Dutch government to raise compensation for victims of serious crime

The Dutch government will spend an extra €5 million a year from 2027 to increase financial payments to victims of serious violent and sexual offences and to bereaved relatives. The increases will be made through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund, with priority given to people with the most severe injuries and to relatives who have lost someone.

The government has not yet set the new payment amounts. It says these will be worked out in the coming period within the available budget, and that the expansion should begin as soon as possible in 2027.

The investment implements commitments in the coalition agreement. State Secretary for Justice and Security Claudia van Bruggen said the payments could not make up for what victims and families had suffered, but would provide greater financial support to those facing the gravest consequences.

The government is also working on changes to how victims can seek compensation through criminal proceedings, and says it wants to give them clearer information about claiming damages from offenders. The measures were set out in a letter to parliament ahead of a debate on victim policy scheduled for 12 November.