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EN 
14.11.2012 Official 
Journal 
of 
the 
European 
Union  L 
315/57 
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 
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE 
(3) 
Article 82(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the 
EUROPEAN UNION, 
European Union (TFEU) provides for the establishment 
of minimum rules applicable in the Member States to 
facilitate mutual recognition of judgments and judicial 
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European 
decisions and police and judicial cooperation in 
Union, and in particular Article 82(2) thereof, 
criminal matters having a cross-border dimension, in 
particular with regard to the rights of victims of crime. 
Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission, 
(4) In 
its 
resolution 
of 
10 
June 
2011 
on 

roadmap 
for 
After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national 
strengthening the rights and protection of victims, in 
parliaments, 
particular in criminal proceedings ( 6 ) (‘the Budapest road­
map’), the Council stated that action should be taken at 
Union level in order to strengthen the rights of, support 
for, and protection of victims of crime. To that end and 
Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and 
in accordance with that resolution, this Directive aims to 
Social Committee ( 1 ), 
revise and supplement the principles set out in 
Framework Decision 2001/220/JHA and to take 
significant steps forward in the level of protection of 
Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the 
victims throughout the Union, in particular within the 
Regions (
framework of criminal proceedings.
 2 ), 
 
Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure ( 3 ), 
(5) The 
resolution 
of 
the 
European 
Parliament 
of 
26 November 2009 on the elimination of violence 
Whereas: 
against women ( 7 ) called on the Member States to 
improve their national laws and policies to combat all 
forms of violence against women and to act in order to 
tackle the causes of violence against women, not least by 
(1) 
The Union has set itself the objective of maintaining and 
employing preventive measures, and called on the Union 
developing an area of freedom, security and justice, the 
to guarantee the right to assistance and support for all 
cornerstone of which is the mutual recognition of judicial 
victims of violence. 
decisions in civil and criminal matters. 
(2) 
The Union is committed to the protection of, and to the 
(6) In 
its 
resolution 
of 

April 
2011 
on 
priorities 
and 
outline 
establishment of minimum standards in regard to, 
of a new EU policy framework to fight violence against 
victims of crime and the Council has adopted 
women (
Framework Decision 2001/220/JHA of 15 March 2001 
 8 ) the European Parliament proposed a strategy 
to combat violence against women, domestic violence 
on the standing of victims in criminal proceedings ( 4 ). 
and female genital mutilation as a basis for future legis­
Under the Stockholm Programme – An open and 
lative criminal-law instruments against gender-based 
secure Europe serving and protecting citizens 
( 5 ), 
violence including a framework to fight violence 
adopted by the European Council at its meeting on 10 
against women (policy, prevention, protection, pros­
and 11 December 2009, the Commission and the 
ecution, provision and partnership) to be followed up 
Member States were asked to examine how to improve 
by a Union action plan. International regulation within 
legislation and practical support measures for the 
this area includes the United Nations Convention on the 
protection of victims, with particular attention paid to, 
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against 
support for and recognition of, all victims, including for 
Women (CEDAW) adopted on 18 December 1979, the 
victims of terrorism, as a priority. 
CEDAW Committee's recommendations and decisions, 
and the Council of Europe Convention on preventing 
( 1 ) OJ C 43, 15.2.2012, p. 39. 
and combating violence against women and domestic 
( 2 ) OJ C 113, 18.4.2012, p. 56. 
violence adopted on 7 April 2011.
( 3 ) Position of the European Parliament of 12 September 2012 (not yet 
published in the Official Journal) and decision of the Council of 
4 October 2012. 
( 6 ) OJ C 187, 28.6.2011, p. 1. 
( 4 ) OJ L 82, 22.3.2001, p. 1. 
( 7 ) OJ C 285 E, 21.10.2010, p. 53. 
( 5 ) OJ C 115, 4.5.2010, p. 1. 
( 8 ) OJ C 296 E, 2.10.2012, p. 26.

L 315/58 
EN 
Official Journal of the European Union 
14.11.2012 
(7) Directive 
2011/99/EU 
of 
the 
European 
Parliament 
and 
of 
citizenship or nationality. Reporting a crime and partici­
the Council of 13 December 2011 on the European 
pating in criminal proceedings do not create any rights 
protection order ( 1 ) establishes a mechanism for the 
regarding the residence status of the victim. 
mutual recognition of protection measures in criminal 
matters between Member States. Directive 2011/36/EU 
of the European Parliament and of the Council of 
5 April 2011 on preventing and combating trafficking 
(11) This 
Directive 
lays 
down 
minimum 
rules. 
Member 
States 
in human beings and protecting its victims ( 2 ) and 
may extend the rights set out in this Directive in order to 
Directive 2011/93/EU of the European Parliament and 
provide a higher level of protection. 
of the Council of 13 December 2011 on combating 
the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children 
and child pornography 
( 3 ) address, inter alia, the 
specific needs of the particular categories of victims of 
human trafficking, child sexual abuse, sexual exploitation 
(12)  The rights set out in this Directive are without prejudice 
and child pornography. 
to the rights of the offender. The term ‘offender’ refers to 
a person who has been convicted of a crime. However, 
for the purposes of this Directive, it also refers to a 
suspected or accused person before any acknowl­
edgement of guilt or conviction, and it is without 
(8) Council 
Framework 
Decision 
2002/475/JHA 
of 
13 
June 
prejudice to the presumption of innocence. 
2002 on combating terrorism 
( 4 ) recognises that 
terrorism constitutes one of the most serious violations 
of the principles on which the Union is based, including 
the principle of democracy, and confirms that it consti­
(13) This 
Directive 
applies 
in 
relation 
to 
criminal 
offences 
tutes, inter alia, a threat to the free exercise of human 
committed in the Union and to criminal proceedings 
rights. 
that take place in the Union. It confers rights on 
victims of extra-territorial offences only in relation to 
criminal proceedings that take place in the Union. 
Complaints made to competent authorities outside the 
Union, such as embassies, do not trigger the obligations 
(9) 
Crime is a wrong against society as well as a violation of 
set out in this Directive. 
the individual rights of victims. As such, victims of crime 
should be recognised and treated in a respectful, sensitive 
and professional manner without discrimination of any 
kind based on any ground such as race, colour, ethnic or 
social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, 
(14) In 
applying 
this 
Directive, 
children's 
best 
interests 
must 
political or any other opinion, membership of a national 
be a primary consideration, in accordance with the 
minority, property, birth, disability, age, gender, gender 
Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union 
expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, residence 
and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the 
status or health. In all contacts with a competent 
Child adopted on 20 November 1989. Child victims 
authority operating within the context of criminal 
should be considered and treated as the full bearers of 
proceedings, and any service coming into contact with 
rights set out in this Directive and should be entitled to 
victims, such as victim support or restorative justice 
exercise those rights in a manner that takes into account 
services, the personal situation and immediate needs, 
their capacity to form their own views. 
age, gender, possible disability and maturity of victims 
of crime should be taken into account while fully 
respecting their physical, mental and moral integrity. 
Victims of crime should be protected from secondary 
(15) In 
applying 
this 
Directive, 
Member 
States 
should 
ensure 
and repeat victimisation, from intimidation and from 
that victims with disabilities are able to benefit fully from 
retaliation, should receive appropriate support to 
the rights set out in this Directive, on an equal basis with 
facilitate their recovery and should be provided with 
others, including by facilitating the accessibility to 
sufficient access to justice. 
premises where criminal proceedings are conducted and 
access to information. 
(10) This 
Directive 
does 
not 
address 
the 
conditions 
of 
the 
residence of victims of crime in the territory of the 
(16) Victims of terrorism have suffered attacks that are 
Member States. Member States should take the 
intended ultimately to harm society. They may 
necessary measures to ensure that the rights set out in 
therefore need special attention, support and protection 
this Directive are not made conditional on the victim's 
due to the particular nature of the crime that has been 
residence status in their territory or on the victim's 
committed against them. Victims of terrorism can be 
under significant public scrutiny and often need social 
recognition and respectful treatment by society. 
( 1 ) OJ L 338, 21.12.2011, p. 2. 
Member States should therefore take particular account 
( 2 ) OJ L 101, 15.4.2011, p. 1. 
( 3 ) OJ L 335, 17.12.2011, p. 1. 
of the needs of victims of terrorism, and should seek to 
( 4 ) OJ L 164, 22.6.2002, p. 3.
protect their dignity and security.

