New service to help victims of violent crime in EU
UK residents who have suffered injury after a violent criminal attack in another European Union country can now receive help in claiming compensation.
From the turn of the year the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) has been able to provide information about compensation rules in the country in which a person was injured.
The new service is part of a European directive that removes some of the difficulties faced by EU residents who have been victims of violent crime while visiting another member state.
If someone has been injured on or after July 1, 2005 the CICA will provide any appropriate application forms, offer advice on completing them and provide guidance on any supporting documents that may need to be provided.
They will also send completed applications to the relevant authority in the EU country where the injury took place, as well as help if extra information is requested.
Last week a report by the Foreign Policy Centre, an independent think-tank, said that with more Brits spending time abroad as many as 10,000 people a year could find themselves in trouble.
A booklet about the service is available on the CICA website, or directly from the European Compensation Assistance Team on 0845 603 2938 or e-mail: eucat@cica.gsi.gov.uk
© Cheapflights Ltd Craig McGinty
