FRANCE

Institut National d'Aide aux Victimes et de Mediation

Jean-Luc Domenech, Director

4.14 rue Ferrus

75014 Paris

France

Phone: 45 88 19 00

Fax: 45 88 94 02

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 three years after the crime, or one year after the last decision of justice. Within ten years for terrorist acts.

CLAIMANTS

Victims of crime

Dependents of victims

Foreign citizens

EEC citizens

PROCEDURES

The victim must report the crime to the police and provide details of the date, place, and resulting injuries and losses of the crime. The claimant then must "apply" for compensation, although application forms do not exist. Victim Support Schemes help with explaining the procedures and conditions of presenting a demand and obtaining compensation.

The prosecutor may decide to try a Penal Mediation. In the case of injuries or property crimes with small prejudices, Penal Mediation may help the victim to obtain compensation from the offender without a trial.

BENEFITS & AWARD LIMITS

There is no maximum award limit.

Compensable Costs:

Criminal Injuries

Entire compensation for all prejudices supported by victims and their family

Property Crimes (condition of resources)

Traffic Incidents (when offender is not insured)

Terrorist Acts

AIDS contamination.

EMERGENCY AWARDS

The program does not provide for emergency compensation awards.

FUNDING SOURCES

The program is funded by State appropriations.

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