Victims and Witnesses Support in the Context of the Accession Negotiations with EU

Kolaković-Bojović, Milica (2016) Victims and Witnesses Support in the Context of the Accession Negotiations with EU. In: Naučno-stručni skup sa međunarodnim učešćem "Evropske integracije: pravda, sloboda i bezbednost", zbornik radova: Tom 2. Kriminalističko-policijska akademija ; Fondacija "Hans Zajdel", Beograd, pp. 355-366. ISBN 978-86-7020-354-9

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Abstract

EU legislation and standards presented during the screening process within the Chapters 23 & 24 related to rights of victims, including Directive 2012/29/EC, inter alia, envisage the establishment of victim support services. The purpose of such services is to provide victims and witnesses (hereinafter: VW) with the information on their rights and obligations and the ways to enforce them, as well as information on available support services, in order to help them overcome the consequences of crime and to constructively participate in criminal proceedings, which would then increase efficiency and quality of criminal proceedings. The shortcomings in the area of VW are affecting the justice system at large by covering all types of crime. The legislative framework in Serbia does not provide for nationally institutionalized support for VWs and there is no relevant strategic framework that covers this issue. Lack of relevant strategic policy framework influences strategic approach for development and definition of the system as well as development and adoption of policies in this area. The treatment of VWs is regulated ad hoc, inter-institutional cooperation is poor and there is a need to standardize overall support and protection from initial contact with the police, prosecution, courts, all the way to the completion of the proceedings. To improve this area Serbia needs to create VW support services network based on the maximum usage of existing (non)governmental capacities and linkage of all relevant providers into the unique network. Serbia needs to develop the referral mechanism and introduce coordination points in relevant institutions as well as to boost inter-institutional cooperation and cooperation with CSOs and other relevant providers as well as raising awareness on possibilities that system enables. These activities will provide a starting point for exercising the victims’ rights according to acquis and also enable safe participation of VWs in criminal proceedings.

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