February 22 – European Day for Victims of Crime

February 22– European Day for Victims of Crime

Today, on February 22, we mark the European Day for Victims of Crime, a reminder of the importance of fair treatment, support, and protection for all those who have suffered the consequences of criminal acts, including road traffic victims.

In the European Union, discussions about the rights and assistance for victims led to the adoption of EU Directive 2012/29/EU (Directive 2012/29/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2001/220/JHA), which sets minimum standards for the treatment of victims and includes their family members. Slovenia transposed this directive into its legislation in 2019, marking an important first step towards comprehensive support for road traffic victims.

A road traffic crash is always unexpected, happening in an instant, and people are unprepared for it. For everyone involved and their loved ones, it is a shock and a traumatic experience. A life path can change in a moment. The loss of a loved one leaves a void. And then, the unexpected and complicated procedures of justice , healthcare , and compensation begin – many people, until the crash happens, are unaware that these processes even exist.

Certain rights under the EU Directive include:

• The right to protection of child victims in criminal proceedings.
• The victim’s right to be heard and to present evidence.
• The right to protective measures under restorative justice services.
• The right to legal aid.
• The right to reimbursement of expenses incurred by victims due to their active participation in criminal proceedings.
• The right to decide on the payment of compensation imposed on the offender in the criminal process.
• The rights of victims residing in another member state, protection of victims, and recognition of victims with special needs.
• The right to protection of child victims in criminal proceedings.

EU Member States had to implement Directive 2012/29/EU in their national legislation by 16 November 2015 at the latest. This was the upper limit for transposing the Directive into national law, which set minimum standards for the protection and support of victims of crime, including road traffic victims.

Member States had different timeframes for transposing the Directive into their national law, but it was necessary to ensure that victims were guaranteed basic rights such as access to support, protection and access to the right to compensation.

Ensuring that these rights are upheld requires training and professional development for all those who interact with victims – from the police, to judiciary, social and healthcare services. It is also crucial to continue adapting legislation that will ensure victims receive respectful and effective treatment, as well as comprehensive rehabilitation.