in all cases)
- The violence must have been inflicted intentionally
- The injuries must be sufficiently serious
- The application must be submitted within 10 years after the offence
Application steps
- Complete the application form via the website schadefonds.nl
- Attach medical documentation
- Include police reports if available
- The Compensation Fund will assess your request
- You will receive a decision within a few months
Relationship with legal proceedings
A benefit from the Compensation Fund is independent of a civil case against the perpetrator. You can pursue both tracks. Note that any compensation received from the perpetrator will be deducted from the fund's benefit.
Can I apply for a benefit if the perpetrator is unknown?
Yes, you can submit an application even without a known perpetrator. It must, however, be demonstrable that you are a victim of a violent offence.Is a benefit the same as full damage compensation?
No, the Compensation Fund provides a financial allowance as recognition, not full compensation for the damage suffered.How is the category of my injury determined?
The Compensation Fund determines the category based on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life, using medical reports.Frequently asked questions about the Compensation Fund
Is my injury serious enough for a benefit?
The Compensation Fund looks at medical reports and the impact of your injury on your daily life. Minor injuries such as bruises often fall into category 1 (€1,000), while permanent damage or psychological problems such as PTSD may fall into higher categories. If in doubt: submit an application with all relevant documents.
Do I need to start a case against the perpetrator first?
No, that is not required. The fund is specifically for situations where the perpetrator cannot pay the damage or is unknown. A civil case can run in parallel, but is not a condition.
How quickly will I receive a decision?
The Compensation Fund aims to make a decision within a few months. The duration depends on the complexity of your case and the completeness of the submitted documents. Attach all relevant documents immediately to avoid delays.
Can I apply for an old offence?
Yes, provided the application is submitted within 10 years after the offence. For older cases (before 2019), different rules may apply. Consult the Compensation Fund's website for more information.
What if I think the amount of the benefit is unfair?
You can file an objection to the decision within six weeks. Clearly explain why you disagree. If the objection is rejected, you can go to court, such as the District Court of The Hague.
Do next of kin receive a benefit directly?
No, next of kin must submit their own application. The amount of the benefit (€5,000 to €35,000) depends on factors such as the relationship to the victim and financial dependency.
Need help in Westland? Contact the Juridisch Loket Westland for free advice on your application to the Victim of Violent Crime Compensation Fund.