Since April 1st, 2019, victims of violent crime on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba are eligible for a one-off compensation payment from the Schadefonds Geweldsmisdrijven (Violent Crimes Compensation Fund). Since the introduction of the fund in the Caribbean Netherlands, 47 applications have been submitted. Applications that meet the conditions and of which the crime was committed on or after January 1st, 2017, are eligible for a financial contribution.

Of the 47 applications submitted, 14 cases have been settled. Of these, 11 applications were granted and 3 were rejected. The other cases are still in progress. In dealing with the cases, Schadefonds assesses whether it is plausible that the applicant (or his or her loved one) was the victim of a deliberately committed violent crime. The perpetrator does not need to be known or convicted. The compensation payment is a token of recognition for the injustice done to the victim. The benefit must be considered as a compensation and is not intended to cover all damage resulting from the crime. Monique de Groot, director of Schadefonds Geweldsmisdrijven, is satisfied with these results: “I am happy to be able to contribute to restoring the confidence of the victims of violence in the Caribbean Netherlands. I very much hope that more and more victims will find us.”

In addition to the regular scheme, the Schadefonds also provides one-off subsidies for preventative security measures. This temporary subsidy scheme is intended for persons or companies that fell victim to a robbery in which violence was used or threatened with. Applications can be submitted for robberies committed after January 1^st, 2019. The temporary schema applies until 2022.

For more information about Schadefonds Geweldsmisdrijven, visit www.schadefondsCN.com. From now on you can also find an animation clip on this website regarding the application process.

Do you want to submit an application? Then go to the employees of Bureau Slachtofferhulp. They will gladly help you further.