NCJ Number
176556
Date Published
1998
Length
39 pages
Annotation
This directory describes victim compensation programs in 30 countries, based on an international survey that was conducted by the Department of State and that received 91 responses, 30 of which described existing programs.
Abstract
The survey was a collaborative project of the Department of State and the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) in the Department of Justice. The State Department surveyed United States embassies in 174 countries. Questionnaires were then forwarded to the appropriate officials in each country. OVC also contacted victim assistance programs throughout the world. Results revealed that the 30 countries provide financial compensation to crime victims; all but three countries offer benefits to foreign citizens. Colombia, Israel, and Italy operate compensation programs solely for victims of terrorism; France, Spain, and the United States offer benefits for victims of terrorism in addition to other violent crimes. In addition, seven countries compensate citizens of their own countries who are victimized in other countries. In general, each program has established rules regarding eligibility requirements, procedures, and compensable costs, while allowing for exceptions to these rules in special circumstances. Each country's program is described in terms of the address, contact information, eligibility requirements, claimants, procedures, benefits and award limits, emergency awards, and funding sources. Addresses and/or telephone numbers of programs in jurisdictions within countries are provided for some countries. Form on which to correct information in the directory