The CIVI: compensation even without a solvent offender
This is the protective principle of the scheme: the victim of an offence should not bear the insolvency or disappearance of their attacker. The CIVI, a specialised court, rules on compensation and pays it through the Guarantee Fund (FGTI). Depending on the nature of the offence and the severity of the sequelae, compensation is full (serious harm to the person) or capped (less serious offences, subject to means conditions).
Meeting the deadlines is decisive: 3 years from the offence, or 1 year from the final criminal decision. After that, recourse becomes exceptional.