Definitions

Agency. The Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance, which administers the provisions of M.G.L c. 258B on behalf of the victim and witness assistance board. Catastrophic Injury. An injury that creates a permanent impairment for the victim, including: (a) spinal cord injury involving paralysis; (b) amputation of an arm, hand, foot or leg; (c) severe brain injury; (d) second or third degree burns on 25% or more of the total body surface or third degree burns on 5% or more of the face and hands; (e) total or functional loss of vision or hearing; (f) severe communication, sensory or motor disturbances; or (g) any other injury that would otherwise qualify pursuant to M.G.L. c. 258C. Claim. An application for compensation under M.G.L. c. 258C. Claimant. A person who files a claim for compensation under M.G.L. c. 258C. A claim may be filed by any person eligible for compensation as defined in 124 CMR 2.04, or by a parent or legal guardian of any such person. Where two or more persons are eligible for compensation for the same crime, their claims shall be joined under one master claim for compensation. Crime. An act committed by a person which, if committed by a mentally competent, criminally responsible adult who has no legal exemption or defense, would constitute a crime; provided, however, that such act involves the application of force, intimidation or violence or the threat of force, intimidation or violence by the offender upon the victim. The word "crime" shall include any violation of any provision of M.G.L. c. 90, §§ 24 through 24O, or any conduct that would constitute a violation of M.G.L. c. 209A or M.G.L. c. 258E. The word "crime" shall apply to an act committed in the Commonwealth, including land subject to federal jurisdiction. The word "crime" shall also apply to an act which occurs against a resident of the Commonwealth in a state which does not have a crime victim compensation program for which a resident of the Commonwealth would be eligible. (Mass. Register #1564, 01/02/2026) Crowdfunding. A method of raising funds by soliciting contributions widely on behalf of a victim, their family, or community, often through various internet platforms following a crime. Debt. Money or its equivalent which is, or is alleged to be, more than 30 days past due and owing, unless a different period is agreed to by the debtor, under a single account whether or not the obligation has been reduced to judgment, as a result of a purchase, lease, or loan of goods, services, or real or personal property, for personal, family, or household purposes or as a result of a loan of money which is obtained for personal, family or household purposes. Debtor. A natural person or that person's guardian, administrator, or executor, who is present or residing in Massachusetts and who is allegedly liable for a debt. Crime Scene Cleanup. The removal of, or the attempted removal of, blood or other stains that are the direct result of the commission of a crime or other dirt and debris caused by the processing of the crime scene; provided, however, that crime scene cleanup shall not include the replacement or repair of property damaged during the commission of the crime. Dependent. The victim's spouse, parent, spouse's parent, child, grandchild, sibling, niece or nephew, or other person who is wholly or partially dependent for support upon the victim at the time of their injury or death due to a crime alleged in a claim made pursuant to M.G.L. c. 258C. Director. The executive director of the Agency or the executive director's designee. Family. The victim's spouse, parent, spouse's parent, grandparent, stepparent, child, grandchild, or sibling, niece or nephew, or other person who is wholly or partially dependent for support upon the victim at the time of the victim's injury or death due to a crime alleged in a claim made pursuant to M.G.L. c. 258C. Forensic Sexual Assault Examination. Medical care provided to victims of sexual assault that may further the collection, preservation and documentation of forensic evidence. Health Care Provider. Any doctor of medicine, osteopathy, or dental science, physician's assistant, or a registered nurse or nurse practitioner, physical therapist, social worker or other licensed mental health counselor, doctor of chiropractic, or psychologist or an intern, or a resident, fellow, or medical officer licensed or registered by, or under the direct supervision of a person who is licensed by, either the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine, the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Workers, the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Psychologists, the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health Professionals or under M.G.L. c. 112 and its agents or successors in interest, or a hospital, clinic, or nursing home licensed under the provisions of M.G.L. c. 111 and its agents and employees, or a public hospital and its agents and employees. Health care provider includes providers licensed and/or registered by a Massachusetts equivalent state licensing authority or certified by a recognized national certification body for that profession. Medical Care. Medical, psychological, dental, optometric, hospital and nursing care provided to a victim including, but not limited to, medicines, medical, dental, optometric and surgical supplies, and prostheses. It includes rehabilitation therapy, and rehabilitation equipment reasonably necessary for basic self-care and to enable the victim to obtain or continue employment. It also includes transportation costs incurred while obtaining medical care, as provided in 124 CMR 2.03. Minor. A person younger than 18 years old. Offender. An adult or juvenile who commits a crime for which a claimant seeks compensation. Out-of-pocket Loss. Unreimbursed or unreimbursable expense for services eligible for compensation pursuant to M.G.L. c. 258C. Security Measures. The replacement, repair or installation of locks, windows or other security devices deemed to be reasonably necessary for the promotion of the victim's safety by the Director after taking into consideration the nature of the crime. State. A state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or any other possession or territory of the United States. Verify. Provide proof by means of supporting documentation and statements directly to the Agency from duly licensed or qualified service providers, vendors, or other agencies and individuals as identified by Agency. Victim. A victim is either: (a) a person who suffers personal physical or psychological injury or death as a direct result of: 1. a crime committed against the victim; or 2. attempting to assist a person during the commission of a crime against that person; or efforts to prevent a crime from occurring or apprehending an individual who committed a crime in that person's presence; or (b) a minor who suffers personal physical or psychological injury as a result of observing or perceiving the commission of a crime against a family member or against a person upon whom the minor is dependent. A minor who qualifies under 124 CMR 2.03: Victim (b) shall join in the claim filed by or on behalf of the family member or person upon whom the minor is dependent, but may not file a separate claim for compensation.