Applicants whose claims under the government’s victims compensation program were denied may appeal the decision within 15 days of receiving the resolution or denial notice, the Board of Claims (BOC) of the Department of Justice said.

In a recent public advisory, the BOC said applicants may visit the board’s office to receive guidance on the appeals process.

The board encouraged victims of violent crimes and other eligible claimants not to be discouraged by an initial denial, stressing that remedies remain available under its rules.

The victims compensation program covers individuals affected by serious crimes such as rape, sexual abuse, human trafficking, and torture, as well as the families of victims killed through violence.

The DOJ-BOC said individuals who were wrongfully imprisoned, detained without charges, or later acquitted on grounds of innocence may also seek compensation, along with victims or relatives of missing persons.

It added that application forms and additional details are available on the Department of Justice website, while inquiries may be made through the BOC’s hotline numbers, email, or official social media channels.