Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal
Applications for compensation at VOCAT are FREE. This means all legal and other costs are paid by VOCAT with no cost to the applicant.
Victims of violent crime can seek financial assistance for medical injuries, pain and suffering and loss of earnings caused by the offence. Victims may apply for financial assistance from the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT). The purpose of VOCAT is to assist the victim’s recovery. Victims can also seek compensation in the criminal court where the offender is sentenced.
Financial Assistance
VOCAT can provide financial assistance for pain and suffering and assist with counselling and matters such as: medical expenses, loss of earnings, and funeral costs. VOCAT can award up to $100,000 for death and up to $60,000 for serious injury. Up to $20,000 may be awarded for loss of income.
Special financial assistance in the form of a lump sum payment can be awarded for the psychological and physical injury, and the pain and suffering of the Victim.
You may also be entitled to compensation if the identity of the offender is unknown.
Compensation in Court
Depending on the seriousness of your injuries, and depending on the offender’s financial situation, you may also be entitled to significant compensation from the court where the offender was sentenced.
Victims of crime may also sue offenders in the civil courts for wrongful death or for physical and psychological injury, pain and suffering, and financial loss.
If a victim is successful in court, the judge has the power to grant substantially higher financial compensation than VOCAT.