The Violence Crimes Compensation Fund provides a one-time financial compensation to victims of violent crimes and their relatives in Utrecht and throughout the Netherlands, when the perpetrator cannot compensate the damage.
What Does the Compensation Fund Do?
The Violence Crimes Compensation Fund (SGM) acts as a safety net for victims of intentional violent offenses. If the perpetrator is unable to pay the damage, the victim can apply for a benefit from the fund.
Conditions for a Benefit
- It concerns an intentional violent offense
- The offense took place in the Netherlands
- There is serious injury (physical or mental)
- The application is submitted within 10 years after the offense
- The perpetrator cannot pay the damage or can only pay it partially
Which Offenses Are Eligible?
The Compensation Fund provides financial support for, among others:
- Serious assault with permanent injury
- Sexual violence such as rape
- Robberies with violence
- Attempted manslaughter or murder
- Human trafficking
- Stalking with serious psychological impact
How Much Is the Benefit?
The benefit is a contribution and not full compensation. 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 Do You Apply for a Benefit?
Residents of Utrecht can submit an application via the official website of the Compensation Fund. For help with the application, you can contact Victim Support Netherlands, which is also available in Utrecht.
Local Support in Utrecht
For legal assistance, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Utrecht at Catharijnesingel 55. In addition, the District Court of Midden-Nederland, located at Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, handles cases related to violent crimes.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Compensation Fund
Who is eligible for a benefit?
Victims of intentional violent offenses and their relatives can submit an application, provided the offense 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 support.
What is the maximum amount of the benefit?
The maximum benefit is €35,000 for victims and €27,500 for relatives. This depends on the severity of the injury, divided into six categories from €1,000 to €35,000.
Which violent offenses are covered?
The fund covers offenses such as serious assault, sexual violence, violent robberies, attempted murder, human trafficking, and stalking with serious consequences, provided they took place in the Netherlands.
What if the perpetrator can pay but refuses?
If the perpetrator refuses to pay despite having financial means, you can enforce payment through the court. The Compensation Fund only steps in if the perpetrator genuinely cannot pay. Legal assistance is available via Victim Support or a lawyer.
How can I submit an application in Utrecht?
An application can be submitted online via the Compensation Fund's website. Proof of the offense (such as a police report) and medical documents are required. Victim Support Netherlands in Utrecht can assist you with the process.