Brussels, 13/09/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 12 September, MEPs validated new rules on the rights of victims of crime in the EU. Victims of crime will now benefit from the same basic standards throughout the EU (except in Denmark, which chose to opt out). A press release explained that they would be able to receive free support services, such as psychological help and the right to be questioned by police and heard in court in a language they understand.
The European Parliament stated that the agreed text, adopted by 611 votes for, 9 against, and 13 abstentions, aims to ensure that whatever the crime - mugging, robbery, assault, rape, harassment, hate crime, terrorist attack, or human trafficking - and wherever it is committed in the EU, all victims enjoy the same basic rights in criminal proceedings, are treated with respect and dignity and have access to victim-support services, justice and compensation.
The text stipulates that all victims will have an individual assessment of their specific needs at the earliest opportunity. Depending on personal characteristics, such as age, gender, race, religion or sexual orientation, and the nature and circumstances of the crime, anyone could have particular protection needs, stresses the agreed text, which adds that the individual assessments should be repeated during criminal proceedings to take account of any changes in the victim's situation.
The directive will also oblige member states to ensure that victims and their family members have access to free-of-charge and confidential victim support services (for example, psychological support) from the moment the victim reports the crime, throughout and after the investigation and trial and regardless of where the crime took place. Specialist support services should also be set up for victims with specific needs, such as victims of gender-based violence or children.
The press release explains that victims will have to be informed of their rights, either orally or in writing, in a language they understand. Interpretation and translation services will be made available to ensure that they can take an active part in the criminal proceedings (interviews and court hearings) in their own language. (PE/trans/fl)