EU Lawmakers Approve Expanded Protection Measures for Crime Victims

The European Parliament has approved new European Union rules aimed at strengthening support, protection measures and rights for victims of crime during criminal proceedings.

On Thursday, Members of the European Parliament endorsed the modernisation of the legal framework for victims of crime with 440 votes in favour, 49 against and 84 abstentions.

The updated framework includes measures intended to strengthen victims’ rights during criminal proceedings. These include access to information and emotional support at court premises, a new right to privacy and protection from disclosure of a victim’s personal data to offenders, legal aid during the entire trial process for victims with insufficient financial means, and faster compensation payments.

The new rules also call for the establishment of support helplines offering information, assistance and referrals to relevant services. These services would be available online, through applications and via an EU-wide telephone number, 116 006.

The legislation introduces the possibility of reporting criminal offences online and aims to ensure that individuals whose liberty is restricted, including non-EU citizens in immigration-related facilities and people in institutional care settings, can effectively report crimes. Measures would also facilitate third-party reporting through civil society organisations.

Additional support measures are planned for victims with specific needs following individual assessments carried out by trained professionals. Victims of sexual violence would have access to healthcare services including emergency contraception, post-exposure prophylaxis treatment, testing for sexually transmitted infections and access to abortion services.

The proposal also seeks to establish stronger protection measures for child victims through a child-friendly and age-appropriate approach. Services such as medical examinations, psychological support, video-recorded testimonies and administrative assistance would, where possible, be provided within the same premises.

Co-rapporteur for the Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee, Lucia Yar, said the directive represented “real progress” for victims, including vulnerable groups such as victims of violence and children.

“We have turned an outdated framework into modern legislation that strengthens victims’ rights, improves protection and closes key gaps in access to support,” Yar said.

Co-rapporteur for the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee Javier Zarzalejos said approximately 70 million people across the EU become victims of crime each year and described the reform as a major step toward stronger protection and support.

Meanwhile, Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee Chair Lina Galvez described the agreement as “historic,” saying it guaranteed access to information and sexual and reproductive healthcare services for victims of sexual violence, including abortion care in line with national law.

The proposed directive must still receive formal adoption by the Council before being published in the Official Journal and entering into force. EU member states will then have two years to implement the rules.