In response to indiscriminate bombing attacks by extremist groups in1974,the Law concerning State Compensation for the Victims of Crime, etc. , was promulgated in May1980. This came against the social backdrop of increased public demand for a victim compensation scheme, as little relief was provided for the victims of such bombing attacks and random killings. The Law went into force in January1981.
  The Law provides that the government shall pay crime victim benefits(hereinafter referred to as"benefits")to bereaved families of those who are killed, or to persons who are disabled by offenses committed with the intention of killing or injuring. The scheme was established to support victims and their families who cannot receive any effective relief because the perpetrators do not have sufficient financial resources.
  Table V-8 shows how the Law was implemented in the19-year period from January1,1981,when it took effect, to December31,1999.
  Those who wish to receive benefits under the scheme make an application to a Prefectural Public Safety Commission, which decides on the payment. The application must be presented within two years from the date on which the applicant recognized the damage resulting from the offense, or within seven years from the date on which the offense was committed. The Commission may decide on the payment of temporary benefits if any circumstances prevent it from making a swift final decision.

Table V-8 Application for and Payment of Crime Victim Benefits(1981-1999)

  The benefits are paid in a lump sum and are classified into"survivor's benefits"for bereaved families and"disability benefit"for disabled victims. The amount is calculated using multipliers stipulated in Cabinet Orders, based on the condition of livelihood of the bereaved family for survivor's benefits, and on the extent of disability for disability benefits. The upper limit of disability benefits paid to a victim was set at¥9,514,000(Cabinet Order No.287of1980)for1981,when the Law concerning State Compensation for the Victims of Crime, etc. , went into force. The limit was subsequently raised several times as the Cabinet Order was amended. As of March31,2000,the maximum amount per victim is set at¥10.79million for survivor's benefits and¥12.73million for disability benefits(Cabinet Order No.174of1994).
  Fig. V-7 shows the composition of relationships between victims and recipients of survivor's benefits between January1,1981and December31,1999.

Fig. V-7 Relationship between Victims and Recipients of Survivor's Benefits(aggregate,1981-1999)