Brussels – On Monday, negotiations commenced in Brussels among EU institutions regarding a new comprehensive law aimed at enhancing the rights of crime victims. The discussions are being spearheaded for the European Parliament (EP) by MEP Lucia Yar (PS) from the liberal Renew Europe (RE) group, as reported by TASR correspondent.
Yar confirmed to TASR that a trilogue involving representatives from the European Commission (EC), the EU Council, and the EP began on Monday afternoon, marking the final stage of developing EU legislation focused on the rights of victims of crime. The Slovak MEP serves as the rapporteur for the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality and as the shadow rapporteur for the Committee on Civil Liberties.
The purpose of the proposed legislation is to enhance victim rights and ensure they receive adequate assistance, protection, and support throughout the criminal justice process. Although the EU implemented initial regulations in 2012, experts believe they are no longer adequate.
“Recent incidents of domestic violence in Malacky over the weekend, along with high-profile cases involving a Bratislava student and the tragic murder of a mother from Dubnica nad Váhom over a year ago, highlight that violence—particularly against women—remains a critical issue in Slovakia. Victims and their families often struggle to navigate complex situations and understand their entitlements. Meanwhile, state support is insufficient,” the MEP stated.
Yar highlighted that one of the key demands from the European Parliament is to improve victims’ access to compensation and legal assistance, as well as to ensure the availability and quality of support services, including psychological, social, and healthcare support. She emphasized the need for enhanced training for relevant authorities to ensure victims are treated with care and to reduce the risk of secondary victimization.
“If victims are not treated with dignity and sensitivity, they may leave the criminal process with even greater trauma than they entered,” Yar noted.
She explained that due to fears of having their cases minimized or doubted, many victims—especially those of violent and sexual crimes—hesitate to report incidents to the police. They also worry about inadequate protection from intimidation and retaliation. Yar believes that addressing this issue requires better preparation for investigators, prosecutors, and judges.
Recently, Yar visited support centers in eastern Slovakia that assist domestic violence victims. The experiences she encountered reaffirmed her belief that significant changes are necessary in this area. She pointed out that since progress is lacking at the national level, action must be initiated at the EU level.
The MEP anticipates that negotiations will be complex and could span several months, as criminal law is a particularly sensitive subject for member states, which exhibit considerable variations in their regulations.
“We expect some resistance from member states in certain areas, but we will strive to reach a workable compromise,” she said. (December 5)
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