This bill amends the current law regarding compensation from the Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO) by allowing exceptions for victims of unreported sexual offenses who have received forensic medical services from a county sexual assault response team. Specifically, it permits compensation applications for offenses such as aggravated sexual assault and sexual assault, even if the victim did not report the incident to law enforcement, provided that the application is made within nine months of the occurrence or reasonable discovery of the offense. This change aims to support victims who may be hesitant to report such crimes but still seek medical assistance.

The bill also clarifies the timeline for filing compensation applications, stating that the five-year limit for victims under 18 years of age will begin when they turn 18. Additionally, it maintains the existing provisions regarding the determination of compensation amounts, including considerations of the victim's conduct and the potential for unjust enrichment to the offender. Overall, this legislation seeks to enhance support for victims of sexual offenses by broadening access to compensation resources.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:4B-18