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Description
The treatment of victims of crime (COV), their rights and position in criminal proceedings is highly non-standard. The problem is the lack of research and data on which CSOs could conduct an advocacy process to improve the system. A standardized and effective support system makes it easier for victims to go through criminal proceedings, exercise their rights, but also influences the decision to report a crime. The project will strengthen the advocacy capacity of CSOs through education on public policy development and advocacy processes as key activities. In order to adequately advocate for concrete change, CSOs need accurate and relevant information on the state of the system, treatment of victims, opportunities to exercise their rights and, in general, treatment of victims within the justice system. A series of comprehensive analyses will be carried out, which will serve to develop concrete recommendations for improving the system, proposals for changes in legislation and will indicate the space for improving the position and treatment of COV (both partners from Croatia involved). The donor project partner will contribute to the analysis of best practices at the EU level (Iceland and two other EU states) for advocating of standardized support and compensatory measures for victims of crime. In order to promote the obtained data, strengthen the visibility and role of CSOs and disseminate information, a public campaign will be conducted (country partners involved). Target groups are CSOs, COV (primarily women including Roma and LGBTIQ) service providers (analysis-based advocacy capacity); Relevant public bodies and institutions (influence on the standardization of the work and treatment of COV, making changes and improving the rights and position of COV); academic community (cooperation and work on recommendations); media (dissemination of information and sensitization of the public). The final beneficiaries are all citizens, i.e. victims and witnesses.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several critical issues related to the implementation of Directive 2012/29/EU, which has been transposed into national legislation, but its practical implementation remains a challenge. One of the primary issues identified is the lack of standardization in the support system for victims of crime. This issue was highlighted through the work of Ženska soba (ŽS), which has been coordinating the Network for Support and Cooperation for Victims and Witnesses of Criminal Offenses (Support Network) since 2018. ŽS, along with 10 other civil society organizations (CSOs), has gained insight into the gaps within the victim support system, including inconsistencies in the implementation of individual assessments, decisions regarding the rights of victims, and the process of informing victims about their rights and referring them to support services.
Another significant challenge is the insufficient provision of specialized services for victims, such as the right to special questioning via audio-video equipment, which faces technical and capacity limitations, including inadequate courtroom conditions, lack of trained personnel, and insufficient equipment handling capacities. Additionally, not all courts have provided separate spaces for victims to avoid contact with perpetrators, which creates an unsafe environment for victims during the judicial process.
The system of compensation for victims of crime is also identified as a major issue. Few victims succeed in obtaining compensation, and the small number of applications suggests that victims are poorly informed about their right to compensation. This issue is echoed by Victim Support Europe, a leading EU organization for victims of crime, in their report, as well as by the UN Special Rapporteur''s findings.
Furthermore, a lack of research and evaluation of the system’s performance, implementation of the Directive, and data on the situation on the ground hinder the improvement of the system. Additionally, there is a need for stronger capacity building among CSOs to enhance their knowledge and participation in public advocacy to address these issues effectively.
The project carried out a series of activities aimed at strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations in advocacy and participation in the creation of public policies, as well as analyzing and improving the support system for victims of criminal offenses.
As part of the project, a three-day training session was organized and implemented in Zagreb to enhance the capacity of civil society organizations to participate in the process of public policy development and advocacy. The training program was developed, including lectures, exercises, and analysis of concrete examples from practice. Topics covered included the basic principles of public advocacy and the presentation of existing experiences of civil society organizations.
Additionally, a working group consisting of ten representatives from civil society organizations, the judiciary, and the academic community was established. This group worked on analyzing the realization of victims'' rights and the standardization of procedures. For this purpose, three questionnaires were developed for victims, relevant authorities, and civil society organizations to analyze the standardization of handling victims of criminal offenses. Data was collected from 42 victims, 10 institutional representatives, and 10 civil society organizations, and a research report was created containing results, recommendations for improving the support system for victims, and guidelines for the adoption of the Law on Victims of Criminal Offenses. As a result, an initiative for the adoption of new regulations was launched.
Furthermore, an analysis was conducted on the technical conditions for examining victims using communication technologies in courts. This analysis covered the status of 15 county and 34 municipal courts in Croatia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 court experts, and based on the collected data, a report was created with recommendations for improving the use of special communication technologies and standardizing procedures for handling victims in courtrooms.
