France

France has a crime victim compensation program to provide financial compensation to
victims of violent or personal crimes.

Eligibility Requirements

Report to Police: Yes.

Filing Period: Within 3 years after the crime, or 1 year after the last decision of justice. Within 10 years for terrorist acts.

Victims of Terrorist Acts

Full compensation is payable in respect to personal injury or death caused by an act of terrorism which occurred either on French soil or, in the case solely of French nationals, outside France.

Claimants

• Victims of crime
• Dependents of victims
• Foreign citizens
• Victims of terrorism
• French nationals who are victimized in a foreign country

Procedures

The victim must report the crime to the police. The claimant must file an application with the Fonds de Garantie (compensation fund), with the National Insurance, and with the Department of Civil War Veterans. S.O.S. Attentats help claimants complete application forms.

Benefits & Award Limits

There is no maximum award limit.

Compensable Costs

• Medical and mental health expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of support
• Funeral expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement
• Any clothing, spectacles, and dental damages
• Physical therapy
• Vocational rehabilitation
• Rehabilitation for disabled victims
• Services to replace work in home previously performed by the victim

Emergency Awards

The victim receives an advance in a minimum of 2 days and a maximum of 1 month.

Funding Sources

The program is funded by tax revenue.

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