Transitionary rules for new Compensation for Victims of Violent Crime Act adopted

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The Norwegian Government has decided that the new Act relating to compensation from the Norwegian State for victims of violent crime (Compensation for Victims of Violent Crime Act) will enter into force on 1 January 2023. Transitionary rules relating to the new law have today been adopted.

The purpose of these transitionary rules is to clarify issues that may arise when considering compensation claims in the transition between the old and the new law.

‘I am delighted that we have put in place transitionary rules that provide victims of violent crime in older cases more time to submit claims for compensation. This will extend the time available to apply for those who are unaware of the deadlines in the new law,’ says Minister of Justice and Public Security Emilie Enger Mehl (Centre Party).

The transitionary rules include a provision that will prolong the deadline for applications in cases that were finally decided upon prior to 1 January 2023. In these cases, the deadline for compensation claims will be calculated from 1 January 2023 instead of the date of the final decision from the court or the prosecuting authority. Victims of violent crime whose cases have been subject to a judicial decision by a court prior to 1 January 2023, may therefore submit their application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority until 1 July 2023. If the case was finally decided upon by the prosecuting authority (dismissed) prior to 1 January 2023, the victim may submit an application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority until 1 January 2024.

Furthermore, the transitionary rules states that the Norwegian Civil Affairs Authority (SRF) will consider complaints processed under the old rules. The Norwegian Civil Affairs Authority (SRF) is also given the authority to reverse decisions issued by the former complaints body, the Compensation Board for Victims of Violent Crime.