EN 
14.11.2012 Official 
Journal 
of 
the 
European 
Union  L 
315/59
(17) Violence 
that 
is 
directed 
against 

person 
because 
of 
that 
(20) The 
role 
of 
victims 
in 
the 
criminal 
justice 
system 
and 
person's gender, gender identity or gender expression or 
whether they can participate actively in criminal 
that affects persons of a particular gender disproportion­
proceedings vary across Member States, depending on 
ately, is understood as gender-based violence. It may 
the national system, and is determined by one or more 
result in physical, sexual, emotional or psychological 
of the following criteria: whether the national system 
harm, or economic loss, to the victim. Gender-based 
provides for a legal status as a party to criminal 
violence is understood to be a form of discrimination 
proceedings; whether the victim is under a legal 
and a violation of the fundamental freedoms of the 
requirement or is requested to participate actively in 
victim and includes violence in close relationships, 
criminal proceedings, for example as a witness; and/or 
sexual violence (including rape, sexual assault and harass­
whether the victim has a legal entitlement under national 
ment), trafficking in human beings, slavery, and different 
law to participate actively in criminal proceedings and is 
forms of harmful practices, such as forced marriages, 
seeking to do so, where the national system does not 
female genital mutilation and so-called ‘honour crimes’. 
provide that victims have the legal status of a party to 
Women victims of gender-based violence and their 
the criminal proceedings. Member States should 
children often require special support and protection 
determine which of those criteria apply to determine 
because of the high risk of secondary and repeat victi­
the scope of rights set out in this Directive where there 
misation, of intimidation and of retaliation connected 
are references to the role of the victim in the relevant 
with such violence. 
criminal justice system. 
(18) Where 
violence 
is 
committed 
in 

close 
relationship, 
it 
is 
committed by a person who is a current or former 
(21) Information 
and 
advice 
provided 
by 
competent 
auth­
spouse, or partner or other family member of the 
orities, victim support services and restorative justice 
victim, whether or not the offender shares or has 
services should, as far as possible, be given by means 
shared the same household with the victim. Such 
of a range of media and in a manner which can be 
violence could cover physical, sexual, psychological or 
understood by the victim. Such information and advice 
economic violence and could result in physical, mental 
should be provided in simple and accessible language. It 
or emotional harm or economic loss. Violence in close 
should also be ensured that the victim can be understood 
relationships is a serious and often hidden social problem 
during proceedings. In this respect, the victim's 
which could cause systematic psychological and physical 
knowledge of the language used to provide information, 
trauma with severe consequences because the offender is 
age, maturity, intellectual and emotional capacity, literacy 
a person whom the victim should be able to trust. 
and any mental or physical impairment should be taken 
Victims of violence in close relationships may therefore 
into account. Particular account should be taken of 
be in need of special protection measures. Women are 
difficulties in understanding or communicating which 
affected disproportionately by this type of violence and 
may be due to a disability of some kind, such as 
the situation can be worse if the woman is dependent on 
hearing or speech impediments. Equally, limitations on 
the offender economically, socially or as regards her right 
a victim's ability to communicate information should be 
to residence. 
taken into account during criminal proceedings. 
(19)  A person should be considered to be a victim regardless 
(22) The 
moment 
when 

complaint 
is 
made 
should, 
for 
the 
of whether an offender is identified, apprehended, pros­
purposes of this Directive, be considered as falling within 
ecuted or convicted and regardless of the familial rela­
the context of the criminal proceedings. This should also 
tionship between them. It is possible that family 
include situations where authorities initiate criminal 
members of victims are also harmed as a result of the 
proceedings ex officio as a result of a criminal offence 
crime. In particular, family members of a person whose 
suffered by a victim. 
death has been directly caused by a criminal offence 
could be harmed as a result of the crime. Such family 
members, who are indirect victims of the crime, should 
therefore also benefit from protection under this 
Directive. However, Member States should be able to 
establish procedures to limit the number of family 
members who can benefit from the rights set out in 
(23) Information 
about 
reimbursement 
of 
expenses 
should 
be 
this Directive. In the case of a child, the child or, 
provided, from the time of the first contact with a 
unless this is not in the best interests of the child, the 
competent authority, for example in a leaflet stating 
holder of parental responsibilty on behalf of the child, 
the basic conditions for such reimbursement of 
should be entitled to exercise the rights set out in this 
expenses. Member States should not be required, at this 
Directive. This Directive is without prejudice to any 
early stage of the criminal proceedings, to decide on 
national administrative procedures required to establish 
whether the victim concerned fulfils the conditions for 
that a person is a victim. 
reimbursement of expenses.

L 315/60 
EN 
Official Journal of the European Union 
14.11.2012
(24)  When reporting a crime, victims should receive a written 
understood only as a reference to the finding of guilt 
acknowledgement of their complaint from the police, 
or otherwise ending criminal proceedings. The reasons 
stating the basic elements of the crime, such as the 
for that decision should be provided to the victim 
type of crime, the time and place, and any damage or 
through a copy of the document which contains that 
harm caused by the crime. This acknowledgement should 
decision or through a brief summary of them. 
include a file number and the time and place for 
reporting of the crime in order to serve as evidence 
that the crime has been reported, for example in 
relation to insurance claims. 
(31) The 
right 
to 
information 
about 
the 
time 
and 
place 
of 

trial resulting from the complaint with regard to a 
criminal offence suffered by the victim should also 
(25) Without 
prejudice 
to 
rules 
relating 
to 
limitation 
periods, 
the delayed reporting of a criminal offence due to fear of 
apply to information about the time and place of a 
retaliation, humiliation or stigmatisation should not 
hearing related to an appeal of a judgment in the case. 
result in refusing acknowledgement of the victim's 
complaint. 
(32)  Specific information about the release or the escape of 
(26) When 
providing 
information, 
sufficient 
detail 
should 
be 
the offender should be given to victims, upon request, at 
given to ensure that victims are treated in a respectful 
least in cases where there might be a danger or an 
manner and to enable them to make informed decisions 
identified risk of harm to the victims, unless there is 
about their participation in proceedings. In this respect, 
an identified risk of harm to the offender which would 
information allowing the victim to know about the 
result from the notification. Where there is an identified 
current status of any proceedings is particularly 
risk of harm to the offender which would result from the 
important. This is equally relevant for information to 
notification, the competent authority should take into 
enable a victim to decide whether to request a review 
account all other risks when determining an appropriate 
of a decision not to prosecute. Unless otherwise required, 
action. The reference to ‘identified risk of harm to the 
it should be possible to provide the information 
victims’ should cover such factors as the nature and 
communicated to the victim orally or in writing, 
severity of the crime and the risk of retaliation. 
including through electronic means. 
Therefore, it should not be applied to those situations 
where minor offences were committed and thus where 
there is only a slight risk of harm to the victim. 
(27) Information 
to 

victim 
should 
be 
provided 
to 
the 
last 
known correspondence address or electronic contact 
details given to the competent authority by the victim. 
In exceptional cases, for example due to the high number 
of victims involved in a case, it should be possible to 
(33) Victims 
should 
receive 
information 
about 
any 
right 
to 
provide information through the press, through an 
appeal of a decision to release the offender, if such a 
official website of the competent authority or through 
right exists in national law. 
a similar communication channel. 
(28) Member States should not be obliged to provide 
(34) Justice 
cannot 
be 
effectively 
achieved 
unless 
victims 
can 
information where disclosure of that information could 
properly explain the circumstances of the crime and 
affect the proper handling of a case or harm a given case 
provide their evidence in a manner understandable to 
or person, or if they consider it contrary to the essential 
the competent authorities. It is equally important to 
interests of their security. 
ensure that victims are treated in a respectful manner 
and that they are able to access their rights. Interpre­
tation should therefore be made available, free of 
charge, during questioning of the victim and in order 
(29) Competent 
authorities 
should 
ensure 
that 
victims 
receive 
to enable them to participate actively in court hearings, 
updated contact details for communication about their 
in accordance with the role of the victim in the relevant 
case unless the victim has expressed a wish not to 
criminal justice system. For other aspects of criminal 
receive such information. 
proceedings, the need for interpretation and translation 
can vary depending on specific issues, the role of the 
victim in the relevant criminal justice system and his 
or her involvement in proceedings and any specific 
rights they have. As such, interpretation and translation 
(30) A 
reference 
to 

‘decision’ 
in 
the 
context 
of 
the 
right 
to 
for these other cases need only be provided to the extent 
information, interpretation and translation, should be 
necessary for victims to exercise their rights.

