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REPORT (COM(2023)0424 – C90303/2023 – 2023/0250(COD))

On the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2012/29/EU establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2001/220/JHA

A-9-2024-0157

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (Joint committee procedure – Rule 58 of the Rules of Procedure) · Rapporteur: Javier Zarzalejos, María Soraya Rodríguez Ramos

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Parliament's amended version of the proposed directive amends Directive 2012/29/EU on victims' rights, covering reporting, support, protection, and participation in criminal proceedings. It requires electronic reporting, helplines via 116 006, free legal aid for certain victims, and protection from secondary victimisation, with data collection every three years.

Committee position. The joint committee proposes amendments to the Commission proposal, adopting a position at first reading that strengthens victims' rights in areas like reporting, support, and legal aid.

Key points

  1. Member States must provide electronic communication and reporting mechanisms, including online, for victims, with confidentiality and safety.
  2. Victims' helplines must be free, confidential, accessible via 116 006 and other technologies, with multilingual support and trained staff.
  3. Reporting must be possible for victims in detention or accommodation facilities, with safeguards for irregular migrants and children.
  4. Victims have the right to interpretation and translation free of charge in criminal proceedings, and to information on case developments.
  5. Support services must be coordinated, free, confidential, and include psychological support, with access to shelters and interim accommodations.
  6. Child victims, including witnesses, receive specialised support and protection, with reporting procedures that are child-friendly and safe.
  7. Victims have the right to legal aid, with free legal aid for those without sufficient means and for specific vulnerable groups.
  8. Individual assessments must identify both protection and support needs, considering intersectional discrimination and risks from offenders.
  9. Measures to protect dignity include preventing glorification of crimes, protecting identity, and avoiding contact with offenders in court.
  10. Training for officials and professionals must be regular, trauma-sensitive, and include multi-agency cooperation, with practical guidelines.
  11. Member States must run awareness campaigns, establish dedicated websites, and ensure information is accessible to all victims.
  12. Statistics on victims must be collected every three years, including data on crime types, victim characteristics, and barriers to reporting.

Who is affected

  • Victims of crime in the EU, including children, irregular migrants, persons with disabilities, and those in detention or accommodation facilities.
  • Member States' authorities, including police, courts, and support services, must implement new reporting, assessment, and training duties.
  • Victim support organisations, both governmental and non-governmental, receive funding and coordination requirements.
  • Offenders face measures such as barring orders and penalties for breaches, and their data use is restricted.

Figures and deadlines

  • 116 006: EU-wide telephone number for victims' helplines.
  • Every three years: Member States transmit statistics to the Commission.
  • Six years after adoption: Commission submits a report on application.

Legal basis: Article 82(2), point (c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union