Law garden / Missouri
If you're Jane Doe in Missouri
What Missouri's crime victim compensation law says, in plain words. Each line links to the exact sentence it comes from.
Crime Victims' Compensation Program (CVC), run by Missouri Department of Public Safety, Office for Victims of Crime.
Show the law for this line: Missouri DPS, Crime Victims' Compensation Program (CVC) page
Missouri DPS, Crime Victims' Compensation Program (CVC) pageMO-S2
The program's own page, saved by Tend.
- $25,000the most you can ask for in totalRSMo 595.030.5
- 2 yearsto apply, from the date it happenedRSMo 595.025.2
- Exam can countin place of a police reportRSMo 595.030.1
- $0what a forensic exam should cost youMissouri DPS CVC page, Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Program (SAFE) section
What the program can pay for
The most the program can pay for all costs together is $25,000.
Show the law for this line: RSMo 595.030.5
RSMo 595.030.5MO-CAP-1
No award may exceed $25,000.
no award pursuant to sections 595.010 to 595.075 shall exceed twenty-five thousand dollars
Medical care
Show the law for this line: RSMo 595.220.6
RSMo 595.220.6MO-MED-1
Medical treatment after a sexual offense is not part of the free forensic exam; an eligible victim seeks payment for it through Crime Victims' Compensation.
For appropriate medical provider charges related to the medical treatment of victims of sexual offenses, if the victim is an eligible claimant under the crime victims' compensation fund, the victim shall seek compensation under sections 595.010 to 595.075
Counseling
Show the law for this line: RSMo 595.030.3
RSMo 595.030.3MO-COUN-1
Counseling is paid only when the provider is a licensed physician, psychologist, clinical social worker, professional counselor, or board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse specialist or nurse practitioner. No dollar cap for counseling was found.
No compensation shall be paid for psychiatric treatment or other counseling services, including psychotherapy, unless the service provider is a:
Prescriptions
Show the law for this line: CVC Brochure (Rev. 1/2024), Benefit Payments
CVC Brochure (Rev. 1/2024), Benefit PaymentsMO-RX-1
Medical expenses, including prescriptions, are listed as covered benefits.
Medical expenses, including prescriptions
Dental care
Show the law for this line: CVC Fact Sheet (10/2021), p. 2, Crime Victim Compensation Program Overview
CVC Fact Sheet (10/2021), p. 2, Crime Victim Compensation Program OverviewMO-DENT-1
Crime-related medical, dental, and counseling costs may be covered if eligibility requirements are met.
If the eligibility requirements are met, potential benefits may include costs associated with the patient's crime-related medical, dental, and counseling.
Lost pay
- Lost earnings are paid at the actual loss, up to $400 per week, inside the overall award cap.
Show the law for this line: CVC Fact Sheet (10/2021), p. 2, Crime Victim Compensation Program Overviewand 1 more
CVC Fact Sheet (10/2021), p. 2, Crime Victim Compensation Program OverviewMO-WAGE-2
Lost wages can be covered only if the victim was gainfully employed at the time of the crime.
If the victim was gainfully employed at the time of the crime, they may also be eligible for lost wages.
RSMo 595.030.5MO-WAGE-1
Any compensation for loss of earnings or support from gainful employment shall be in an amount equal to the actual loss sustained not to exceed four hundred dollars per week
Funeral costs
- If the victim dies, burial and preparation expenses are capped at $5,000.
Show the law for this line: RSMo 595.030.4
RSMo 595.030.4MO-FUN-1
In the event of death of the victim, an award may be made for reasonable and necessary expenses actually incurred for preparation and burial not to exceed five thousand dollars.
What it does not pay for
The program's list of what it cannot pay includes personal property and vehicle damage, along with pain and suffering, food or clothing costs, and homeopathic or alternative treatment.
Show the law for this line: CVC Brochure (Rev. 1/2024), What CVC Cannot Pay
CVC Brochure (Rev. 1/2024), What CVC Cannot PayMO-EXCL-1
WHAT CVC CANNOT PAY • • • • • • • • Pain and suffering Personal Property Rent/Mortgage/Utilities Food/Clothing Costs Tuition Reimbursement Vehicle Damage Relocation Costs Homeopathic/Alternative Treatment
Relocation costs are on the program's list of expenses it cannot pay.
Show the law for this line: CVC Brochure (Rev. 1/2024), What CVC Cannot Pay
CVC Brochure (Rev. 1/2024), What CVC Cannot PayMO-EXCL-2
Relocation Costs
Rent, mortgage, and utilities are not paid.
Show the law for this line: CVC Brochure (Rev. 1/2024), What CVC Cannot Pay
CVC Brochure (Rev. 1/2024), What CVC Cannot PayMO-EXCL-3
Rent/Mortgage/Utilities
Tuition reimbursement is not paid.