EN 
14.11.2012 Official 
Journal 
of 
the 
European 
Union  L 
315/61
(35) The 
victim 
should 
have 
the 
right 
to 
challenge 

decision 
medical and forensic examination for evidence in cases of 
finding that there is no need for interpretation or trans­
rape or sexual assault, short and long-term psychological 
lation, in accordance with procedures in national law. 
counselling, trauma care, legal advice, advocacy and 
That right does not entail the obligation for Member 
specific services for children as direct or indirect victims. 
States to provide for a separate mechanism or 
complaint procedure in which such decision may be 
challenged and should not unreasonably prolong the 
criminal proceedings. An internal review of the decision 
in accordance with existing national procedures would 
suffice. 
(39) Victim 
support services are not required to provide 
extensive specialist and professional expertise themselves. 
If necessary, victim support services should assist victims 
in calling on existing professional support, such as 
psychologists. 
(36)  The fact that a victim speaks a language which is not 
widely spoken should not, in itself, be grounds to decide 
that interpretation or translation would unreasonably 
prolong the criminal proceedings. 
(40) Although the provision of support should not be 
dependent on victims making a complaint with regard 
to a criminal offence to a competent authority such as 
the police, such authorities are often best placed to 
inform victims of the possibility of support. Member 
States are therefore encouraged to establish appropriate 
(37) Support should be available 
from the moment the 
conditions to enable the referral of victims to victim 
competent authorities are aware of the victim and 
support services, including by ensuring that data 
throughout criminal proceedings and for an appropriate 
protection requirements can be and are adhered to. 
time after such proceedings in accordance with the needs 
Repeat referrals should be avoided. 
of the victim and the rights set out in this Directive. 
Support should be provided through a variety of 
means, without excessive formalities and through a 
sufficient geographical distribution across the Member 
State to allow all victims the opportunity to access 
such services. Victims who have suffered considerable 
(41)  The right of victims to be heard should be considered to 
harm due to the severity of the crime could require 
have been fulfilled where victims are permitted to make 
specialist support services. 
statements or explanations in writing. 
(38)  Persons who are particularly vulnerable or who find 
(42) The 
right of child victims to be heard in criminal 
themselves in situations that expose them to a 
proceedings should not be precluded solely on the 
particularly high risk of harm, such as persons 
basis that the victim is a child or on the basis of that 
subjected to repeat violence in close relationships, 
victim's age. 
victims of gender-based violence, or persons who fall 
victim to other types of crime in a Member State of 
which they are not nationals or residents, should be 
provided with specialist support and legal protection. 
Specialist support services should be based on an inte­
grated and targeted approach which should, in particular, 
(43)  The right to a review of a decision not to prosecute 
take into account the specific needs of victims, the 
should be understood as referring to decisions taken by 
severity of the harm suffered as a result of a criminal 
prosecutors and investigative judges or law enforcement 
offence, as well as the relationship between victims, 
authorities such as police officers, but not to the 
offenders, children and their wider social environment. 
decisions taken by courts. Any review of a decision not 
A main task of these services and their staff, which 
to prosecute should be carried out by a different person 
play an important role in supporting the victim to 
or authority to that which made the original decision, 
recover from and overcome potential harm or trauma 
unless the initial decision not to prosecute was taken by 
as a result of a criminal offence, should be to inform 
the highest prosecuting authority, against whose decision 
victims about the rights set out in this Directive so that 
no review can be made, in which case the review may be 
they can take decisions in a supportive environment that 
carried out by that same authority. The right to a review 
treats them with dignity, respect and sensitivity. The 
of a decision not to prosecute does not concern special 
types of support that such specialist support services 
procedures, such as proceedings against members of 
should offer could include providing shelter and safe 
parliament or government, in relation to the exercise of 
accommodation, immediate medical support, referral to 
their official position.

L 315/62 
EN 
Official Journal of the European Union 
14.11.2012 
(44) A 
decision 
ending 
criminal 
proceedings 
should 
include 
that the victim is obliged or requested by the competent 
situations where a prosecutor decides to withdraw 
authorities to be present and actively participate in the 
charges or discontinue proceedings. 
criminal proceedings. 
(48) Recoverable property which is seized in criminal 
proceedings should be returned as soon as possible to 
(45) A 
decision 
of 
the 
prosecutor 
resulting 
in 
an 
out-of-court 
the victim of the crime, subject to exceptional circum­
settlement and thus ending criminal proceedings, 
stances, such as in a dispute concerning the ownership or 
excludes victims from the right to a review of a 
where the possession of the property or the property 
decision of the prosecutor not to prosecute, only if the 
itself is illegal. The right to have property returned 
settlement imposes a warning or an obligation. 
should be without prejudice to its legitimate retention 
for the purposes of other legal proceedings. 
(49) The 
right to a decision on compensation from the 
(46) Restorative 
justice 
services, 
including 
for 
example 
victim- 
offender and the relevant applicable procedure should 
offender mediation, family group conferencing and 
also apply to victims resident in a Member State other 
sentencing circles, can be of great benefit to the victim, 
than the Member State where the criminal offence was 
but require safeguards to prevent secondary and repeat 
committed. 
victimisation, intimidation and retaliation. Such services 
should therefore have as a primary consideration the 
interests and needs of the victim, repairing the harm 
done to the victim and avoiding further harm. Factors 
such as the nature and severity of the crime, the ensuing 
degree of trauma, the repeat violation of a victim's 
physical, sexual, or psychological integrity, power imbal­
(50) The 
obligation set out in this 
Directive 
to transmit 
complaints should not affect Member States' competence 
ances, and the age, maturity or intellectual capacity of the 
to institute proceedings and is without prejudice to the 
victim, which could limit or reduce the victim's ability to 
rules of conflict relating to the exercise of jurisdiction, as 
make an informed choice or could prejudice a positive 
laid down in Council Framework Decision 
outcome for the victim, should be taken into 
2009/948/JHA of 30 November 2009 on prevention 
consideration in referring a case to the restorative 
and settlement of conflicts of exercise of jurisdiction in 
justice services and in conducting a restorative justice 
criminal proceedings (
process. Restorative justice processes should, in principle, 
 1 ). 
be confidential, unless agreed otherwise by the parties, or 
as required by national law due to an overriding public 
interest. Factors such as threats made or any forms of 
violence committed during the process may be 
considered as requiring disclosure in the public interest. 
(51)  If the victim has left the territory of the Member State 
where the criminal offence was committed, that Member 
State should no longer be obliged to provide assistance, 
support and protection except for what is directly related 
to any criminal proceedings it is conducting regarding 
the criminal offence concerned, such as special protection 
measures during court proceedings. The Member State of 
(47) Victims 
should 
not 
be 
expected 
to 
incur 
expenses 
in 
the victim's residence should provide assistance, support 
relation to their participation in criminal proceedings. 
and protection required for the victim's need to recover. 
Member States should be required to reimburse only 
necessary expenses of victims in relation to their partici­
pation in criminal proceedings and should not be 
required to reimburse victims' legal fees. Member States 
should be able to impose conditions in regard to the 
reimbursement of expenses in national law, such as 
(52) Measures 
should 
be 
available 
to 
protect 
the 
safety 
and 
time limits for claiming reimbursement, standard rates 
dignity of victims and their family members from 
for subsistence and travel costs and maximum daily 
secondary and repeat victimisation, from intimidation 
amounts for loss of earnings. The right to reimbursement 
and from retaliation, such as interim injunctions or 
of expenses in criminal proceedings should not arise in a 
protection or restraining orders.
situation where a victim makes a statement on a criminal 
offence. Expenses should only be covered to the extent 
( 1 ) OJ L 328, 15.12.2009, p. 42.

