Making an application

Before downloading and completing an application form please read the “Am I Eligible” section listed below.

This list does not, however, cover all the circumstances that can arise, and you should read or seek advice - Victim Support can provide FREE advice, support and assistance with all aspects of the claim process http://www.victimsupport.org.uk/vs_ni/vs_ni_home.html on the sections of the guide and the Scheme which you think are relevant to your situation. The Agency will be happy to provide advice.

Am I Eligible

You may be eligible for compensation if you can answer 'Yes' to all of the questions in any one of the following three groups:

  • Have you been physically or psychologically injured because of a violent crime?

Did the crime take place within the last two years?

(The Compensation Agency may consider instances of abuse beyond this time period.)

  • Has your parent, child, husband, wife or partner died as a result of a violent crime?

Did he or she die within the last two years? *

  • Do you have a close relationship with another person who has been the victim of a violent crime?
  • Were you present when the crime took place or involved immediately afterwards?
  • Did your involvement in the incident cause you a psychological injury?

Did the crime take place within the last two years? *

* This time period, depending on the circumstances of the case, may be waived

For your application to be considered you must have been:

  • A victim of a crime of violence, or injured in some other way covered by the Scheme.
  • Physically and/or mentally injured as a result.
  • In Northern Ireland at the time when the injury was sustained.
  • Injured seriously enough to qualify for at least the minimum award available under the Scheme.
  • A dependant or relative of a victim of a crime of violence who has since died.

Unless there are good reasons, you should also have:

  • Reported the incident personally to the police without delay.
  • Sent your application so that we receive it within two years from the date of the incident causing the injury.

We cannot pay compensation under this scheme in the following circumstances:

  • The crime took place outside Northern Ireland.
  • You suffered only a single minor injury, such as a black eye.
  • The crime took place more than two years ago, unless there is a good reason why you did not apply before.
  • You were a victim of a road traffic accident, unless a vehicle was used deliberately to injure you.
  • You were a victim of a dog bite, unless the person in charge of the dog deliberately set it on you or the dog owner failed to control an animal which was known to be vicious towards humans  
  • You have already applied for compensation in respect of the same criminal injury
  • You were sexually assaulted between 11 June 1968 and 30 June 1988 inclusive and you and the person who injured you were living together as members of the same family.
  • You were injured before 1 April 2009 (See Criminal Injuries from May 2002)

Entitlement to compensation can also be affected by:

  • Failure to report promptly to the police
  • Failure to assist the police in any way i.e. identifying the person who caused the injury, attending police ID parades, attending Court, providing names and addresses of witness etc
  • Conduct of the person who sustained the injury. i.e. participation in a fight, aggressive behaviour / offensive language before, during or after the incident, the impact of excessive consumption of alcohol or use of illicit drugs etc
  • The impact of unspent criminal convictions

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE READ THE AGENCY'S GUIDE WHICH COVERS THESE POINTS IN MUCH MORE DETAIL.