The Dutch Senate accepted the bill which converts the European Directive on victims’ rights from 2012 in Dutch law. VSE members Victim Support Netherlands is pleased that the bill is adopted and implementation is not far away.
Correct position of victims in Europe
The police, prosecution, Victim Support Netherlands and other partners have worked hard in recent years to ensure that victims can exercise rights.
Two key elements of the Directive are:
Better information
An important part of the directive is that victims should receive adequate information. So to victims from the first contact with the police or public prosecutor be informed about their rights and about the help available. The information will be expanded on the onset and progress of the criminal case.
Individual assessment for all victims
New is the so-called “individual assessment” which prescribes the guidelines for all victims. On the basis of this evaluation is to be determined whether a victim is particularly vulnerable to repeat victimization, for intimidation and of retaliation.