EN 
14.11.2012 Official 
Journal 
of 
the 
European 
Union  L 
315/63
(53) The 
risk 
of 
secondary 
and 
repeat 
victimisation, 
of 
intimi­
(56) Individual 
assessments should take into account the 
dation and of retaliation by the offender or as a result of 
personal characteristics of the victim such as his or her 
participation in criminal proceedings should be limited 
age, gender and gender identity or expression, ethnicity, 
by carrying out proceedings in a coordinated and 
race, religion, sexual orientation, health, disability, 
respectful manner, enabling victims to establish trust in 
residence status, communication difficulties, relationship 
authorities. Interaction with competent authorities should 
to or dependence on the offender and previous 
be as easy as possible whilst limiting the number of 
experience of crime. They should also take into 
unnecessary interactions the victim has with them 
account the type or nature and the circumstances of 
through, for example, video recording of interviews and 
the crime such as whether it is a hate crime, a bias 
allowing its use in court proceedings. As wide a range of 
crime or a crime committed with a discriminatory 
measures as possible should be made available to practi­
motive, sexual violence, violence in a close relationship, 
tioners to prevent distress to the victim during court 
whether the offender was in a position of control, 
proceedings in particular as a result of visual contact 
whether the victim's residence is in a high crime or 
with the offender, his or her family, associates or 
gang dominated area, or whether the victim's country 
members of the public. To that end, Member States 
of origin is not the Member State where the crime was 
should be encouraged to introduce, especially in 
committed. 
relation to court buildings and police stations, feasible 
and practical measures enabling the facilities to include 
amenities such as separate entrances and waiting areas 
for victims. In addition, Member States should, to the 
extent possible, plan the criminal proceedings so that 
contacts between victims and their family members and 
offenders are avoided, such as by summoning victims 
(57) Victims 
of 
human 
trafficking, 
terrorism, 
organised 
crime, 
and offenders to hearings at different times. 
violence in close relationships, sexual violence or exploi­
tation, gender-based violence, hate crime, and victims 
with disabilities and child victims tend to experience a 
high rate of secondary and repeat victimisation, of intimi­
dation and of retaliation. Particular care should be taken 
when assessing whether such victims are at risk of such 
victimisation, intimidation and of retaliation and there 
should be a strong presumption that those victims will 
(54) Protecting 
the 
privacy 
of 
the 
victim 
can 
be 
an 
important 
benefit from special protection measures. 
means of preventing secondary and repeat victimisation, 
intimidation and retaliation and can be achieved through 
a range of measures including non-disclosure or limi­
tations on the disclosure of information concerning the 
identity and whereabouts of the victim. Such protection 
is particularly important for child victims, and includes 
non-disclosure of the name of the child. However, there 
might be cases where, exceptionally, the child can benefit 
(58) Victims who have been identified as vulnerable to 
from the disclosure or even widespread publication of 
secondary and repeat victimisation, to intimidation and 
information, for example where a child has been 
to retaliation should be offered appropriate measures to 
abducted. Measures to protect the privacy and images 
protect them during criminal proceedings. The exact 
of victims and of their family members should always 
nature of such measures should be determined through 
be consistent with the right to a fair trial and freedom of 
the individual assessment, taking into account the wish 
expression, as recognised in Articles 6 and 10, respect­
of the victim. The extent of any such measure should be 
ively, of the European Convention for the Protection of 
determined without prejudice to the rights of the defence 
Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. 
and in accordance with rules of judicial discretion. The 
victims' concerns and fears in relation to proceedings 
should be a key factor in determining whether they 
need any particular measure. 
(55) Some 
victims 
are 
particularly 
at 
risk 
of 
secondary 
and 
repeat victimisation, of intimidation and of retaliation by 
the offender during criminal proceedings. It is possible 
(59) Immediate 
operational 
needs 
and 
constraints 
may 
make 
that such a risk derives from the personal characteristics 
it impossible to ensure, for example, that the same police 
of the victim or the type, nature or circumstances of the 
officer consistently interview the victim; illness, maternity 
crime. Only through individual assessments, carried out 
or parental leave are examples of such constraints. 
at the earliest opportunity, can such a risk be effectively 
Furthermore, premises specially designed for interviews 
identified. Such assessments should be carried out for all 
with victims may not be available due, for example, to 
victims to determine whether they are at risk of 
renovation. In the event of such operational or practical 
secondary and repeat victimisation, of intimidation and 
constraints, a special measure envisaged following an 
of retaliation and what special protection measures they 
individual assessment may not be possible to provide 
require. 
on a case-by-case basis.

L 315/64 
EN 
Official Journal of the European Union 
14.11.2012
(60) Where, 
in 
accordance 
with 
this 
Directive, 

guardian 
or 

(63) In 
order 
to 
encourage 
and 
facilitate 
reporting 
of 
crimes 
representative is to be appointed for a child, those roles 
and to allow victims to break the cycle of repeat victi­
could be performed by the same person or by a legal 
misation, it is essential that reliable support services are 
person, an institution or an authority. 
available to victims and that competent authorities are 
prepared to respond to victims' reports in a respectful, 
sensitive, professional and non-discriminatory manner. 
This could increase victims' confidence in the criminal 
justice systems of Member States and reduce the 
number of unreported crimes. Practitioners who are 
likely to receive complaints from victims with regard to 
criminal offences should be appropriately trained to 
facilitate reporting of crimes, and measures should be 
put in place to enable third-party reporting, including 
(61) Any 
officials 
involved 
in 
criminal 
proceedings 
who 
are 
by civil society organisations. It should be possible to 
likely to come into personal contact with victims should 
make use of communication technology, such as e- 
be able to access and receive appropriate initial and 
mail, video recordings or online electronic forms for 
ongoing training, to a level appropriate to their contact 
making complaints. 
with victims, so that they are able to identify victims and 
their needs and deal with them in a respectful, sensitive, 
professional and non-discriminatory manner. Persons 
who are likely to be involved in the individual assessment 
to identify victims' specific protection needs and to 
determine their need for special protection measures 
should receive specific training on how to carry out 
such an assessment. Member States should ensure such 
training for police services and court staff. Equally, 
training should be promoted for lawyers, prosecutors 
(64) Systematic 
and adequate statistical data collection is 
and judges and for practitioners who provide victim 
recognised as an essential component of effective policy­
support or restorative justice services. This requirement 
making in the field of rights set out in this Directive. In 
should include training on the specific support services to 
order to facilitate evaluation of the application of this 
which victims should be referred or specialist training 
Directive, Member States should communicate to the 
where their work focuses on victims with specific 
Commission relevant statistical data related to the appli­
needs and specific psychological training, as appropriate. 
cation of national procedures on victims of crime, 
Where relevant, such training should be gender sensitive. 
including at least the number and type of the reported 
Member States' actions on training should be comple­
crimes and, as far as such data are known and are 
mented by guidelines, recommendations and exchange 
available, the number and age and gender of the 
of best practices in accordance with the Budapest 
victims. Relevant statistical data can include data 
roadmap.
recorded by the judicial authorities and by law 
 
enforcement agencies and, as far as possible, adminis­
trative data compiled by healthcare and social welfare 
services and by public and non-governmental victim 
support or restorative justice services and other organi­
sations working with victims of crime. Judicial data can 
include information about reported crime, the number of 
cases that are investigated and persons prosecuted and 
sentenced. Service-based administrative data can include, 
as far as possible, data on how victims are using services 
(62) Member 
States 
should 
encourage 
and 
work 
closely 
with 
provided by government agencies and public and private 
civil society organisations, including recognised and 
support organisations, such as the number of referrals by 
active non-governmental organisations working with 
police to victim support services, the number of victims 
victims of crime, in particular in policymaking initiatives, 
that request, receive or do not receive support or 
information and awareness-raising campaigns, research 
restorative justice. 
and education programmes and in training, as well as 
in monitoring and evaluating the impact of measures 
to support and protect victims of crime. For victims of 
crime to receive the proper degree of assistance, support 
and protection, public services should work in a coor­
dinated manner and should be involved at all adminis­
trative levels — at Union level, and at national, regional 
and local level. Victims should be assisted in finding and 
addressing the competent authorities in order to avoid 
(65) This 
Directive 
aims 
to 
amend 
and 
expand 
the 
provisions 
repeat referrals. Member States should consider 
of Framework Decision 2001/220/JHA. Since the 
developing ‘sole points of access’ or ‘one-stop shops’, 
amendments to be made are substantial in number and 
that address victims' multiple needs when involved in 
nature, that Framework Decision should, in the interests 
criminal proceedings, including the need to receive 
of clarity, be replaced in its entirety in relation to 
information, assistance, support, protection and compen­
Member States participating in the adoption of this 
sation. 
Directive.

