On December 11, 1995, Spain passed a law initiating a victims' compensation and assistance program to provide financial compensation to victims of violent crimes that are committed in Spain and which cause serious bodily or mental injuries. The law provides for the establishment of a National Commission on Aid and Assistance to Victims of Violent Crimes and Crimes Against Sexual Freedom. As of April 1997, the new law had not yet been implemented.

Eligibility Requirements
Report to Police: As soon as possible; exceptions are made.
Filing Period: Within 2 years; exceptions are made.

Victims of Terrorist Acts

Compensation is payable for physical and psychological injuries that are the result of crimes committed by an armed gang or terrorist organization.

Claimants

• Victims of crime
• Dependents of homicide victims and persons who have been living permanently with the deceased for 2 or more years.
• Foreign citizens (only when the country of nationality provides similar assistance to Spanish nationals)

Procedures

Petitions for assistance will be filed with the Ministry of Economy and Finance as soon as the compensation program is fully established. Decisions to award compensation shall be made after a hearing and after considering the report by the Legal Services of the State, which shall participate in the processing of these cases.

Benefits & Award Limits

There is no maximum award. The amount of assistance shall in no event exceed the compensation determined in the court judgment.

Compensable Costs

• Medical expenses
• Mental health expenses
• Lost wages for disabled victims
• Lost support for dependents of homicide victims
• Funerals

Emergency Awards

Provisional assistance may be granted before a final court decision provided the precarious situation of the victim or his beneficiaries has been substantiated.

Funding Sources

Information regarding funding is not currently available. Back to International Directory