Advancement of the assistance and support system for victims and witnesses of criminal offences – the role of civil society organizations in Croatia
Legal and institutional framework of the system of support to victims of criminal offences as well as the significance of the Directive 2012/29/EU and its implementation in the legislation of the Republic of Croatia are elaborated in this paper. In addition, certain difficulties related to...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Victimology Society of Serbia and University of Belgrade, Faculty of Special Education and Rehabilitation
2020-01-01
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| Series: | Temida |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/1450-6637/2020/1450-66372001107D.pdf |
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| Summary: | Legal and institutional framework of the system of support to victims of
criminal offences as well as the significance of the Directive 2012/29/EU
and its implementation in the legislation of the Republic of Croatia are
elaborated in this paper. In addition, certain difficulties related to the
victim support system in practice are identified. A new model of service
provision to victims and witnesses of criminal offences through founding and
active work of The Network of Support and Co-operation for Victims and
Witnesses of Criminal Offences and its results after two years of work are
presented. The role and importance of civil society organizations in this
field are emphasized. The conclusion declares establishment of more quality
system of assistance and support for victims and witnesses of criminal
offences. A part of the system is supported institutionally through the
activities within the Ministry of Justice and specially established
departments within the courts. A part of support is ensured
noninstitutionally through the work of The Network of Support and
Co-operation for Victims and Witnesses of Criminal Offences. It is exactly
that involvement of motivated, educated and dedicated civil society
organizations turned out as a key factor in establishing the efficient
system. We will be able to state that certain milestones are achieved after:
1) further development of the system as a whole which refers to amending and
implementing the existing legislative framework, 2) establishing a larger
number of departments within courts, 3) spreading the Network‘ s services to
all counties in Croatia, and 4) strengthening capacity of organizations that
are service providers. The key is to ensure the financial means for the
Network‘ s activities, strengthening networking of all stakeholders and
introducing systemical control of service provision quality for victims and
witnesses on all levels. |
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| ISSN: | 1450-6637 2406-0941 |