Victims of Crime
Being a victim of crime is often a traumatic experience for the victim. Because of this, it is vital that crime victims can obtain support, protection and help. At the Ministry of Justice, work is continually in progress on various issues involving victims of crime in order to develop society's support to these people.
In recent years, important amendments have been made to the legislation, aimed at improving the situation of crime victims. Among other things, amendments have been made to the provisions on injured party counsel and restraining orders and a new act has been introduced on mediation between the victim of crime and the perpetrator. Modern legislation is important, but it is equally important to have knowledge about victims of crime and good services to support them. This applies particularly to those working with and meeting victims of crime, such as the police, prosecutors and staff at courts of law. This is why these agencies have been instructed to draw up action plans for their work with victims of crime and to train their staff together with the Crime Victim Compensation and Support Authority.
The Ministry of Justice is responsible for the Crime Victim Compensation and Support Authority. This agency has overall responsibility for issues relating to victims of crime. Its aim is to promote the rights of victims of crime and to protect their needs and interests. It reviews cases of compensation for criminal injuries and allocates funds from the Fund for Victims of Crime. Another important task of the Authority is to disseminate information on issues related to victims of crime. The Crime Victim Compensation and Support Authority has also been instructed by the Government to produce victimological research programmes (on the reception and treatment of victims of crime) and to introduce witness support services at courts of appeal and district courts.
