Victims of violent crime to be compensated for pain and suffering

Ruth Maxwell, a survivor who campaigned for reform of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, has welcomed the new move. File picture: Bob Morrison

Victims of violent crime will be eligible for compensation for pain and suffering under planned changes to the State's compensation scheme.

Until now, compensation has been limited to financial losses such as loss of earnings and vouched out-of-pocket expenses. It did not cover pain and suffering.