Massachusetts victim Bill of Rights:
If you are the victim of a crime in Massachusetts, you have rights throughout the criminal justice process. The Massachusetts Victim Bill of Rights provides information about these rights, available services, and the protections available to victims.
The Victim Bill of Rights is available in multiple languages:
English Español Português Italiano
For the Victim Bill of Rights in additional languages, please visit Victim Bill of Rights Brochures | Mass.gov
MOVA Victim Compensation:
The Massachusetts Victim Compensation Program, administered by the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA), may provide financial assistance to eligible victims of violent crimes for certain expenses resulting from the crime. Depending on eligibility, compensation may be available for certain expenses related to the crime, including medical or dental care, counseling, lost wages, and other qualifying expenses.
Who may be eligible:
- Victims of violent crime occurring in Massachusetts
- Dependents and family members of homicide victims
- Any person responsible for the funeral expenses of a homicide victim
What are the requirements:
Applicants generally must meet certain requirements, which may include:
- The crime must have been reported to police within five days unless there is good cause for delay.
- The victim must cooperate with law enforcement officials in the investigation and prosecution of the crime unless there is a reasonable excuse not to cooperate.
- You must apply for compensation within three years of the crime. Victims under the age of 18 at the time of the crime may apply until age 21, or later in certain limited circumstances.
These are general eligibility requirements. Additional requirements and exceptions may apply. For current eligibility requirements, covered expenses and application information, please visit Applying for Victims of Violent Crime Assistance | Mass.gov
Victim compensation Application: