This document discusses victims' rights under the European Charter of Fundamental Rights and the obligation of states to protect and provide redress for victims of crime. It notes that criminal law and proceedings serve to both effectively protect victims' rights and provide redress, through deterrence of criminal acts, identification and punishment of offenders, and granting victims access to justice. The right to access justice includes a thorough investigation, ability to participate in proceedings, and legal aid. States must take practical steps to ensure victims can effectively exercise these rights in practice through victim support services.