1.
“Prioritising Victims Needs and
a Balanced Response”
Hello Latvia !
David McKenna
President, Victim Support Europe
21 February 2013
Conference is organized within project “Support for
Victims of Crime: Substantial or Nominal. Latvia and
#cietušiem // #victimslatvia // @providus Beyond”. Project is financed by European Union

2.
Victims’ Legal Status
• 1950 European Convention on Human Rights
• 1985 UN declaration of basic rights for victims of
crime and abuse of power
• 2000 EU Charter for Fundamental Rights
• 2001 EU framework decision on the standing of
victims in criminal proceedings
• 2012 Directive on minimum standards on the rights,
support and protection of victims of crime

3.
Victim Support Europe
• 29 Members
• 22 countries
• Nearly 3,000 paid staff
• Towards 20,000 volunteers
• Working with 2 million victims

4.
Crime Hurts . . . in the EU!
• 75 million people affected by crime
• Tens of thousands killed
• Millions suffer violence
• Many millions robbed / theft
• Real evidence of damage and
trauma

5.
Needs of Victims
• Safety
• Security
• Support
• Prevention
• Information
• Compensation
• Restorative Justice

6.
Impact of Victimisation
Fear Emotional
Anger Financial
Guilt Justice
Isolation Health
Reduced confidence Family
Criminal Community

7.
Supporting Victims
• Independent Services
• Free
• Confidential
• Trained Personnel
• Non-judgemental

8.
Benefits of Helping Victims
• Reduced crime / Re-victimisation
• Improved confidence in C.J.S.
• Less demand on health services
• Reduced fear of crime
• More effective C.J. system

9.
Thank you !
Questions ?

10.
Thank you !
Questions ?