Victims demand better rights and support during criminal proceedings

On December 5, 2024, negotiations commenced in Brussels for a new pan-European law aimed at improving the rights of victims of crime. The member of the European Parliament, Lucia Yar, a representative of the Slovak Republic and a member of the liberal Renew Europe group, is leading these negotiations on behalf of the European Parliament. This new legislation seeks to enhance various aspects of victims' rights, which were originally established by the EU in 2012 but have since been deemed insufficient by experts in the field. The recent cases of domestic violence in Slovakia serve to illustrate the pressing need for reform, where victims often face confusion regarding their entitlements and inadequate state assistance. MEP Yar has stated that the primary objective is to ensure that victims receive comprehensive support, encompassing legal, psychological, social, and healthcare services, throughout the entirety of criminal proceedings. Furthermore, she has emphasized the importance of training for authorities to ensure that victims are treated with respect and sensitivity to prevent secondary victimization, which can exacerbate the trauma experienced by those affected by violent crimes. The negotiations are described as complex and are expected to take several months because of the delicate nature of criminal law and the substantial differences that exist among EU member states regarding legal processes and protections for victims. Yar's visit to domestic violence centers in eastern Slovakia further underscored the urgent need for action, revealing inadequacies in the current system that are not being addressed at the national level, thereby necessitating intervention at the EU level. As the trilogue progresses, MEP Yar and her fellow negotiators are hopeful that meaningful changes will be enacted to better serve and protect victims across Europe, particularly in light of recurring incidents of violence against women, which continue to pose significant challenges in Slovakia and beyond.