Victims of crime

It is important that victims have a say in criminal proceedings against the offender. While the main purpose of criminal proceedings is to assess the responsibility of the offender(s), in general victims may participate actively and in their own right. The 2012 Directive on Victims' Rights strengthens victims' rights including procedural rights.

Crime victims in the European Union (EU) can obtain compensation for the injuries and/or damages they have suffered, regardless of where in the territory of the EU the crime was committed.

As a victim of a crime you can benefit from a number of rights, and assistance from national authorities and organisations to advise and help you. These factsheets provide you with a range of information on what you can expect in every country in the European Union.

Protection orders issued in one EU country can continue to be enforced in another