EN 
14.11.2012 Official 
Journal 
of 
the 
European 
Union  L 
315/65 
(66) This 
Directive 
respects 
fundamental 
rights 
and 
observes 
(72) The 
European 
Data 
Protection 
Supervisor 
delivered 
an 
the principles recognised by the Charter of Fundamental 
opinion on 17 October 2011 ( 2 ) based on Article 41(2) 
Rights of the European Union. In particular, it seeks to 
of Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European 
promote the right to dignity, life, physical and mental 
Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2000 
integrity, liberty and security, respect for private and 
on the protection of individuals with regard to the 
family life, the right to property, the principle of non- 
processing of personal data by the Community insti­
discrimination, the principle of equality between women 
tutions and bodies and on the free movement of such 
and men, the rights of the child, the elderly and persons 
data ( 3 ), 
with disabilities, and the right to a fair trial. 
HAVE ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: 
(67) Since 
the 
objective 
of 
this 
Directive, 
namely 
to 
establish 
minimum standards on the rights, support and 
CHAPTER 1 
protection of victims of crime, cannot be sufficiently 
achieved by the Member States, and can therefore, by 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
reason of its scale and potential effects, be better 
Article 1 
achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt 
measures in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity 
Objectives 
as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union 
(TEU). In accordance with the principle of propor­
1. The 
purpose 
of 
this 
Directive 
is 
to 
ensure 
that 
victims 
of 
tionality, as set out in that Article, this Directive does 
crime receive appropriate information, support and protection 
not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that 
and are able to participate in criminal proceedings. 
objective. 
Member States shall ensure that victims are recognised and 
treated in a respectful, sensitive, tailored, professional and 
(68) Personal data processed when implementing this 
non-discriminatory manner, in all contacts with victim 
Directive should be protected in accordance with 
support or restorative justice services or a competent authority, 
Council Framework Decision 2008/977/JHA of 
operating within the context of criminal proceedings. The rights 
27 November 2008 on the protection of personal data 
set out in this Directive shall apply to victims in a non-discrimi­
processed in the framework of police and judicial 
natory manner, including with respect to their residence status. 
cooperation in criminal matters ( 1 ) and in accordance 
with the principles laid down in the Council of Europe 
Convention of 28 January 1981 for the Protection of 
2. Member 
States 
shall 
ensure 
that 
in 
the 
application 
of 
this 
Individuals with regard to Automatic Processing of 
Directive, where the victim is a child, the child's best interests 
Personal Data, which all Member States have ratified. 
shall be a primary consideration and shall be assessed on an 
individual basis. A child-sensitive approach, taking due account 
of the child's age, maturity, views, needs and concerns, shall 
prevail. The child and the holder of parental responsibility or 
other legal representative, if any, shall be informed of any 
(69) This Directive does not affect more far reaching 
provisions contained in other Union acts which address 
measures or rights specifically focused on the child. 
the specific needs of particular categories of victims, such 
as victims of human trafficking and victims of child 
sexual abuse, sexual exploitation and child pornography, 
Article 2 
in a more targeted manner. 
Definitions 
1. 
For the purposes of this Directive the following definitions 
shall apply: 
(70) In 
accordance 
with 
Article 

of 
Protocol 
No 
21 
on 
the 
position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of 
the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice, annexed to the 
(a) ‘victim’ means: 
TEU and to the TFEU, those Member States have notified 
their wish to take part in the adoption and application of 
this Directive. 
(i) a  natural  person  who  has  suffered  harm,  including 
physical, mental or emotional harm or economic loss 
which was directly caused by a criminal offence; 
(71)  In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of Protocol No 22 
on the position of Denmark, annexed to the TEU and to 
(ii) family members of a person whose death was directly 
the TFEU, Denmark is not taking part in the adoption of 
caused by a criminal offence and who have suffered 
this Directive and is not bound by it or subject to its 
harm as a result of that person's death;
application. 
( 2 ) OJ C 35, 9.2.2012, p. 10. 
( 1 ) OJ L 350, 30.12.2008, p. 60. 
( 3 ) OJ L 8, 12.1.2001, p. 1.

L 315/66 
EN 
Official Journal of the European Union 
14.11.2012
(b) ‘family members’ means the spouse, the person who is 
(a) the type of support they can obtain and from whom, 
living with the victim in a committed intimate relationship, 
including, where relevant, basic information about access 
in a joint household and on a stable and continuous basis, 
to medical support, any specialist support, including 
the relatives in direct line, the siblings and the dependants 
psychological support, and alternative accommodation; 
of the victim; 
(c) ‘child’ means any person below 18 years of age; 
(b) the procedures for making complaints with regard to a 
criminal offence and their role in connection with such 
procedures; 
(d) ‘restorative justice’ means any process whereby the victim 
and the offender are enabled, if they freely consent, to 
participate actively in the resolution of matters arising 
from the criminal offence through the help of an 
(c) how and under what conditions they can obtain protection, 
impartial third party. 
including protection measures; 
2. Member 
States 
may 
establish 
procedures: 
(d) how and under what conditions they can access legal advice, 
legal aid and any other sort of advice; 
(a) to limit the number of family members who may benefit 
from the rights set out in this Directive taking into account 
the individual circumstances of each case; and 
(e) how and under what conditions they can access compen­
sation; 
(b) in relation to paragraph (1)(a)(ii), to determine which family 
members have priority in relation to the exercise of the 
rights set out in this Directive. 
(f)  how and under what conditions they are entitled to inter­
pretation and translation; 
CHAPTER 2 
PROVISION OF INFORMATION AND SUPPORT 
Article 3 
(g) if they are resident in a Member State other than that where 
Right to understand and to be understood 
the criminal offence was committed, any special measures, 
procedures or arrangements, which are available to protect 
1. Member 
States 
shall 
take 
appropriate 
measures 
to 
assist 
their interests in the Member State where the first contact 
victims to understand and to be understood from the first 
with the competent authority is made; 
contact and during any further necessary interaction they have 
with a competent authority in the context of criminal 
proceedings, including where information is provided by that 
authority. 
(h) the available procedures for making complaints where their 
rights are not respected by the competent authority 
operating within the context of criminal proceedings; 
2. Member 
States 
shall 
ensure 
that 
communications 
with 
victims are given in simple and accessible language, orally or 
in writing. Such communications shall take into account the 
personal characteristics of the victim including any disability 
(i) the contact details for communications about their case; 
which may affect the ability to understand or to be understood. 
3. Unless 
contrary 
to 
the 
interests 
of 
the 
victim 
or 
unless 
the 
(j) the available restorative justice services; 
course of proceedings would be prejudiced, Member States shall 
allow victims to be accompanied by a person of their choice in 
the first contact with a competent authority where, due to the 
impact of the crime, the victim requires assistance to understand 
(k) how and under what conditions expenses incurred as a 
or to be understood. 
result of their participation in the criminal proceedings 
can be reimbursed. 
Article 4 
Right to receive information from the first contact with a 
competent authority 
2. The 
extent 
or 
detail 
of 
information 
referred 
to 
in 
paragraph 1 may vary depending on the specific needs and 
1. Member 
States 
shall 
ensure 
that 
victims 
are 
offered 
the  personal circumstances of the victim and the type or nature 
following information, without unnecessary delay, from their 
of the crime. Additional details may also be provided at later 
first contact with a competent authority in order to enable 
stages depending on the needs of the victim and the relevance, 
them to access the rights set out in this Directive: 
at each stage of proceedings, of such details.

