In order to get a better understanding about the conditions under which victims of crime and violence are treated after going through such a traumatic experience, the European Commission has launched a public consultation on how victims are protected in different countries. The results will provide the basis for the development of standards and practical measures to be proposed in the first half of 2011.

Although EU measures in various areas of justice policies have addressed some of victims’ needs in the last decade, their impact varies widely across the EU. Aspects such as the amounts awarded for compensation and the procedures for filing a compensation claim may differ from one Member State to other.

The Commission especially wants to hear from citizens and organisations, associations, bodies, institutions and experts who deal with victims' issues either on a local or international level. The consultation is open until 30 September 2010 and will be available in the Justice and Home Affairs website.

Key aspects of the consultation on victims' needs

• Recognition. Are they treated with dignity and respect? Are they questioned in a sensitive manner and receive prompt replies to their questions?
• Protection. Are they protected from retaliation and further victimisation both before and after a crime? How is contact with the offender avoided? Is there a loss of protection when crossing borders?
• Support. Is there long-term physical and psychological assistance following a crime? Is there practical assistance after a crime to help with compensation claims or funeral arrangements?
• Access to justice. How can they know their rights and participate in the justice process?
• Compensation. Do they have to pursue the claim for damages themselves and enforce the decision by asking the offender?

The Commission wants the package to support victims throughout the justice process and beyond. Victims should be protected from both the offender and from further distress during proceedings, ensuring that their rights are respected during trials and giving them the support they need to recover and get redress.

Crime can affect anyone

Although most crimes go unreported, the figures show that serious criminal offences can affect anyone. In 2007 alone there, about 30 million serious offences were reported. The traumatic experience of being victim of one of these crimes, is sometimes followed by disrespectful treatment or interference with private life and the difficulty of some judicial and investigation processes.

Wherever they are in the EU, home or abroad, victims have the right to be treated respectfully, to receive support, protection, compensation and have access to justice.

The EU began to address victims' rights in 1999. A 2001 Framework Decision established minimum standards for treating victims during criminal proceedings. The 2004 Directive on compensation to crime victims requires state compensation schemes for victims of violent intentional crime, as well as assistance for cross-border claims, in all EU Member States.