VCCB > Victims > Eligibility

Eligibility

Which Crimes are Compensable?

The following crimes are compensable:

  • Murder
  • Manslaughter
  • Criminally negligent homicide
  • Assault
  • Kidnapping
  • Sexual assault
  • Sexual abuse of a minor
  • Robbery
  • Threats to do bodily harm
  • Driving under the influence
  • Arson in the 1st degree (personal injury only)
  • Federal crimes e.g. trafficking
  • Sex trafficking
  • Human trafficking
  • Unlawful exploitation of a minor

Please note, a protective or restraining order is a civil matter and will not, by itself, establish you as being eligible for this program
An award can be made whether or not a person is prosecuted or convicted of one of the crimes listed.

Contributory Conduct

Board awards are discretionary.  By statute, the Board shall consider all relevant circumstances under which the crime occurred.  This may include provocation by the victim, consent or any other behavior of the victim that directly or indirectly contributed to the victim’s injury or death.
Note:  this is subject to the “reasonable person “ test – i.e. a reasonable person would or should have known that his or her behavior could lead to their victimization. For example, the Board may deny a claim where the evidence shows that the crime and victimization was directly linked to the manufacture, selling or purchase of illegal drugs.

What Expenses Can VCCB Help Pay

VCCB may help for crime related expenses such as:

  • Medical and dental treatment
  • Mental health services
  • Lost wages
  • Funeral expenses
  • Security
  • Relocation
  • Crime scene clean up
  • In homicide cases, loss of support for dependents
  • Trial attendance costs or other transportation needs

VCCB cannot pay for expenses that are not directly related to the crime, expenses covered by insurance or other source of reimbursement, lost, stolen or damaged property, or damages for pain and suffering. All loss and expense must be verified. There are limits imposed on how much can be paid for each type of expense.