Indiana Code defines a violent crime as a felony or Class A misdemeanor that results in bodily injury or death to the victim. Persons eligible for assistance from this fund include:
- Innocent victims of eligible violent crimes, including a motor vehicle crash caused by a drunk driver;
- A parent, surviving spouse, dependent child or other legal dependent of an innocent victim who has been killed as a result of an eligible violent crime; or
- A person who is injured or killed trying to prevent a violent crime or giving aid to a law enforcement officer. Other requirements include:
- The crime must have taken place in Indiana;
- The victim must have incurred a minimum out-of-pocket loss of $100;
- The crime must have been reported to the police within 72 hours (Note: Victims of sexual assault do not have to report the crime to law enforcement unless they choose to apply for compensation under the Victim Crime Fund for expenses not covered at the time a forensic exam was completed);
- The victim or survivors must cooperate in the investigation and prosecution of the crime;
- An application for benefits must be filed no later than 180 days after the crime occurred;
- Medical expenses must be incurred within 180 days of the crime but can be extended under certain circumstances