Show the law for this line: CVC Brochure (Rev. 1/2024), What CVC Cannot Pay
CVC Brochure (Rev. 1/2024), What CVC Cannot PayMO-EXCL-4
Tuition Reimbursement
Food and clothing costs are on the program's list of expenses it cannot pay.
Show the law for this line: CVC Brochure (Rev. 1/2024), What CVC Cannot Pay
CVC Brochure (Rev. 1/2024), What CVC Cannot PayMO-EXCL-5
Food/Clothing Costs
The forensic exam
You should not get a bill for a sexual assault forensic exam.
Show the law for this line: Missouri DPS CVC page, Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Program (SAFE) section
Missouri DPS CVC page, Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Program (SAFE) sectionMO-EXAM-1
The state SAFE program pays first for the sexual assault forensic exam and no forensic fees may be billed to the patient. The program says health insurance may be billed as a secondary payer. SAFE does not cover medical treatment.
While SAFE is the "payor of first resort" for these fees, health insurance carriers may be billed secondary. NO forensic fees may be billed to the patient. However, the SAFE program does not cover any medical treatment that may be required due to the sexual assault.
The provider may bill your insurance, but not you.
Show the law for this line: Missouri DPS CVC page, Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Program (SAFE) section
Missouri DPS CVC page, Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Program (SAFE) sectionMO-EXAM-1
The state SAFE program pays first for the sexual assault forensic exam and no forensic fees may be billed to the patient. The program says health insurance may be billed as a secondary payer. SAFE does not cover medical treatment.
While SAFE is the "payor of first resort" for these fees, health insurance carriers may be billed secondary. NO forensic fees may be billed to the patient. However, the SAFE program does not cover any medical treatment that may be required due to the sexual assault.
By statute, provider charges for eligible forensic exams are billed to and paid by the Department of Public Safety, and the provider may not charge the victim for the forensic exam.
Show the law for this line: RSMo 595.220.6
RSMo 595.220.6MO-EXAM-2
All appropriate medical provider charges for eligible forensic examinations shall be billed to and paid by the department of public safety. No appropriate medical provider conducting forensic examinations and providing medical treatment to victims of sexual offenses shall charge the victim for the forensic examination.
Police report
The program asks for a police report. The rules below say when other records can count instead, like a forensic exam or a protective order.
Show the law for this line: RSMo 595.030.1and 1 more
RSMo 595.030.1MO-REP-1
The crime must be reported to proper authorities, but for a sexual offense that can include the medical provider filing the forensic exam report with the county prosecutor, simply receiving a forensic exam, or getting an order of protection. No police-report time limit was found in the statute.
In the case of a sexual offense, filing a report of the offense to the proper authorities may include, but not be limited to, the filing of the report of the forensic examination by the appropriate medical provider, as defined in section 595.220 , with the prosecuting attorney of the county in which the alleged incident occurred, receiving a forensic examination, or securing an order of protection.
RSMo 595.030.1MO-REP-2
In place of other records, the applicant may give a sworn statement under RSMo 589.663 that they have good reason to believe they are a victim of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, human trafficking, or stalking and fear further violent acts from the assailant.
In lieu of other records the claimant may provide a sworn statement by the applicant under paragraph (c) of subdivision (2) of section 589.663 that the applicant has good reason to believe that he or she is a victim of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, human trafficking, or stalking, and fears further violent acts from his or her assailant.
The crime must be reported to proper authorities, but for a sexual offense that can include the medical provider filing the forensic exam report with the county prosecutor, simply receiving a forensic exam, or getting an order of protection. No police-report time limit was found in the statute.
Show the law for this line: RSMo 595.030.1
RSMo 595.030.1MO-REP-1
In the case of a sexual offense, filing a report of the offense to the proper authorities may include, but not be limited to, the filing of the report of the forensic examination by the appropriate medical provider, as defined in section 595.220 , with the prosecuting attorney of the county in which the alleged incident occurred, receiving a forensic examination, or securing an order of protection.
In place of other records, the applicant may give a sworn statement under RSMo 589.663 that they have good reason to believe they are a victim of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, human trafficking, or stalking and fear further violent acts from the assailant.
Show the law for this line: RSMo 595.030.1
RSMo 595.030.1MO-REP-2
In lieu of other records the claimant may provide a sworn statement by the applicant under paragraph (c) of subdivision (2) of section 589.663 that the applicant has good reason to believe that he or she is a victim of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, human trafficking, or stalking, and fears further violent acts from his or her assailant.
Deadline to apply
Apply within 2 years of the date it happened.
Show the law for this line: RSMo 595.025.2
RSMo 595.025.2MO-DEAD-1
A claim must be filed within two years after the crime or after the crime was discovered.