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Article 5 
4.  The wish of victims as to whether or not to receive 
information shall bind the competent authority, unless that 
Right of victims when making a complaint 
information must be provided due to the entitlement of the 
1.  Member States shall ensure that victims receive written 
victim to active participation in the criminal proceedings. 
acknowledgement of their formal complaint made by them to 
Member States shall allow victims to modify their wish at any 
the competent authority of a Member State, stating the basic 
moment, and shall take such modification into account. 
elements of the criminal offence concerned. 
2. Member 
States 
shall 
ensure 
that 
victims 
who 
wish 
to 
5. Member 
States 
shall 
ensure 
that 
victims 
are 
offered 
the 
make a complaint with regard to a criminal offence and who 
opportunity to be notified, without unnecessary delay, when 
do not understand or speak the language of the competent 
the person remanded in custody, prosecuted or sentenced for 
authority be enabled to make the complaint in a language 
criminal offences concerning them is released from or has 
that they understand or by receiving the necessary linguistic 
escaped detention. Furthermore, Member States shall ensure 
assistance. 
that victims are informed of any relevant measures issued for 
their protection in case of release or escape of the offender. 
3. Member 
States 
shall 
ensure 
that 
victims 
who 
do 
not 
understand or speak the language of the competent authority, 
receive translation, free of charge, of the written acknowl­
6. Victims 
shall, 
upon 
request, 
receive 
the 
information 
edgement of their complaint provided for in paragraph 1, if 
provided for in paragraph 5 at least in cases where there is a 
they so request, in a language that they understand. 
danger or an identified risk of harm to them, unless there is an 
identified risk of harm to the offender which would result from 
the notification. 
Article 6 
Right to receive information about their case 
Article 7 
1.  Member States shall ensure that victims are notified 
without unnecessary delay of their right to receive the 
Right to interpretation and translation 
following information about the criminal proceedings instituted 
1. Member 
States 
shall 
ensure 
that 
victims 
who 
do 
not 
as a result of the complaint with regard to a criminal offence 
understand or speak the language of the criminal proceedings 
suffered by the victim and that, upon request, they receive such 
concerned are provided, upon request, with interpretation in 
information: 
accordance with their role in the relevant criminal justice 
system in criminal proceedings, free of charge, at least during 
any interviews or questioning of the victim during criminal 
(a)  any decision not to proceed with or to end an investigation 
proceedings before investigative and judicial authorities, 
or not to prosecute the offender; 
including during police questioning, and interpretation for 
their active participation in court hearings and any necessary 
interim hearings. 
(b)  the time and place of the trial, and the nature of the charges 
against the offender. 
2. Without 
prejudice 
to 
the 
rights 
of 
the 
defence 
and 
in 
2. Member 
States 
shall 
ensure 
that, 
in 
accordance 
with 
their  accordance with rules of judicial discretion, communication 
role in the relevant criminal justice system, victims are notified 
technology such as videoconferencing, telephone or internet 
without unnecessary delay of their right to receive the following 
may be used, unless the physical presence of the interpreter is 
information about the criminal proceedings instituted as a result 
required in order for the victims to properly exercise their rights 
of the complaint with regard to a criminal offence suffered by 
or to understand the proceedings. 
them and that, upon request, they receive such information: 
(a) any final judgment in a trial; 
3. Member 
States 
shall 
ensure 
that 
victims 
who 
do 
not 
understand or speak the language of the criminal proceedings 
concerned are provided, in accordance with their role in the 
(b)  information enabling the victim to know about the state of 
relevant criminal justice system in criminal proceedings, upon 
the criminal proceedings, unless in exceptional cases the 
request, with translations of information essential to the exercise 
proper handling of the case may be adversely affected by 
of their rights in criminal proceedings in a language that they 
such notification. 
understand, free of charge, to the extent that such information 
is made available to the victims. Translations of such 
information shall include at least any decision ending the 
3. Information 
provided 
for 
under 
paragraph 
1(a) 
and  criminal proceedings related to the criminal offence suffered 
paragraph 2(a) shall include reasons or a brief summary of 
by the victim, and upon the victim's request, reasons or a 
reasons for the decision concerned, except in the case of a 
brief summary of reasons for such decision, except in the 
jury decision or a decision where the reasons are confidential 
case of a jury decision or a decision where the reasons are 
in which cases the reasons are not provided as a matter of 
confidential in which cases the reasons are not provided as a 
national law. 
matter of national law.

L 315/68 
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14.11.2012
4. Member 
States 
shall 
ensure 
that 
victims 
who 
are 
entitled 
3. Member 
States 
shall 
take 
measures 
to 
establish 
free 
of 
to information about the time and place of the trial in 
charge and confidential specialist support services in addition 
accordance with Article 6(1)(b) and who do not understand 
to, or as an integrated part of, general victim support services, 
the language of the competent authority, are provided with a 
or to enable victim support organisations to call on existing 
translation of the information to which they are entitled, upon 
specialised entities providing such specialist support. Victims, in 
request. 
accordance with their specific needs, shall have access to such 
services and family members shall have access in accordance 
with their specific needs and the degree of harm suffered as a 
result of the criminal offence committed against the victim. 
5. Victims 
may 
submit 

reasoned 
request 
to 
consider 

document as essential. There shall be no requirement to 
translate passages of essential documents which are not 
4.  Victim support services and any specialist support services 
relevant for the purpose of enabling victims to actively 
may be set up as public or non-governmental organisations and 
participate in the criminal proceedings. 
may be organised on a professional or voluntary basis. 
5. Member 
States 
shall 
ensure 
that 
access 
to 
any 
victim 
support services is not dependent on a victim making a 
6. Notwithstanding 
paragraphs 

and 
3, 
an 
oral 
translation  formal complaint with regard to a criminal offence to a 
or oral summary of essential documents may be provided 
competent authority. 
instead of a written translation on condition that such oral 
translation or oral summary does not prejudice the fairness of 
the proceedings. 
Article 9 
Support from victim support services 
1. Victim 
support 
services, 
as 
referred 
to 
in 
Article 
8(1), 
7.  Member States shall ensure that the competent authority 
shall, as a minimum, provide: 
assesses whether victims need interpretation or translation as 
provided for under paragraphs 1 and 3. Victims may 
challenge a decision not to provide interpretation or translation. 
The procedural rules for such a challenge shall be determined 
(a) information, advice and support relevant to the rights of 
by national law. 
victims including on accessing national compensation 
schemes for criminal injuries, and on their role in 
criminal proceedings including preparation for attendance 
at the trial; 
8.  Interpretation and translation and any consideration of a 
challenge of a decision not to provide interpretation or trans­
lation under this Article shall not unreasonably prolong the 
(b) information about or direct referral to any relevant specialist 
criminal proceedings. 
support services in place; 
(c) emotional and, where available, psychological support; 
Article 8 
Right to access victim support services 
(d) advice relating to financial and practical issues arising from 
1. Member 
States 
shall 
ensure 
that 
victims, 
in 
accordance 
the crime; 
with their needs, have access to confidential victim support 
services, free of charge, acting in the interests of the victims 
before, during and for an appropriate time after criminal 
proceedings. Family members shall have access to victim 
(e) unless  otherwise  provided  by  other  public  or  private 
support services in accordance with their needs and the 
services, advice relating to the risk and prevention of 
degree of harm suffered as a result of the criminal offence 
secondary and repeat victimisation, of intimidation and of 
committed against the victim. 
retaliation. 
2. Member 
States 
shall 
encourage 
victim 
support 
services 
to 
2. Member 
States 
shall 
facilitate 
the 
referral 
of 
victims, 
by 
the  pay particular attention to the specific needs of victims who 
competent authority that received the complaint and by other 
have suffered considerable harm due to the severity of the 
relevant entities, to victim support services. 
crime.

