News item | 19-12-2025 | 3:00 PM
The government wants to expand the so-called uncapped advance payment scheme to include a number of violent crimes. This strengthens the position of victims and surviving relatives in the criminal process. Victims who are entitled to compensation will receive what they are entitled to faster and more often. This is in line with the main agreement, which includes better arrangements for compensation for victims.
State Secretary Rutte of Justice and Security: “With this expansion we ensure that more victims of violent crimes receive full advance payment for their damages. This gives victims and surviving relatives more security and recognition, especially in a period in which they have already been through a lot.”
If the judge imposes a compensation measure in his judgment, the so-called advance payment scheme applies. This means that the State will advance compensation to the victim if the perpetrator does not pay it (in full) within eight months. The State then continues to collect the amount from the perpetrator. This scheme has a maximum of 5,000 euros, but for sexual crimes and some violent crimes this amount is not capped.
With the expansion, seven violent crimes are added to this uncapped scheme, such as intentional arson, unlawful deprivation of liberty, hostage-taking or culpable homicide (in traffic). The reason for this is signals from the House of Representatives, victims’ organizations and the criminal justice chain, among others, that victims of serious crimes were sometimes excluded from the scheme, which could lead to distressing situations.
Consultation
The proposed amendment will now first be consulted for advice: citizens, organizations in the criminal justice chain and experts will have the opportunity to respond to the proposal. The responses will be used to further improve the proposal before it is submitted to the Council of State for advice.