A claim shall be filed not later than two years after the occurrence of the crime or the discovery of the crime upon which it is based.
Keeping your name and address private
The Missouri Secretary of State runs an Address Confidentiality Program that gives victims of rape, sexual assault, and other listed crimes who fear for their safety a designated substitute address in place of their real address. Applicants apply to the Secretary with the help of a registered application assistant.
Show the law for this line: RSMo 589.663 (preamble)
RSMo 589.663 (preamble)MO-ACP-1
There is created in the office of the secretary of state a program to be known as the "Address Confidentiality Program" to protect victims of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking, or other crimes who fear for their safety, as well as the safety of individuals residing in the same household as the victim, by authorizing the use of designated addresses for such victims, their minor children, and individuals residing with them.
CVC claim information and hearings are open to the public by default in Missouri. A claim for rape, sodomy, or sexual abuse is closed and confidential only when DPS decides that is in the best interest of the victim or dependents; claims involving a minor, or where the assailant has not been tried and disclosure would hurt the case, are also closed, and DPS may close any record in the interest of justice.
Show the law for this line: RSMo 595.037.1(2)
RSMo 595.037.1(2)MO-REC-1
A claim in which the offense allegedly perpetrated against the victim is rape, sodomy or sexual abuse and it is determined by the department to be in the best interest of the victim or of the victim's dependents that the information be kept confidential or that the public be excluded from the hearing;
How to apply
Online https://dps.mo.gov/dir/programs/cvc/crime-victims-compensation.php
Show the law for this line: DPS CVC program page, introduction
DPS CVC program page, introductionMO-SUBMIT-ONLINE
DPS says victims complete an online application; the 'online application' link on the CVC page points to the CVC page itself, where the application is posted.
Victims seeking compensation assistance complete an online application that includes documentation necessary to determine eligibility.
Mail P.O. Box1589 Jefferson City, MO 65102-1589
Show the law for this line: CVC Compensation Checklist, letterhead
CVC Compensation Checklist, letterheadMO-SUBMIT-MAIL
Mail the signed application and attachments to the Crime Victims' Compensation Program, P.O. Box 1589, Jefferson City, MO 65102-1589.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box1589 Jefferson City, MO 65102-1589
Phone 573-526-6006
Show the law for this line: Missouri DPS, Crime Victims' Compensation Program (CVC) page
Missouri DPS, Crime Victims' Compensation Program (CVC) pageMO-S2
The program's own page, saved by Tend.
Good to know before you apply
The crime must have happened in Missouri. The brochure says that if it happened in another state, the application goes to that state's program; the statute makes a narrow exception for Missouri residents.
Show the law for this line: CVC Brochure (Rev. 1/2024), Eligibility Requirements
CVC Brochure (Rev. 1/2024), Eligibility RequirementsMO-RES-1
Crime Must Have Occurred In Missouri If the crime occurred in another state, application must be made in that state
A Missouri resident injured by a crime in another state or U.S. territory may apply in Missouri, but only under the conditions the statute lists (such as the other place lacking a program that would cover them).
Show the law for this line: RSMo 595.020.5
RSMo 595.020.5MO-RES-2
A Missouri resident who suffers personal injury or, in the case of death, a dependent of the victim or any member of the family who legally assumes the obligation, or who pays the medical or burial expenses incurred as a direct result thereof, in another state, possession or territory of the United States may make application for compensation in Missouri if
By statute, a covered crime is an act committed in Missouri involving force or violence or the threat of it, whether or not it is ever prosecuted.
Show the law for this line: RSMo 595.010.1(5)
RSMo 595.010.1(5)MO-RES-3
an act committed in this state which, regardless of whether it is adjudicated, involves the application of force or violence or the threat of force or violence by the offender upon the victim
The fund is a payor of last resort: awards are reduced by payments from the offender, public or private insurance (not life insurance), and other public or private funds.
Show the law for this line: RSMo 595.035.2
RSMo 595.035.2MO-COLL-1
any compensation paid pursuant to sections 595.010 to 595.075 shall be reduced by the amount of any payments, benefits or awards received or to be received as a result of the injury or death
If you have health insurance but still owe deductibles or co-payments, those out-of-pocket costs may be reimbursed.
Show the law for this line: CVC Program Guidelines, Costs Eligible for Reimbursement from the Fund
CVC Program Guidelines, Costs Eligible for Reimbursement from the FundMO-COLL-2
However, if a claimant has a health insurance but still has out-of-pocket expenses because of deductibles or co-payments, those out-of-pocket costs may be eligible for reimbursement.
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If you're Jane Doe in Missouri: you can ask for up to $25,000, and a forensic exam can count instead of a police report.
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