Support for victims and relatives of the fire in Crans-Montana

Victims of crime and their relatives are entitled to assistance from victim support services under the Victim Support Act (VSA). This includes both emergency assistance and medium- and long-term assistance. The cantonal victim support services are responsible for providing emergency assistance. The victims of the fire in Crans-Montana and their relatives can obtain the necessary individual assistance from these centres.

Federal government and cantons step up cooperation on victim support

In view of the devastating consequences of the fire in Crans-Montana, the FDJP and the Conference of Cantonal Directors of Social Services (CDSS) have intensified their cooperation on emergency assistance. An initial coordination meeting chaired by the CDSS took place on Monday. These will take place weekly until further notice.

The FDJP is represented by the Federal Office of Justice (FOJ). The aim is to ensure that victim support centres have sufficient resources to respond to the needs of those affected. The CDSS is currently working with the FOJ to ensure that the services provided by victim support centres in the cantons are properly coordinated. At the request of the cantons, the FOJ is available to provide further support.

Emergency assistance covers immediate support needs

Under the Victim Support Act (VSA) and the recommendations of the CDSS, emergency assistance includes medical services, counselling, and travel and accommodation costs for relatives. In addition, the counselling centres inform victims and their relatives about their rights and help them to come to terms with what has happened. Experts also advise those affected on matters relating to insurance law or criminal proceedings. Victim support also covers the costs of initial consultations with a lawyer. Victim support services are currently in the process of contacting the individuals and families affected in Switzerland and abroad.

Medium and long-term assistance offers a safety net

The consequences of the fire for the victims and their families are severe. It is likely that they will be confronted with high medical costs and complex legal issues. These relate, for example, to the benefits provided by liability, health and accident insurance. While emergency assistance covers the immediate needs of victims and their families, follow-up victim support services are intended to provide those affected with adequate assistance in covering medium to long-term costs. The cantonal victim compensation authorities are responsible for compensation and damages. They can grant advances to cover funeral costs or loss of earnings, for example.

The VSA also stipulates that the federal government may provide financial support to the cantons for their victim support services, particularly if the costs of victim support are very high as a result of extraordinary events. This will ultimately be decided by Parliament. The FDJP is examining whether there are gaps in the existing support services and whether additional measures are needed to assist those concerned and their families. No one should be allowed to fall through the net of existing support services.