The Victim Compensation Fund for Violent Crimes provides financial support to victims of violent crimes and their relatives in Rijswijk and beyond, when the perpetrator is unable to compensate for the damage.
What does the Victim Compensation Fund do?
The Victim Compensation Fund for Violent Crimes (SGM) acts as a safety net for people who have become victims of intentional violent offences. If the perpetrator cannot cover the costs, the victim can apply for a one-time payment.
Conditions for a payment
- It concerns an intentional violent offence
- The offence took place in the Netherlands
- There is serious physical or mental injury
- The application is submitted within 10 years after the offence
- The perpetrator cannot or can only partially pay the damage
Which offences are eligible?
The Victim Compensation Fund provides support for the following violent offences:
- Serious assault with permanent injury
- Sexual violence such as rape
- Robberies with violence
- Attempted manslaughter or murder
- Human trafficking
- Serious forms of stalking with impact
How much is the payment?
The payment is a contribution and not full compensation. Victims can receive a maximum of €35,000, relatives up to €27,500. The amount is determined based on the severity of the injury.
Injury classification
The Victim 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: extremely severe injury - €35,000
How to apply in Rijswijk?
Residents of Rijswijk can submit an application via the Victim Compensation Fund's website. For help with the procedure, they can contact Victim Support Netherlands or the Legal Desk Rijswijk.
Frequently asked questions about the Victim Compensation Fund
Who is eligible for a payment?
Victims of intentional violent offences and their relatives can apply, provided the offence took place in the Netherlands, the perpetrator cannot pay, and the injury is serious. The application must be submitted within 10 years.
What is the maximum amount I can receive?
Victims can receive up to €35,000, relatives up to €27,500, depending on the severity of the injury, classified in categories from minor to very severe.
Which offences fall under the Victim Compensation Fund?
The Victim Compensation Fund supports offences such as serious assault, sexual violence, violent robberies, attempted murder, human trafficking, and serious stalking with consequences.
What if the perpetrator does not pay but is able to pay?
If the perpetrator refuses to pay but is able to do so, you can take legal action via the District Court of The Hague. The Victim Compensation Fund only intervenes if payment by the perpetrator is impossible.
How do I apply for a payment?
An application can be submitted digitally via the Victim Compensation Fund's website. Evidence such as police reports and medical records is required. Help is available via Victim Support Netherlands or the Legal Desk Rijswijk.