EU Tools for the Protection of Victims of Serious and Organized Crime

Abstract

Traditionally the European Union has been somewhat reticent in proposing specific rights for crime victims. That position changed significantly with the adoption in 2001 of the Framework Decision on the Standing of Victims in Criminal Proceedings which set down legally binding rights for victims and corresponding obligations on Member States to protect victims from primary and secondary victimisation. Whilst representing an important step forward in securing protection for victims, the Framework Decision has also been seen to fall short of its objectives in various respects. This has resulted in proposals for legislative reform including the introduction of the European Protection Order and the adoption of the draft Directive establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime. This chapter outlines the key rights and obligations set down in the Framework Decision and also considers the likely impact on the protection afforded to victims of the introduction of the proposed reforms.