The Compensation Fund for Violent Crimes provides a financial contribution to victims of violent crimes in the Netherlands, including in Rijswijk, when the damages cannot be recovered from the perpetrator.
When are you eligible for the Compensation Fund?
- You are a victim of an intentionally committed violent crime in the Netherlands
- You have sustained serious injuries from this crime
- The perpetrator is unable to compensate the damages
- Next of kin of deceased victims
Amounts per category
| Category | Amount (2024) |
|---|---|
| Category 1 (minor injury) | € 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
- A police report is usually required, but not always
- The violent crime must have been committed intentionally
- The injuries must be sufficiently serious
- The application must be submitted within 10 years after the incident
Steps for an application
- Complete the application form via the website schadefonds.nl
- Attach relevant medical documents
- Include police reports if possible
- The Compensation Fund will review your application
- A decision is usually made within a few months
Relation to a civil case
A benefit from the Compensation Fund is independent of a legal procedure against the perpetrator. You can pursue both tracks. Note that any civil damages award 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 be demonstrable that you are a victim of a violent crime.Is a benefit from the Compensation Fund the same as damages from the perpetrator?
No, the fund provides a financial contribution as recognition, not full compensation for the damages. The amount is often lower than the actual costs.Who determines which category my injury falls into?
The Compensation Fund determines the category based on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life, supported by medical reports.Frequently asked questions about the Compensation Fund in Rijswijk
How do I know if my injuries are serious enough?
The Compensation Fund assesses this based on medical documentation and the impact on your life. Minor injuries such as bruises often fall into category 1 (€1,000), while permanent damage or psychological issues may fall into higher categories. Unsure? Submit an application with all relevant documents for a professional assessment.
Do I need to first initiate a case against the perpetrator?
No, that is not a requirement. The fund is specifically for situations where the perpetrator cannot pay the damages or is unknown. A civil case can run alongside the application, but is not a condition. Any reimbursements from the perpetrator will be offset.
How long does it take to process my application?
The Compensation Fund aims to make a decision within a few months. The duration depends on the complexity and completeness of your file. Ensure you send all documents immediately to avoid delays. In case of urgent financial need, you can request expedited processing.
Can I still apply for an old crime?
Yes, provided the application is submitted within 10 years after the crime. For incidents before 1 January 2019, other rules may apply. Consult the Compensation Fund's website or contact them for advice, even if you did not file a police report.
What if I disagree with the amount of the benefit?
You can file an objection within six weeks after the decision. Explain in your objection letter why you disagree. The fund will review your case again. If rejected, you can then approach the District Court of The Hague.
Do next of kin receive a benefit immediately upon death?
No, next of kin must submit an application themselves. The benefit ranges from €5,000 to €35,000, depending on factors such as the relationship to the victim and financial dependency.
Contact and support in Rijswijk
For legal assistance, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Rijswijk. In case of a dispute over the Compensation Fund's decision, your case falls under the District Court of The Hague.