Criminal trials focus heavily on punishing the offender, but victims also need support. In many systems, victim compensation schemes exist to offer financial relief for medical expenses, loss of income, rehabilitation or support for dependants in serious crimes.
Compensation can come from different sources. Sometimes the court orders the offender to pay a certain amount as part of sentencing. In other cases, especially when the offender cannot pay or remains unknown, the State maintains funds to provide ex gratia compensation under specific schemes.
Victims or their families usually need to submit applications, police records and medical documents to the designated authority. The process may involve an assessment of the harm suffered and sometimes a hearing. The amount may not fully cover all losses, but it can ease immediate financial stress.
It’s important for victims to know that compensation is not a favour. It is society’s recognition that they have suffered due to a crime and deserve structured support alongside the criminal case. Lawyers, NGOs and legal aid services can help victims navigate these schemes.