Today, Monday 22 February marks the European Day for Victims of Crime. Every year, 75 million people fall victim to crime across the European Union. New rules that apply across the EU since November 2015 guarantee that people who fall victim to crime in the EU benefit from a minimum set of rights.
Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, Vera Jourová, said:
"Every year across the EU, around 1 in 7 people fall victim to crime. All victims of crime need to be treated with dignity and given the support and protection they need. My message to them is: Europe is on your side.
The Victims' Rights Directive, which gives all victims of crime across Europe the right to protection, assistance and support, should have been in place in all Member States over a year ago.
But rights are not enough if they are not applied in practice. I call once again on all Member States that have not yet transposed the Victims' Rights Directive into their national legislation to do so without further delay.
Last week, new rules were adopted to better protect victims of terrorism. They will ensure that victims of terrorism will receive the protection, advice and support they need, wherever they are in Europe, immediately following an attack and for as long as necessary.
This year, I'd like to focus on women. One in three has experienced some form of gender-based violence in their lifetime. Female victims of any form of violence should not be blamed for what has happened to them.
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You could find a general overview on the rights of the victims of crimes in this factsheet developed by the EC. More detailed information is available here.
Source: European Commission