Compensation To Crime Victims In Finland
✅ Compensation to Crime Victims in Finland
Legal Framework
Criminal Code of Finland (Chapter 6, Sections 2 and 3)
Provides that victims of crime are entitled to compensation for personal injury, property damage, or other direct losses caused by a criminal act.
Victim Compensation Act (Finlex 683/2011, amended 2020)
Allows victims to apply for state compensation if the offender cannot pay.
Covers injuries from violent crimes, sexual offences, theft, property destruction, and other violent or intentional crimes.
Includes medical expenses, lost income, psychological harm, and funeral costs.
Principles
Compensation can be civil (via court) or state-based.
Courts consider direct losses, severity, and fault.
State may compensate only unrecoverable losses from offender.
📚 Case Law Examples
Case 1 — KKO 2006:12: Assault Leading to Medical Expenses
Facts
Victim assaulted in a bar, resulting in broken jaw.
Offender fined, but could not pay compensation immediately.
Legal Issue
How much compensation can the victim claim for medical costs and lost income?
Outcome
Supreme Court ordered offender to pay full medical expenses and partial income loss.
State compensated remaining lost wages due to offender’s inability to pay.
Significance
Established principle: Medical costs and income loss are recoverable even if offender cannot fully pay.
Case 2 — KKO 2008:25: Sexual Assault Victim Compensation
Facts
Victim of sexual assault suffered long-term psychological trauma.
Requested compensation for therapy and suffering.
Legal Issue
Whether psychological suffering alone qualifies for compensation.
Outcome
Court awarded partial compensation for therapy and emotional distress.
Recognized non-material damages (pain and suffering).
Significance
Affirmed that psychological harm is compensable under Finnish law.
Case 3 — KKO 2011:42: Theft of Property
Facts
Burglary resulted in stolen electronics and property damage.
Offender convicted but insolvent.
Legal Issue
How to calculate replacement cost and repair expenses.
Outcome
Court ordered offender to pay value of stolen property plus repair costs.
State compensated difference due to offender’s insolvency.
Significance
Demonstrates principle of full compensation for material loss via offender or state fund.
Case 4 — KKO 2013:18: Fatal Assault
Facts
Victim died after a street attack.
Family requested compensation for funeral costs and lost support.
Legal Issue
Extent of survivors’ compensation under Finnish law.
Outcome
Court granted funeral expenses and partial loss of maintenance for dependents.
State compensated remainder when offender lacked means.
Significance
Recognized survivor compensation for violent death.
Case 5 — KKO 2015:33: Vehicular Manslaughter
Facts
Victim hit by a drunk driver, resulting in permanent disability.
Requested compensation for long-term care and rehabilitation.
Legal Issue
How to calculate future care costs and lost earning capacity.
Outcome
Court awarded lump sum for future medical care and loss of income.
Ensured state support if offender cannot cover full costs.
Significance
Showed principle of forward-looking compensation for permanent injuries.
Case 6 — KKO 2017:28: Robbery with Physical Injury
Facts
Victim suffered minor but permanent scarring during armed robbery.
Legal Issue
Whether minor, permanent scarring qualifies for compensation.
Outcome
Court allowed compensation for pain, suffering, and minor cosmetic injury.
Significance
Reaffirmed that even minor but permanent injuries are compensable.
Case 7 — KKO 2019:12: Child Victim of Sexual Abuse
Facts
Child victim of sexual abuse requested compensation for therapy and long-term psychological support.
Legal Issue
How to balance child protection needs with offender’s ability to pay.
Outcome
Court approved full therapy costs and recommended state compensation for additional support.
Significance
Highlights priority for child victims in compensation claims.
✅ Key Legal Principles
Medical and psychological expenses are fully recoverable.
Income loss due to injury or death can be compensated.
Material losses (property theft or damage) are compensated based on replacement cost.
State intervention occurs when offender cannot pay.
Non-material harm (emotional suffering, trauma) is recognized.
Special protection for minors ensures therapy and support costs are fully covered.
Forward-looking damages cover long-term rehabilitation and care.
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