Crime Victim Protection Act in Nepal

Under the Act, victims have 7 key rights:

• Right to information about case progress
• Right to participate in proceedings
• Right to compensation from the offender
• Right to police protection
• Right to rehabilitation (medical, counseling, shelter)
• Right to privacy (identity protection in sensitive cases)
• Right to free legal representation

The court orders the convicted offender to pay reasonable compensation based on the gravity of the crime and the victim's losses. If the offender cannot pay or is unidentified, a government victim fund provides support for eligible cases.

The Act provides: identity protection for witnesses in sensitive cases, secure testimony arrangements (behind screens, via video), police escort and protection for threatened witnesses, and relocation assistance in extreme cases.

Yes. Domestic violence victims are entitled to shelter, medical treatment, compensation, protection orders, and free legal aid under the Crime Victim Protection Act in addition to protections under the Domestic Violence Act.

Yes. Human trafficking victims receive comprehensive rehabilitation: repatriation, shelter, medical treatment, counseling, economic support, and skill development. Special provisions ensure victims are not re-victimized during the justice process.

Yes — in sensitive cases such as sexual offences, trafficking, and child abuse, victim identity is mandatorily protected. Courts can restrict publication of identifying information. Victims can testify behind screens or through video link.

The Legal Aid Committee provides free legal representation to crime victims who cannot afford a lawyer. District Legal Aid Committees operate in all 77 districts. Victims can apply for legal aid at the District Court or through the Legal Aid Committee office.

Yes. The court can order the offender to pay the victim's litigation and lawyer costs in addition to compensation for damages. This ensures victims are not financially burdened by pursuing justice.

Yes. Defamation victims can claim compensation and litigation costs from the offender. The court determines compensation based on the gravity of the defamation and its impact on the victim's reputation.

The government maintains a victim support fund for cases where the offender cannot pay compensation or is unidentified. Eligible victims can apply for support from this fund through the court. The fund covers medical expenses, rehabilitation, and basic compensation.

In divorce cases involving domestic violence, the victim spouse is entitled to protection orders, shelter, medical treatment, and compensation under both the Domestic Violence Act and the Crime Victim Protection Act. The victim's safety is prioritized during proceedings.

While victims have the right to participate, they are not forced to. However, victim participation and testimony are often crucial for successful prosecution. The Act ensures that the process is as safe and comfortable as possible to encourage participation.

Threatening a victim or witness is a criminal offence. The victim can request police protection, and the court can issue protection orders. In serious cases, witnesses may be relocated. Intimidation of witnesses can result in additional criminal charges against the offender.

Yes. Child victims receive special protections: mandatory identity protection, child-friendly testimony procedures, appointment of a guardian ad litem, psychological counseling, and priority processing of cases involving minors.