SECUNDARY VICTIMIZATION OF VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN JUDICIAL PROSEEDINGS IN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA

Abstract

One of the basic principles judicial authorities should adhere to when dealing with human trafficking victims is refraining from secondary victimization. Considering that secondary victimization is an exacerbation of primary victimization through inadequate or even erroneous reaction by law enforcement agencies, analysis of the degree of secondary victimization of human trafficking victims in court proceedings is of great importance when evaluating the sensitivity of the actions of judicial authorities. The research conducts both quantitative and qualitative analysis of all twelve final judgments in criminal proceedings in the Republic of North Macedonia in the period from 2015 to 2020. The quantitative analysis provides data on the frequency of victims and number of times the victim was heard in these court proceedings. It further analyses the victim’s distributions by gender, ethnicity and age. The qualitative research focuses on the written explanations of the verdicts. More specifically, it analyzes whether the change of the procedural law and the level of expertise and professionalism of the judges, prosecutors and lawyers in the application of special measures for procedural protection of victims has an impact on secondary victimization in court proceedings. The paper concludes that the main reason for the existence of secondary victimization is the insufficient expertise, professionalism and education of judges, prosecutors and lawyers, which is reflected in the lack of legal provisions practice of special protective measures for the victims. Key words: secondary victimization, victims of human trafficking, criminal proceedings, special protective measures.