NCJ Number
73275
Journal
Criminologie Volume: 13 Issue: 1 Dated: (1980) Pages: 37-59
Date Published
1980
Length
23 pages
Annotation
Victim compensation systems in Europe and the United States are summarized, and the Canadian victim compensation concept is explained.
Abstract
A survey of European victim compensation systems emphasizes the recommendations of the Council of Europe (1977). For U.S. systems, the discussion focuses on the compensation of victims who have been injured in the defense of a third party such as the New York Good Samaritan Measure. In Canada, only 2 out of 10 provinces have not introduced a victim compensation system. The system serves three purposes: to encourage citizens to report offenses, to encourage support of the police, and to show appreciation to victims who prevented a crime or aided in the arrest of an offender. The compensation is available to all victims of violence but not in cases of non-violent property offense. The maximum compensation is awarded to victims who attempted to protect a third party. Victims living with the perpetrator of violence (e.g., abused women and children) are excluded from compensation to prevent the offender from benefitting indirectly from the victim's compensation. In Ontario, Alberta, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan the compensation is awarded by special commissions (similar to civil courts), while Quebec and British Columbia handle compensation through the regular commissions investigating job-related accidents. The article emphasizes the need for further research into the practical application of compensation provisions in various countries. The article includes statistics on the number and amounts of compensation awarded in the various provinces and on the total cost. Tables and a 9-item bibliography are included.