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3. Unless 
otherwise 
provided 
by 
other 
public 
or 
private  5.  Paragraphs 1, 3 and 4 shall not apply to a decision of the 
services, specialist support services referred to in Article 8(3), 
prosecutor not to prosecute, if such a decision results in an out- 
shall, as a minimum, develop and provide: 
of-court settlement, in so far as national law makes such 
provision. 
(a) shelters or any other appropriate interim accommodation 
for victims in need of a safe place due to an imminent 
risk of secondary and repeat victimisation, of intimidation 
Article 12 
and of retaliation; 
Right to safeguards in the context of restorative justice 
services 
1. Member 
States 
shall 
take 
measures 
to 
safeguard 
the 
victim 
(b) targeted and integrated support for victims with specific 
from secondary and repeat victimisation, from intimidation and 
needs, such as victims of sexual violence, victims of 
from retaliation, to be applied when providing any restorative 
gender-based violence and victims of violence in close rela­
justice services. Such measures shall ensure that victims who 
tionships, including trauma support and counselling. 
choose to participate in restorative justice processes have 
access to safe and competent restorative justice services, 
subject to at least the following conditions: 
CHAPTER 3 
PARTICIPATION IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS 
Article 10 
(a)  the restorative justice services are used only if they are in 
the interest of the victim, subject to any safety consider­
Right to be heard 
ations, and are based on the victim's free and informed 
1. Member 
States 
shall 
ensure 
that 
victims 
may 
be 
heard 
consent, which may be withdrawn at any time; 
during criminal proceedings and may provide evidence. Where 
a child victim is to be heard, due account shall be taken of the 
child's age and maturity. 
(b) before  agreeing  to  participate  in  the  restorative  justice 
process, the victim is provided with full and unbiased 
information about that process and the potential 
2. The 
procedural 
rules 
under 
which 
victims 
may 
be 
heard 
outcomes as well as information about the procedures for 
during criminal proceedings and may provide evidence shall be 
supervising the implementation of any agreement; 
determined by national law. 
Article 11 
(c)  the offender has acknowledged the basic facts of the case; 
Rights in the event of a decision not to prosecute 
1. Member 
States 
shall 
ensure 
that 
victims, 
in 
accordance  (d) any agreement is arrived at voluntarily and may be taken 
with their role in the relevant criminal justice system, have 
into account in any further criminal proceedings; 
the right to a review of a decision not to prosecute. The 
procedural rules for such a review shall be determined by 
national law. 
(e) discussions in restorative justice processes that are not 
conducted in public are confidential and are not 
2. Where, 
in 
accordance 
with 
national 
law, 
the 
role 
of 
the 
subsequently disclosed, except with the agreement of the 
victim in the relevant criminal justice system will be established 
parties or as required by national law due to an overriding 
only after a decision to prosecute the offender has been taken, 
public interest. 
Member States shall ensure that at least the victims of serious 
crimes have the right to a review of a decision not to prosecute. 
The procedural rules for such a review shall be determined by 
national law. 
2. Member 
States 
shall 
facilitate 
the 
referral 
of 
cases, 
as 
appropriate to restorative justice services, including through 
the establishment of procedures or guidelines on the conditions 
for such referral. 
3.  Member States shall ensure that victims are notified 
without unnecessary delay of their right to receive, and that 
they receive sufficient information to decide whether to 
request a review of any decision not to prosecute upon request. 
Article 13 
Right to legal aid 
4.  Where the decision not to prosecute is taken by the 
Member States shall ensure that victims have access to legal aid, 
highest prosecuting authority against whose decision no 
where they have the status of parties to criminal proceedings. 
review may be carried out under national law, the review 
The conditions or procedural rules under which victims have 
may be carried out by the same authority. 
access to legal aid shall be determined by national law.

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Article 14 
2. Member 
States 
shall 
ensure 
that 
victims 
of 

criminal 
offence committed in Member States other than that where 
Right to reimbursement of expenses 
they reside may make a complaint to the competent authorities 
Member States shall afford victims who participate in criminal 
of the Member State of residence, if they are unable to do so in 
proceedings, the possibility of reimbursement of expenses 
the Member State where the criminal offence was committed or, 
incurred as a result of their active participation in criminal 
in the event of a serious offence, as determined by national law 
proceedings, in accordance with their role in the relevant 
of that Member State, if they do not wish to do so. 
criminal justice system. The conditions or procedural rules 
under which victims may be reimbursed shall be determined 
by national law. 
3. Member 
States 
shall 
ensure 
that 
the 
competent 
authority 
to which the victim makes a complaint transmits it without 
delay to the competent authority of the Member State in 
Article 15 
which the criminal offence was committed, if the competence 
to institute the proceedings has not been exercised by the 
Right to the return of property 
Member State in which the complaint was made. 
Member States shall ensure that, following a decision by a 
competent authority, recoverable property which is seized in 
CHAPTER 4 
the course of criminal proceedings is returned to victims 
without delay, unless required for the purposes of criminal 
PROTECTION OF VICTIMS AND RECOGNITION OF VICTIMS 
proceedings. The conditions or procedural rules under which 
WITH SPECIFIC PROTECTION NEEDS 
such property is returned to the victims shall be determined 
by national law. 
Article 18 
Right to protection 
Article 16 
Without prejudice to the rights of the defence, Member States 
shall ensure that measures are available to protect victims and 
Right to decision on compensation from the offender in 
their family members from secondary and repeat victimisation, 
the course of criminal proceedings 
from intimidation and from retaliation, including against the 
1.  Member States shall ensure that, in the course of criminal 
risk of emotional or psychological harm, and to protect the 
proceedings, victims are entitled to obtain a decision on 
dignity of victims during questioning and when testifying. 
compensation by the offender, within a reasonable time, 
When necessary, such measures shall also include procedures 
except where national law provides for such a decision to be 
established under national law for the physical protection of 
made in other legal proceedings. 
victims and their family members. 
Article 19 
2. Member 
States 
shall 
promote 
measures 
to 
encourage 
offenders to provide adequate compensation to victims. 
Right to avoid contact between victim and offender 
1. Member 
States 
shall 
establish 
the 
necessary 
conditions 
to 
Article 17 
enable avoidance of contact between victims and their family 
members, where necessary, and the offender within premises 
Rights of victims resident in another Member State 
where criminal proceedings are conducted, unless the criminal 
proceedings require such contact. 
1. Member 
States 
shall 
ensure 
that 
their 
competent 
auth­
orities can take appropriate measures to minimise the difficulties 
faced where the victim is a resident of a Member State other 
2. Member 
States 
shall 
ensure 
that 
new 
court 
premises 
have 
than that where the criminal offence was committed, 
separate waiting areas for victims. 
particularly with regard to the organisation of the proceedings. 
For this purpose, the authorities of the Member State where the 
criminal offence was committed shall, in particular, be in a 
Article 20 
position: 
Right to protection of victims during criminal 
investigations 
(a) to take a statement from the victim immediately after the 
Without prejudice to the rights of the defence and in 
complaint with regard to the criminal offence is made to 
accordance with rules of judicial discretion, Member States 
the competent authority; 
shall ensure that during criminal investigations: 
(b)  to have recourse to the extent possible to the provisions on 
(a) interviews of victims are conducted without unjustified 
video conferencing and telephone conference calls laid 
delay after the complaint with regard to a criminal 
down in the Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal 
offence has been made to the competent authority; 
Matters between the Member States of the European Union 
of 29 May 2000 ( 1 ) for the purpose of hearing victims who 
are resident abroad. 
(b) the number of interviews of victims is kept to a minimum 
and interviews are carried out only where strictly necessary 
( 1 ) OJ C 197, 12.7.2000, p. 3.
for the purposes of the criminal investigation;

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(c) victims may be accompanied by their legal representative 
personal characteristics; victims whose relationship to and 
and a person of their choice, unless a reasoned decision 
dependence on the offender make them particularly vulnerable. 
has been made to the contrary; 
In this regard, victims of terrorism, organised crime, human 
trafficking, gender-based violence, violence in a close rela­
tionship, sexual violence, exploitation or hate crime, and 
(d) medical  examinations  are  kept  to  a  minimum  and  are 
victims with disabilities shall be duly considered. 
carried out only where strictly necessary for the purposes 
of the criminal proceedings. 
4. For 
the 
purposes 
of 
this 
Directive, 
child 
victims 
shall 
be 
presumed to have specific protection needs due to their vulner­
Article 21 
ability to secondary and repeat victimisation, to intimidation 
Right to protection of privacy 
and to retaliation. To determine whether and to what extent 
they would benefit from special measures as provided for under 
1. Member 
States 
shall 
ensure 
that 
competent 
authorities  Articles 23 and 24, child victims shall be subject to an indi­
may take during the criminal proceedings appropriate 
vidual assessment as provided for in paragraph 1 of this Article. 
measures to protect the privacy, including personal character­
istics of the victim taken into account in the individual 
assessment provided for under Article 22, and images of 
5. The 
extent 
of 
the 
individual 
assessment 
may 
be 
adapted 
victims and of their family members. Furthermore, Member 
according to the severity of the crime and the degree of 
States shall ensure that competent authorities may take all 
apparent harm suffered by the victim. 
lawful measures to prevent public dissemination of any 
information that could lead to the identification of a child 
victim. 
6. Individual 
assessments 
shall 
be 
carried 
out 
with 
the 
close 
involvement of the victim and shall take into account their 
2. In 
order 
to 
protect 
the 
privacy, 
personal 
integrity 
and  wishes including where they do not wish to benefit from 
personal data of victims, Member States shall, with respect for 
special measures as provided for in Articles 23 and 24. 
freedom of expression and information and freedom and 
pluralism of the media, encourage the media to take self-regu­
latory measures. 
7.  If the elements that form the basis of the individual 
assessment have changed significantly, Member States shall 
ensure that it is updated throughout the criminal proceedings. 
Article 22 
Individual assessment of victims to identify specific 
protection needs 
Article 23 
1. Member 
States 
shall 
ensure 
that 
victims 
receive 

