The Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund provides financial support to victims of violent crimes and their relatives in Zoetermeer and throughout the Netherlands, when the perpetrator is unable to compensate for the damage.
What does the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund entail?
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund (SGM) acts as a safety net for people who have become victims of intentional violent offenses. If the perpetrator cannot pay the damage, the victim can receive a one-time benefit through the Fund.
Conditions for a benefit
- It concerns an intentional violent offense
- The offense took place in the Netherlands
- There is serious physical or mental injury
- The application is submitted within 10 years after the offense
- The perpetrator is unable to pay (in full)
Which offenses are covered?
The Fund provides compensation for the following crimes:
- Serious assault with permanent injury
- Sexual violence such as rape
- Robberies with violence
- Attempted manslaughter or murder
- Human trafficking
- Serious stalking with significant impact
How much is the benefit?
The benefit is a financial compensation and not a full reimbursement of the damage. The maximum amount is €35,000 for victims and €27,500 for relatives, depending on the severity of the injury.
Injury categories
The Fund uses different categories for injuries:
- 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 to submit an application?
Residents of Zoetermeer can submit an application via the official website of the Fund. Victim Support Netherlands provides assistance in the process. Additionally, you can seek legal advice at the Zoetermeer Legal Advice Office.
Frequently asked questions about the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund
Who is eligible for a benefit?
Victims of intentional violent offenses and their relatives can apply for a benefit, provided the offense took place in the Netherlands, the perpetrator cannot pay, and there is serious injury. The application must be submitted within 10 years. Victim Support Netherlands can help.
What is the maximum amount of the benefit?
The maximum benefit is €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 offenses are compensated?
The Fund compensates offenses such as serious assault, sexual violence, violent robberies, attempted murder, human trafficking, and stalking with serious consequences, provided it took place in the Netherlands.
What if the perpetrator refuses to pay but is able to?
If the perpetrator is able to pay but refuses, you can apply for a writ of execution via the District Court of The Hague. The Fund only intervenes if the perpetrator is financially unable to pay.
How does an application work in Zoetermeer?
You can submit an application online via the Fund's website. Provide evidence such as police reports and medical records. The Zoetermeer Legal Advice Office and Victim Support Netherlands can support you.