Eligibility

A person is eligible for compensation by the Crime Victims Compensation Program if...

• The victim suffered personal injury (physical injury or emotional trauma) or death in the District of Columbia - or the victim is a resident of the District who has suffered personal injury as a result of a terrorist act or act of mass violence committed outside of the United States.
• The crime was reported to law enforcement within seven days of occurrence. Exceptions:
  • Victims of sexual assault may satisfy reporting requirement by getting a sexual assault examination.
  • Victims of domestic violence may satisfy requirement by getting a civil protection order.
  • The reporting requirement is met by victims of child cruelty if a neglect petition is filed in the DC Superior Court.
• Application for compensation is filed within one year after the crime, or within one year of learning about the program. The court may require explanation of delay in filing.
• The victim reasonably cooperates with law enforcement requests.
• The victim did not participate in, consented to, or provoked the crime that caused his or her injury.
• The award of compensation does not unjustly enrich the offender.