timely 
Right to protection of victims with specific protection 
and individual assessment, in accordance with national 
needs during criminal proceedings 
procedures, to identify specific protection needs and to 
determine whether and to what extent they would benefit 
1. Without 
prejudice 
to 
the 
rights 
of 
the 
defence 
and 
in 
from special measures in the course of criminal proceedings, 
accordance with rules of judicial discretion, Member States 
as provided for under Articles 23 and 24, due to their particular 
shall ensure that victims with specific protection needs who 
vulnerability to secondary and repeat victimisation, to intimi­
benefit from special measures identified as a result of an indi­
dation and to retaliation. 
vidual assessment provided for in Article 22(1), may benefit 
from the measures provided for in paragraphs 2 and 3 of 
this Article. A special measure envisaged following the indi­
vidual assessment shall not be made available if operational 
2. The 
individual 
assessment 
shall, 
in 
particular, 
take 
into  or practical constraints make this impossible, or where there 
account: 
is a an urgent need to interview the victim and failure to do 
so could harm the victim or another person or could prejudice 
the course of the proceedings. 
(a) the personal characteristics of the victim; 
2. The 
following 
measures 
shall 
be 
available 
during 
criminal 
(b) the type or nature of the crime; and 
investigations to victims with specific protection needs 
identified in accordance with Article 22(1): 
(c) the circumstances of the crime. 
(a) interviews with the victim being carried out in premises 
designed or adapted for that purpose; 
3. In 
the 
context 
of 
the 
individual 
assessment, 
particular 
attention shall be paid to victims who have suffered 
considerable harm due to the severity of the crime; victims 
who have suffered a crime committed with a bias or discrimi­
(b) interviews with the victim being carried out by or through 
natory motive which could, in particular, be related to their 
professionals trained for that purpose;

L 315/72 
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Official Journal of the European Union 
14.11.2012
(c)  all interviews with the victim being conducted by the same 
a conflict of interest between the child victim and the 
persons unless this is contrary to the good administration of 
holders of parental responsibility. 
justice; 
(d) all interviews with victims of sexual violence, gender-based 
The procedural rules for the audiovisual recordings referred to 
violence or violence in close relationships, unless conducted 
in point (a) of the first subparagraph and the use thereof shall 
by a prosecutor or a judge, being conducted by a person of 
be determined by national law. 
the same sex as the victim, if the victim so wishes, provided 
that the course of the criminal proceedings will not be 
prejudiced. 
2.  Where the age of a victim is uncertain and there are 
reasons to believe that the victim is a child, the victim shall, 
3. The 
following 
measures 
shall 
be 
available 
for 
victims 
with  for the purposes of this Directive, be presumed to be a child. 
specific protection needs identified in accordance with 
Article 22(1) during court proceedings: 
CHAPTER 5 
(a) measures  to  avoid  visual contact  between  victims and 
offenders including during the giving of evidence, by appro­
OTHER PROVISIONS 
priate means including the use of communication tech­
Article 25 
nology; 
Training of practitioners 
1. Member 
States 
shall 
ensure 
that 
officials 
likely 
to 
come 
(b) measures to ensure that the victim may be heard in the 
into contact with victims, such as police officers and court staff, 
courtroom without being present, in particular through 
receive both general and specialist training to a level appropriate 
the use of appropriate communication technology; 
to their contact with victims to increase their awareness of the 
needs of victims and to enable them to deal with victims in an 
impartial, respectful and professional manner. 
(c) measures to avoid unnecessary questioning concerning the 
victim's private life not related to the criminal offence; and 
2. Without 
prejudice 
to 
judicial 
independence 
and 
differences 
(d) measures allowing  a  hearing to  take  place without the 
in the organisation of the judiciary across the Union, Member 
presence of the public. 
States shall request that those responsible for the training of 
judges and prosecutors involved in criminal proceedings make 
available both general and specialist training to increase the 
awareness of judges and prosecutors of the needs of victims. 
Article 24 
Right to protection of child victims during criminal 
proceedings 
3.  With due respect for the independence of the legal 
1. In 
addition 
to 
the 
measures 
provided 
for 
in 
Article 
23,  profession, Member States shall recommend that those 
Member States shall ensure that where the victim is a child: 
responsible for the training of lawyers make available both 
general and specialist training to increase the awareness of 
lawyers of the needs of victims. 
(a) in criminal investigations, all interviews with the child 
victim may be audiovisually recorded and such recorded 
interviews may be used as evidence in criminal proceedings; 
4. Through 
their 
public 
services 
or 
by 
funding 
victim 
support organisations, Member States shall encourage initiatives 
(b) in criminal investigations and proceedings, in accordance 
enabling those providing victim support and restorative justice 
with the role of victims in the relevant criminal justice 
services to receive adequate training to a level appropriate to 
system, competent authorities appoint a special represen­
their contact with victims and observe professional standards to 
tative for child victims where, according to national law, 
ensure such services are provided in an impartial, respectful and 
the holders of parental responsibility are precluded from 
professional manner. 
representing the child victim as a result of a conflict of 
interest between them and the child victim, or where the 
child victim is unaccompanied or separated from the family; 
5. In 
accordance 
with 
the 
duties 
involved, 
and 
the 
nature 
and 
level of contact the practitioner has with victims, training shall 
(c)  where the child victim has the right to a lawyer, he or she 
aim to enable the practitioner to recognise victims and to treat 
has the right to legal advice and representation, in his or her 
them in a respectful, professional and non-discriminatory 
own name, in proceedings where there is, or there could be, 
manner.

EN 
14.11.2012 Official 
Journal 
of 
the 
European 
Union  L 
315/73
Article 26 
showing how victims have accessed the rights set out in this 
Directive. 
Cooperation and coordination of services 
1. Member 
States 
shall 
take 
appropriate 
action 
to 
facilitate 
Article 29 
cooperation between Member States to improve the access of 
victims to the rights set out in this Directive and under national 
Report 
law. Such cooperation shall be aimed at least at: 
The Commission shall, by 16 November 2017, submit a report 
to the European Parliament and to the Council, assessing the 
(a) the exchange of best practices; 
extent to which the Member States have taken the necessary 
measures in order to comply with this Directive, including a 
(b) consultation in individual cases; and 
description of action taken under Articles 8, 9 and 23, accom­
panied, if necessary, by legislative proposals. 
(c) assistance  to  European  networks  working  on  matters 
directly relevant to victims' rights. 
Article 30 
Replacement of Framework Decision 2001/220/JHA 
2.  Member States shall take appropriate action, including 
through the internet, aimed at raising awareness of the rights 
Framework Decision 2001/220/JHA is hereby replaced in 
set out in this Directive, reducing the risk of victimisation, and 
relation to Member States participating in the adoption of this 
minimising the negative impact of crime and the risks of 
Directive, without prejudice to the obligations of the Member 
secondary and repeat victimisation, of intimidation and of retali­
States relating to the time limits for transposition into national 
ation, in particular by targeting groups at risk such as children, 
law. 
victims of gender-based violence and violence in close relation­
ships. Such action may include information and awareness 
In relation to Member States participating in the adoption of 
raising campaigns and research and education programmes, 
this Directive, references to that Framework Decision shall be 
where appropriate in cooperation with relevant civil society 
construed as references to this Directive. 
organisations and other stakeholders. 
CHAPTER 6 
Article 31 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
Entry into force 
Article 27 
This Directive shall enter into force on the day following that of 
its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. 
Transposition 
1. Member 
States 
shall 
bring 
into 
force 
the 
laws, 
regulations 
Article 32 
and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this 
Directive by 16 November 2015. 
Addressees 
This Directive is addressed to the Member States in accordance 
2. When 
Member 
States 
adopt 
those 
provisions 
they 
shall  with the Treaties. 
contain a reference to this Directive or be accompanied by 
such a reference on the occasion of their official publication. 
Member States shall determine how such a reference is to be 
made. 
Done at Strasbourg, 25 October 2012. 
Article 28 
Provision of data and statistics 
For the European Parliament 
For the Council 
Member States shall, by 16 November 2017 and every three 
The President 
The President 
years thereafter, communicate to the Commission available data 
M. SCHULZ 
A. D. MAVROYIANNIS

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