Austrian Crime Victims Act (VOG) updated: new right to bring a trusted person to medical exams
As of the September 2026 update, anyone applying for state assistance under Austria's Crime Victims Relief Act (Verbrechensopfergesetz – VOG) may request that a trusted person be present and heard during medical examinations conducted as part of the application process. The authority must inform applicants of this right in good time; costs incurred by the trusted person are not reimbursed.
What changed
A new paragraph (§ 9 para. 4a) was added to the VOG. On request by the applicant or their legal representative, the presence and active participation of a trusted person must now be permitted at any medical examination arranged by the authority during the victim-assistance application process.
Who is affected
All persons who have filed or are filing an application for state assistance as a crime victim in Austria under the VOG — for example, victims of violent crimes seeking compensation for lost earnings, medical treatment costs, or care allowances.
What to look out for
The trusted person may not only attend but is also entitled to be heard during the examination. Any costs the trusted person incurs are not reimbursed by the authority. The authority is legally required to inform applicants about this right before the examination takes place.