Latest European Achievements and New Challenges in Victimology and Victim Protection: Towards victim-centred criminal justice system

Abstract

This paper explores the recent achievements of victimology thought that have been considered while the European Union and other European and global institutions approve new instruments protecting crime victims. After 2011 when the “Victim package” was adopted by the European Commission the victim of crime become a subject of privileged attention for the European penal policy. Important acts as Directive 2011/99/EU of the European Parliament and the Council on the European Protection Order, Directive 2012/29/EU of the European Parliament establishing the minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, the EU Strategy on victims' rights 2020-2025 have been approved and are in a process of implementation. These instruments, as well as some fundamental Council of Europe and United Nations documents are under scrutiny. The issue of wider introduction of restorative justice is raised as an indisputable instrument in favor of the victims of crime. The unsolved problems are also identified. The new challenges to be met in order to make the environment more friendly for victims are indicated and some decisions are offered.