Additionally, the project included an analysis of the compensation system for victims of criminal offenses, specifically exploring the application of the Law on Monetary Compensation for Victims of Criminal Offenses. Data was collected from relevant institutions and civil society organizations, and a report with recommendations for improving the compensation system was developed. Based on the findings, an initiative for amending the Law on Monetary Compensation for Victims of Criminal Offenses was launched.
As part of the activities, a study of good practice examples in the European Union was also conducted, analyzing successful models of victim support and compensation systems in Iceland and two other countries. Based on this, a report with good practice examples was created, serving as an advocacy tool.
Finally, a publication was developed, which provides an overview of the victim support system in Croatia, victims'' rights, analysis results, recommendations, and examples of good practices. 400 printed copies were issued, and the publication is also available online to reach a wider audience. This publication serves as an important advocacy tool for improving the support system for victims.
Through all the activities mentioned, the project strengthened civil society organizations, improved collaboration with institutions, provided concrete recommendations for enhancing the support system, and initiated efforts for the adoption of new legislative solutions.
The project achieved significant results, strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) supporting victims of criminal offenses across 13 counties in Croatia. It enhanced public policy advocacy and intra-sector cooperation, linking local CSOs with national and international organizations specializing in advocacy and policy development. A key outcome was the creation of the strategic document Strategic Directions of the Support Network, which defined advocacy goals and action plans for the next two years.
One of the most notable impacts was the empowerment of civil society and vulnerable groups, with a significantly higher-than-expected number of participants engaged in project activities (595 instead of 276). The project''s advocacy role was also strengthened, leading to participation in more legal and policy changes than initially planned (8 instead of 3). Media outreach exceeded expectations, with 200 publications instead of the anticipated 150.
Seven comprehensive research studies on victims'' rights and status were conducted, providing an evidence-based foundation for policy advocacy. The research findings were compiled into the publication Victims of Criminal Offenses in the Croatian Criminal Justice System – Research Results and Practical Experiences, with 400 printed copies and an online edition. This served as a key advocacy tool for legal and policy reforms. The project also facilitated collaboration between CSOs and academia, improving expertise and evidence-based advocacy.
A crucial impact was the launch of initiatives to reform legislation, particularly the announcement of amendments to the Law on Financial Compensation for Victims of Criminal Offenses in 2024. The project supported the development of guidelines for this new law and produced recommendations for improving victim support services and standardizing procedures.
Through a national awareness campaign, the project significantly expanded its reach, exceeding all targets. Instead of 100,000 expected campaign participants, over 300,000 people were engaged. The campaign involved 17 public advocacy events (instead of 14), 10 meetings with relevant institutions, and extensive media coverage. A Facebook page was launched, and an email campaign reached 252 recipients instead of the planned 50.
The project also strengthened cooperation between donor and recipient countries through the ACF bilateral fund, increasing international collaboration in advocacy efforts. A total of 83 individuals participated in bilateral activities, exceeding the expected 78.
A major achievement was the increased engagement of judicial institutions and academia in discussions on victims'' rights, indicating growing recognition of the issue. The final conference saw high interest from institutions and civil society, underlining the value of the research and the necessity of continuing work in this field.
Overall, the project successfully empowered civil society, improved advocacy and policymaking, strengthened victim support systems, and set the stage for crucial legislative reforms, benefiting victims of criminal offenses and organizations advocating for their rights.
Summary of bilateral results
Samtök um Kvennaathvarf (Women''s Shelter) is a non-governmental organization founded in 1982 that operates a crisis shelter for women victims of domestic violence and their children. The organization provides shelter accommodation, counseling, self-help groups, a helpline, information services, and educational activities.As part of the project, Icelandic partners conducted an analysis of best practices in victim support and compensation systems across the EU. The findings were compiled into a report highlighting effective solutions and proven methods from various EU countries. These insights were then used to develop a new advocacy tool, designed to support systematic and professional advocacy by CSOs to improve national victim support and compensation systems.Additionally, the Icelandic partners participated in the project''s final conference online, contributing to enhanced intersectoral cooperation at international, national, and local levels.