If you are or you were the victim of a crime, you have the right to be compensated by the person who committed the crime.

If you would like to file a claim for compensation, you should inform the police or the Public Prosecutor of your intention before the end of the investigation stage.

The claim for compensation is made through a written request that explains the crime, the damages that it caused and their corresponding values through supporting documents such as bills/invoices.

Some examples of damages that may be considered in your request for compensation are:

• The costs of hospital treatment and medication, travel to medical appointments, clothing and other property damaged as a result of the crime, etc.
  
• Benefits that the victim lost as a result of the crime, for example, income not received while they were unable to work.
  
• Other non-material losses, such as, physical pain, psychological and emotional distress, humiliation and embarrassment caused to the victim, etc., that can be compensated for if the offender pays a certain amount to the victim,

The decision regarding the claim for compensation is included in the sentence.

Even if a claim for compensation was not submitted, the judge can sentence the defendant to pay the victim a specified amount for the damages they suffered.

In cases of violent crimes and domestic violence, when the offender does not have the money to pay compensation to the victim the compensation may be paid by Portuguese State.

The Commission for the Protection of Victims of Crime (A Comissão de Proteção às Vítimas de Crimes) is the entity in Portugal that receives these claims and decides whether or not to grant them.

The claim for compensation is free of charge for the victim.

APAV can help you exercise this right. Click here to find out where we are and how you can contact us. If you prefer, you can send us a quick message. Click here to send a message.