VICTIMS OF CRIME

A crime victim is any person who has suffered harm including physical, mental, emotional harm or even economic loss caused by a violent criminal offense
Victims of crime are: victims of domestic violence and other forms of gender-based violence, victims of human trafficking, victims of rape, harassment and sexual abuse, victims of robbery and violent attacks. Victims are also the family members of murder victims, whose death was directly caused by the criminal offense.
Victims of crime are recognized with a multitude of rights within the laws of the Republic of Kosovo and are offered protection, security, rehabilitation and reintegration.

As a victim of crime, you have the right to:

  1. To be treated with respect, sensitivity and dignity and in a professional and non-discriminatory manner by the police, prosecutors, victims’ defenders, judges and other bodies with whom you have contact;
  2. To be informed about your rights, without delay from your first contact with the police, victims’ defenders, prosecutors, judges and other bodies;
  3. To be informed about your case and the procedures in the police, prosecutor’s office and court;
  4. To have access to medical assistance, psychological support, alternative housing, legal representation and free legal aid, including representation from the Office for Victim Protection and Assistance;
  5. Seek protection, including the protective measures provided by law;
  6. To be heard by the police, the defender of the victims, the prosecution and the court;
  7. Have access to free translation if you do not understand the language in which the procedure takes place;
  8. You have the right to compensation from the injured party in criminal proceedings or to seek compensation from the Crime Victim Compensation Program.

The treatment and reintegration of crime victims requires a multifaceted approach involving different actors and services to help victims. Crime victims in Kosovo are offered:

  1. Housing: victims of domestic violence and victims of trafficking and child victims are placed in specialized shelters in Kosovo. Victims who need shelter after a criminal offense, the police have an obligation to accompany them to the nearest shelter where they are offered safe accommodation, clothing, health care and other services during their stay in the shelter. 
  2. Medical attention: police and social workers refer victims to health facilities for emergency medical assistance. Public health institutions offer free medical services to victims of crime. 
  3. Counseling services: in some cases victims are offered psychological counseling by specialized shelter staff and in some other cases they are referred to health institutions that offer psychological counseling. Victims need psychological counseling given the traumatic experience as a result of the violence they experienced.
  4. Legal support: victims of crime are offered free legal assistance and representation by Victim Advocates from the moment of identification, before, during and after court proceedings. Victims’ advocates help victims submit requests for   protection orders from the court, represent the victim in the prosecutor’s office and the court, and help victims complete the request for compensation from the state.
  5. Education and employment: social workers draw up the individual plan for the management of the victim’s case and refer the victim to educational institutions, in some cases help the return of the victim to education, engagement in various professional courses and referral to regional centers for employment.
  6. Victims’ compensation: victims’ advocates assist victims during the criminal proceedings to complete the declaration of damages in order to request compensation from the defendant. In cases where the victims cannot obtain compensation from the perpetrator, then they have the possibility of compensation from the state. Each institution has an obligation to notify the victim of their right to compensation. Victim Advocates help the victim to complete and submit the request for compensation to the Crime Victim Compensation Program.

CRIME VICTIMS COMPENSATION PROGRAM

The program for the compensation of crime victims is financed by the Budget of the Republic of Kosovo. The program enables victims of compensable violent crimes to apply for financial compensation for damages as a result of the criminal offense. Compensation from the state can be requested in cases where the victim cannot realize the right to compensation from the defendant or compensation from other sources.

You can find detailed information about victim compensation in the brochures and forms attached below. See the information booklet and forms for submitting a claim for compensation.

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