The new National Strategy for the Rights of Victims of Crime (ENDVC) 2024-2028 wants to move forward with the creation of a fund to compensate victims, according to the diploma published today in Diário da República.
The resolution of the Council of Ministers defines that a legislative proposal be presented in this sense, with the fund "resulting from the partial allocation of fines paid as a result of convictions in criminal proceedings" and recognizing "priority to reparation for the victim" of crimes (ensuring the inclusion psychological damage when determining compensation).
The diploma indicates that the initiative must have the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Finance as responsible entities and foresees the involvement of other institutions, such as the Superior Council of the Judiciary, the Attorney General's Office and the Bar Association.
In addition to this measure, the intention to reinforce victim support offices and other services in the national territory, the creation of a digital application that allows access to information on rights and services and to make reports in different languages, the guarantee of a user number in the National Health Service for undocumented victims, creation of care centers for victims of sexual violence in hospital emergency rooms or the removal of offenders from the family home (and referral to local social resources).
The ENDVC for the period 2024-2028 also includes the establishment of referral and referral protocols between police forces and victim support services, as well as the development of action circuits in health establishments and schools in cases of identification of a crime victim , with the duty of mandatory reporting being provided for here.
Highlighting the importance of an action plan that is effective in preventing crime and increasing responses in a comprehensive manner, the new ENDVC takes into special consideration especially vulnerable victims.
These include children and young people, pregnant women, elderly people, patients, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ people and immigrants, but also victims of homicide, human trafficking and related crimes, crimes against freedom and sexual self-determination, hate crimes, gender violence, domestic violence, cybercrime, terrorism, other crimes associated with violent and especially violent crime.
The new strategy is based on six strategic axes: creation of a culture of prevention; debureaucratization of mechanisms for victims' participation in justice; strengthening structures and support services; increasing the influence of victims in the criminal process; development of an organizational culture of empathy for victims; and carrying out a comprehensive study to understand the reality of this social phenomenon.
The Council of Ministers' resolution on ENDVC comes into force this Saturday.
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