Slovakia Crime Compensation Program
Slovakia has a compensation program for certain injuries and damages that result from a crime.
Eligibility Requirements
- Report to Police: Required
- Filing Period: Within 18 months from the month in which the crime occurred, or within 6 months from the date a court judgment takes effect (if beyond 18 months)
Foreign Citizen Eligibility
Foreign citizens are not eligible to apply for compensation. Only Slovak citizens or stateless residents of Slovakia may apply. However, foreigners may still seek general claims for damages under Slovak law. Rights of both Slovak citizens and foreigners are protected in attachment proceedings.
Claimants
- Victims of crime with serious injuries or health damage
- Victims of rape
- Next of kin of homicide victims
Procedures
Applicants must submit a written claim to the Ministry of Justice of the Slovak Republic. Required documentation includes:
- Personal identification and data
- Medical documentation of injuries
- Proof of income and property
- Details of any other compensation received
Compensation is granted only once and is not a recurring benefit. No official application forms are provided.
Benefits and Award Limits
- Compensation is paid in Slovak Crowns
- Health damage compensation: up to 50× the minimum wage
- Rape compensation: up to 30× the minimum wage
As of November 3, 2003, the minimum wage is SKK 5,570 (approx. USD 159). Compensation for rape does not exclude other health-related compensation.
Compensable Costs
- Medical expenses
- Mental health services
- Burial expenses
Funding Sources
The program is funded either by fines from convicted offenders or by the state when the offender is unknown.
Languages Used
- Official communication: Slovak
- Minority languages: Translation provided
Application Language
- Forms: Slovak
- Correspondence: Slovak or English
- Telephone: Slovak
Additional Support
Independent NGO support is available through Pomoc obetiam nasilia (Victim Support Services for Slovakia), with regional centers around the country.
Note
For updated contact details or assistance, reach out to official resources or regional victim support organizations.