Reality or Fiction? Strengthening Victims of Crime in Spain by Implementing the eu Victims’ Rights Directive and other European Legal Instruments

Abstract

In this article an assessment is made of the Spanish implementation of Directive on the rights of victims of crimes and specialized eu policies and legislation in this field. Special attention is made to the European Protection Order and compensation schemes from both the State and the offender. This contribution is divided into seven parts. These include: A general overview on the victim rights’ situation in Spain with the main changes following the implementation of the Victims’ Rights Directive (2); an explanation of the Spanish compensation system for victims (3) and of protection measures for victims (4); a brief commentary on foreign victims in irregular situation (5) and a critical overview of protection measures in the field of victims of female genital mutilation (6). Final remarks will be also given (7).