Financial Assistance
Under the new Victims of Crime Assistance Act, implemented June 2005, victims of a violent crime may be able to claim for financial assistance through the government if they are unable to recover monies from the offender.
Victims Support Services processes applications for Victims of Crime Assistance.
The role of the unit is to:
- provide administrative support to the Commissioners
- liaise with applicants and solicitors
- ensure that applications comply with the Victims of Crime Assistance Act 1976
- ensure that a criminal act has occurred, and that the offender does not have the means to compensate the victim
Independent Commissioners decide whether compensation is appropriate, and determine the level of financial assistance to be awarded.