What is Crime Victim Compensation (CVC)?

Crime Victim Compensation (CVC) is a victim service program created by Colorado law to help crime victims recover financially from the physical and emotional injuries cause during a criminal act.  The funds for this program are collected from the fines paid by convicted defendants.  The CVC program can help victims of certain crimes  pay for specific crime related expenses or losses.

Who Qualifies?

Victims of violent crimes (primary victims)

Relatives and family members of primary victims

Witnesses of violent crimes

Residents of Colorado who have been injured or killed by an international act of terrorism outside of the United States

Eligibility Requirements:

1. The victim sustained mental injury, physical injury, death or damage to exterior residential doors, locks or windows as a result of a compensable crime.
2. The victim fully cooperated with law enforcement officials (law enforcement, district attorney, etc.)
3. The crime was reported to a law enforcement agency within 72 hours.
4. The injury of death of the victim was not the result of the victim’s own wrongdoing or substantial provocation.
5. The victimization occurred on, of after July 1, 1982.
6. The application was submitted within one year from the date of the crime, or within six months for residential property damage to exterior doors, locks, or windows.
7. The crime occurred in El Paso or Teller County, or, the victim is a residence of the 4^th Judicial District but the crime occurred in a state or country that does not have a CVC program.

The Crime Victim Compensation Board may waive some of the requirements for good cause of in the interest of justice. The Board strongly encourages you to apply even if you do not meet all of the eligibility requirements.

What Crimes are Eligible?

Not all crimes are eligible for CVC consideration. Below is a list of crimes that the Board can consider for approval:

(This list is not all inclusive)

What can CVC Pay?

CVC can pay for limited expenses that are reasonably related to or caused by the crime:

*The Board cannot pay for repairing a motor vehicle, personal property loss/damage, loss of money, or pain and suffering.

Who Makes the Decisions

All decisions are made by the CVC Board. The Board consists of three volunteer board members appointed by the District Attorney.

General Information

• There does not need to be an arrest or charges field for a victim to be eligible for compensation.
• Requests must be directly related to the crime reported to law enforcement.
• By law, you must utilize all other sources of financial assistance or reimbursement, including private insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare.
• Please attach bills, receipts and estimates directly related to the crime. You may submit your application if you have no received an invoice or bill yet, but please submit your bills as you receive them.
• Your claim will be verified and presented to the CVC Board. The CVC Board has sole decision-making authority. This process can take 30-60 days after we have received and verified your losses. 
• Compensation may not exceed the statutory limit of $30,000. Compensation for individual categories is limited by Board policy.
• Should your request be denied, you have the right to request reconsideration of the Board’s decision. You will be notified by mail of the reason for the denial and we will inform you of your right to submit new or additional information. This information must address the reason(s) for the Board’s denial. You may request reconsideration by contacting the CVC program within 60 days from the date of the denial. If the Board denies reconsideration, you may have the Board’s decision reviewed in accordance with the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure.

How do I apply?

If you or a loved one has been victimized by a violent crime, the Victim Compensation Program may be able to help.  While no amount of money can ease the trauma of the crime, Victim Compensation may be able to help relieve the resulting financial burden on victims and their families.

To Apply Online Click HERE

To request a paper application or to schedule a time to apply in person:

 call 719-520-6000 Or,

 e-mail daovictimcompensation@da4colorado.gov Or,

 go to the District Attorney’s Office at 105 E. Vermijo Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

The Crime Victim Compensation Program was created by law, Colorado Revised Statute 24-4.1-101 et seq., and is operated in accordance with the statute and the Bylaws, Policies and Procedures of the Fourth Judicial District CVC Board.