Standard Practices

Crime Victim Compensation

Transgender victims of sexual assault who report the crime to law enforcement may encounter barriers to receiving crime victim compensation that others do not encounter:

Name and gender disparities could pose problems.
Expenses that are not typically reported (e.g., replacement costs of prosthetic devices) may not be covered.
The victim may not be eligible if the sexual assault took place while negotiating sex for money.
Low-income transgender victims may not have bank accounts or any other means for accepting payment by check.

Creativity is key to helping clients find ways to apply for and accept compensation and to replace damaged items.

Implications and Actions for ...

Health Care Providers

Generally, victim advocates help victims file for crime victim compensation. Smaller or rural communities, however, may not have a victim advocate. If patients pursue compensation in these communities, they may ask for assistance regardless of whether there is an advocate or not. See OVC's U.S. Resource Map of Crime Victim Services and Information to find local assistance for victims who want to file compensation claims.

Emergency Medical Personnel

Accurate reporting is essential for victims to receive crime victim compensation. Collecting information and documenting the patient's medical condition will increase the likelihood that the patient will be able to access victim compensation.

Law Enforcement

Accurate reporting of the crime is essential for victims to receive crime victim compensation. Collecting information, documenting the crime, and asking appropriate investigative questions will increase the likelihood that victims will be able to access victim compensation.

Advocates

Support transgender victims by first helping them understand that compensation may be available to help with medical services, lost wages from work, damage to personal property, and other allowable crime-related expenses.

You can be most helpful by clearly detailing what the process involves, thereby allowing the victim to make informed choices. For example, if you tell victims that compensation may be available, they might be more interested in filing police reports and/or having evidence collected.

Some transgender victims may be unclear about whether they can claim specific transgender-related expenses, such as damaged prosthetics or wigs or even gendered clothing. Help assure victims about what is and is not covered by crime victim compensation.

As you would with any victim of crime, walk transgender victims through the crime victim compensation form one question at a time, and remind them of their rights.

Therapists

Generally, victim advocates help victims file for crime victim compensation. If the client is pursuing compensation, they may ask for assistance regardless of whether there is an advocate or not. Smaller or rural communities may not have a victim advocate. See OVC’s U.S. Resource Map of Crime Victim Services and Information to find local assistance for clients who want to file victim compensation claims.