I was assaulted and the offender has no money. Can I get compensation from the state?

What the Law Says

The EU Directive 2004/80/EC establishes minimum standards for compensating victims of intentional violent crimes across all Member States. It requires national schemes to provide fair and appropriate compensation — regardless of the offender’s ability to pay — and ensures cross-border access for victims.

Under this Directive, every EU country must operate a national compensation scheme for victims of intentional violent crimes committed on its territory. The scheme must be accessible to residents and non-residents alike, including tourists and cross-border workers.

Compensation covers physical or psychological harm, including medical expenses, loss of earnings, and permanent disability. While amounts and procedures differ nationally, the Directive sets baseline rights: timely decisions (within 3 months of complete application), no requirement to pursue the offender first, and no deduction for lack of contributory negligence.

Importantly, the Directive does not create a single EU fund — instead, it obliges each Member State to maintain its own scheme meeting these minimum standards. Victims must apply to the scheme in the country where the crime occurred.

Statutory Text

Member States shall ensure that victims of intentional violent crime committed in their territory are entitled to compensation from the State.

— Council Directive 2004/80/EC, Art. 12(1)

Statutory Text

Compensation shall be granted without regard to the financial situation of the offender.

— Council Directive 2004/80/EC, Recital 17

Statutory Text

Applications shall be processed within three months of the date on which all necessary information has been provided.

— Council Directive 2004/80/EC, Art. 12(3)

What to Do

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