Portugal has an official program available for compensation and assistance to victims of crime. It is managed by a committee, comissao De Proteccao as Victims De Crime Violento, coordinated by the Portuguese Ministry of Justice.

Eligibility Requirements
Report to Police: Yes; no specific time limit.
Filing Period: 1 year after the crime.

Claimants

• Victims of crime
• Dependents of victims of crime
• Foreign citizens
• Portuguese citizens victimized in a foreign country if compensation was not available.

Procedures

There is no specific application form required. A claim may be filed by sending a letter that explains the facts surrounding the crime and the victimization. A statement reflecting the amount of compensation requested should be included with the letter. The letter should be directed to the Portuguese Ministry of Justice at the above address.

The committee must conclude their investigation and forward a recommendation to the Ministry for a final decision.

Benefits & Award Limits

The maximum awards in Portuguese Escudos is 4,000,000.00 (U.S. $23,500)

Compensable Costs

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost support for dependents of victims
• Funerals
• Rehabilitation for disabled victims

Emergency Awards

The program offers expedited or emergency compensation on a case-by-case basis.

Funding Sources

Information regarding funding for the Portuguese compensation programs was not available at the time this directory was published.

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