NCJ Number
180608
Date Published
1999
Length
564 pages
Annotation
This study examines victim services provided by the criminal justice system and nongovernmental agencies to foreign victims in the 15 member countries of the European Union: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden.
Abstract
Study information came from a questionnaire survey sent to the ministries of justice, to representatives of components of the criminal justice system, and to victimology researchers and from a review of laws and related materials. The research focused on legislation; nonstatutory forms of assistance provided by the criminal justice system without a legal basis; assistance from organizations, organizations receiving governmental support, and nongovernmental organizations; and assistance from the social welfare system. Results revealed that the victim's role in the criminal justice system has grown stronger. Legislation has made it easier for victims to make claims for damages, in line with international standards that state that the system should encourage victim compensation. Protection of victims and witnesses in criminal proceedings has also improved. All the countries but Greece and Italy have national organizations focusing on victim assistance. Much has happened in all countries regarding the provision of information to victims. However, much more needs to be done, because proper and correct information is of utmost importance for victims in their own countries as well as for foreign victims. The welfare of crime victims in the European Union imposes on member countries a responsibility to cooperate in areas related to crime victims and to learn from each other. Chapter notes, attached list of abbreviations and questionnaire, and over 1,000 references