When other resources have been exhausted, the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council may be able to assist victims with up to $25,000 in compensation for expenses and loss of income or support that resulted from their victimization. The crime must have been reported within 72 hours, and a claim must be submitted within three years of the crime or the death of the victim. If a victim is a minor, he or she must apply within three years of his or her eighteenth birthday. The most common compensable crimes include child molestation, cruelty to children, child abuse, human trafficking, sexual offenses, domestic violence, reckless conduct, homicide, homicide by vehicle, hit-and-run, serious injury by vehicle, DUI crashes, assault or battery, and robbery. An individual may qualify for financial compensation if they:
- Were physically injured or witnessed a violent crime;
- Suffered serious mental or emotional trauma as a result of being threatened or being present during a violent crime;
- Were hurt trying to help a victim;
- Are the parent or guardian of someone who was killed or injured as a result of a violent crime;
- Depended on someone for financial support who was killed as a result of a violent crime;
- Are not the victim, but have been paying bills related to the crime;
- Have a child who was the victim and they relied on the offender for financial support;
- Were the victim of family violence and relied on the offender for financial support.
The program covers several types of expenses, including the following categories with categorical caps:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral expenses
- Counseling expenses
- Lost wage expenses
- Loss of support expenses
- Crime scene sanitation
For more information and how to apply, contact a victim advocate, visit www.CJCC.Georgia.gov/Victims-Compensation, or call 404-657-1956.