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Message From the DirectorAbout This GuideResources
Resource Guide for Serving U.S. Citizens Victimized Abroad
Publication Date:  April 2008
Contents
plus iconVictim Services: An International Outlook
plus iconResponding to Victimization Abroad
plus iconCoordinating Victim Services
plus iconIf the Victim Remains Abroad
plus iconIf the Victim Returns to the United States
plus iconInternational Terrorism
minus iconCrime Victim Compensation
Checklists for Assisting U.S. Citizens Victimized Abroad

Crime Victim Compensation

Directory of International Crime Victim Compensation Programs

The Directory of International Crime Victim Compensation Programs, published by OVC, lists contact information for victim compensation programs in the United States and 35 other countries.

The U.S. Department of State surveyed countries, territories, and possessions that have full diplomatic relations with the United States to determine whether they had crime victim compensation programs. The survey revealed that some countries require victims to file a police report before they leave the country to be eligible for compensation. The survey also revealed the following:

  • Victims of terrorism: Some countries specify that compensation benefits be made available to victims of terrorism.

  • Maximum award limits: Some countries do not place limits on compensation benefits. Others award compensation on a case-by-case basis, by applicable statutes on victim compensation and liability for damages, and according to the victim's financial well-being and ability to cover losses.

  • Foreign visitors: Some countries offering assistance to foreign visitors limit eligibility by requiring the visitor to be a member of a European Union country or have a similar affiliation, having residency restrictions (be a temporary or permanent resident or resident of a country with a reciprocal agreement in place), or restricting eligibility to victims of acts of terrorism.

  • Victim compensation for expenses: The majority of international crime victim compensation programs cover expenses that typically fall under U.S. crime victim compensation programs such as funeral and burial, disability, medical expenses, mental health counseling, and lost wages or support.

  • Compensation for ancillary expenses: Some countries provide compensation for ancillary expenses such as court expenses and expenses incurred by the court (translation fees, photocopying of files or documents, expert fees), temporary living support, and replacement of personal effects and clothing.

Resource:

Directory of International Crime Victim Compensation Programs
www.ncjrs.gov/ovc_archives/reports/intdir2005/welcome.html