The fund to aid victims of crime received 140 million euros of contributions in 2016, twice as much as in 2012. This is according to figures provided by the Justice Minister Koen Geens. “The size of the contributions given to this fund has increased several times, but spending is not increasing. This means there are reserves that accumulate year upon year, which is not the point”, said Open Vld MP Sabien Lahaye-Battheu. He has asked the Justice Minister about it.
People given a criminal or correctional sentence have to pay into a fund to aid victims of intentional violence and those who help them. The obligatory contribution, formerly 150 euros, was increased to 200 euros in the new law brought in last year.
Victims can access this fund when the perpetrator has not been found or cannot pay.
Last year, the contributions reached 140.1 million euros, 79.3 million more than 2012. Last year, they received 1,674 requests for help, nearly 500 more than 2015. On average, 70% of the requests are accepted.
The following figures were released in May 2016: 62,000 to 125,000 euros for regular aid and 15,000 to 30,000 euros for emergency aid. The category of victims has also been increased.
(Source: Belga)
