The Victim of Violent Crime Compensation Fund provides a one-time financial compensation to victims of violent crimes and their relatives in Westland, when the perpetrator cannot compensate for the damage.
What does the Compensation Fund entail?
The Victim of Violent Crime Compensation Fund (SGM) acts as a safety net for victims of intentional violent offences. If the perpetrator is unable to pay the damage, the victim can apply for a benefit from the Compensation Fund.
Conditions for a Benefit
- It concerns an intentional violent offence
- The offence took place in the Netherlands
- There is serious physical or psychological injury
- The application is submitted within 10 years after the offence
- The perpetrator cannot or can only partially compensate for the damage
Which Offences are Eligible?
The Compensation Fund provides support for the following violent crimes:
- Assault resulting in serious injury
- Sexual violence such as rape or indecent assault
- Robberies involving violence
- Attempted manslaughter or murder
- Human trafficking
- Stalking with serious impact
How Much is the Benefit?
The financial compensation is not full compensation for the damage suffered. Victims can receive a maximum of €35,000, while relatives can receive up to €27,500. The amount is determined based on the severity of the injury.
Classification into Injury Categories
The Compensation Fund uses different categories for injury:
- Category 1: minor injury - €1,000
- Category 2: moderate injury - €2,500
- Category 3: serious injury - €5,000
- Up to category 6: very serious injury - €35,000
How Can I Submit an Application?
Residents of Westland can submit an application via the official website of the Compensation Fund. For support in the process, you can contact Victim Support Netherlands or the Legal Counter Westland.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Compensation Fund
Who is eligible for a benefit?
Victims of intentional violent offences and their relatives can submit an application, provided the offence took place in the Netherlands, the perpetrator cannot pay, and there is serious injury. The application must be made within 10 years. Victim Support Netherlands provides assistance with the procedure.
What is the maximum amount of the benefit?
The benefit amounts to a maximum of €35,000 for victims and €27,500 for relatives, depending on the severity of the injury, divided over six categories from €1,000 to €35,000.
Which violent offences are covered?
The Compensation Fund supports offences such as assault with serious injury, sexual violence, violent robberies, attempted murder, human trafficking, and stalking with serious consequences, provided they were committed in the Netherlands.
What if the perpetrator can pay but refuses?
If the perpetrator refuses to pay despite having financial means, you can apply for a writ of execution via the District Court of The Hague. The Compensation Fund only intervenes if the perpetrator genuinely cannot pay.
How does the application process work in Westland?
An application can be submitted online via the Compensation Fund's website. Proof of the offence (such as a police report) and medical documentation are required. The Legal Counter Westland and Victim Support Netherlands can provide support.