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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
Directive 2012/29/EU has been transposed into national legislation, but its implementation remains a challenge. Since 2018, Ženska soba (ŽS) has coordinated the Victim and Witness Support and Cooperation Network (Mreža podrške), which, along with ŽS, includes 10 CSOs. Through its experience, ŽS has gained insight into the victim support system, its shortcomings, and the needs of victims. The first and most significant issue identified is the lack of standardization in the support system. Deficiencies were noted in various segments of working with victims of criminal offenses, including inconsistent procedures for individual assessments, decisions regarding rights, and information provision and referrals to support services. Further, there were shortcomings in the implementation of the right to special examination through audio-visual devices (technical conditions in courts, insufficient equipment handling capacities, and inadequate numbers of professional collaborators). It was also determined that not all courts have provided separate rooms for victims to avoid contact with defendants. Additionally, there are significant gaps in the victim compensation system. Only a small number of victims receive compensation, and given the low number of claims, it can be concluded that victims are poorly informed about this possibility. These issues regarding compensation are highlighted by the umbrella EU organization for crime victims, Victim Support Europe, in its report, as well as by the special rapporteur''s report. Another obstacle to improving the system is the lack of research (evaluation of the system''s performance, implementation of the Directive, and data on the situation on the ground) and the insufficient strengthening of CSOs'' capacity to enhance knowledge of public advocacy participation.
RP1. Strengthening the Capacity of the Victim Support Network for Advocating Improvements in the Victim Support System in Croatia
This work package focused on enhancing the capacity of NGOs providing support to victims of criminal offenses across 13 Croatian counties. The goal was to improve participation in public policy development and advocacy processes. Achievements included strengthening sectoral collaboration, connecting with national organizations specializing in public advocacy and policy development, and establishing partnerships with international organizations. A strategic document titled "Strategic Directions of Action for the Victim Support Network" was created, outlining the strategic objectives and public advocacy plans for the next two years.
RP2. Analysis of the Victim Support System and Monitoring Victims'' Rights to Advocate for Legislative, Policy, and Procedural Changes
Key outcomes in this work package included:
- Conducting 7 comprehensive studies on the rights and situation of victims of crime.
- Developing an advocacy tool based on the collected data to systematically and professionally advocate for improvements in the victim support system. This resulted in the publication “Victims of Crime in the Croatian Criminal Justice System: Research Results and Practical Experiences."
- Providing recommendations to improve victim handling procedures and the realization of victims'' rights.
- Establishing cooperation between NGOs specializing in victim support and the academic community.
- Developing guidelines for the creation of a new law on financial compensation for crime victims.
- Analyzing best practices for victim support systems and compensation in EU countries, including France, Portugal, and Ireland.
RP3. Implementation of a National Campaign to Promote Research Findings and Advocate for the Implementation of Recommendations
This work package focused on raising awareness and disseminating the results of research and recommendations, as well as advocating for public policies that protect and promote the human rights of victims. Key achievements included:
- Conducting a national campaign, organizing 17 roundtable discussions, launching a Facebook page "Victims of Crime," securing 200 media publications, and reaching over 300,000 people through public campaign content.
- Disseminating research results to 252 email addresses.
- Enhancing intersectoral cooperation at both national and local levels through 10 meetings and hosting a conference with international participation.
In the final reporting period, Ženska soba conducted three additional capacity-building activities, approved by the implementing body. Two training sessions were held: the first, on nonprofit sector accounting, strengthened financial staff skills in handling the growing number of projects; the second, on impact assessment and feedback culture, aimed to improve organizational climate and employee satisfaction.
Additionally, a training session on effective social media management was organized. This training aimed to enhance communication skills for engaging younger audiences, especially in light of the organization''s expanding work with minors.
Strengthened Civil Society and Active Citizenship, Empowering Vulnerable Groups
The participation of individuals in civil society organization activities exceeded expectations, with 595 participants instead of the planned 276.Enhanced Advocacy and Watchdog Role of Civil Society
Civil society’s involvement in the creation and amendment of laws, regulations, and public policies surpassed expectations. The project contributed to 8 legislative changes, compared to the planned 3. Additionally, there were more media publications (200 instead of the expected 150).Research Conducted to Support Public Policy Advocacy and Debate
The planned 7 research studies were completed, with 12 civil society organizations (CSOs) using these findings to support their policy advocacy efforts. A CSO report based on the research, titled "Victims of Crime in the Croatian Criminal Justice System – Research Findings and Practical Experiences", was published both online and in print, with 400 copies distributed.Support for Building Networks and Coalitions
The project enhanced the work of the Victim and Witness Support and Cooperation Network, which includes 11 CSOs, strengthening collaboration and impact.Promotion of International Human Rights Standards
A National Campaign was implemented to promote project outcomes and advocate for the implementation of recommendations regarding the rights of crime victims in Croatia''s criminal justice system. The campaign exceeded expectations, with 200 media publications (up from the planned 150), 81 conference participants (instead of the expected 70), and 17 public activities in 17 counties (up from the planned 14). Additionally, 10 meetings were held with relevant institutions and authorities, a Facebook page was launched, and an email campaign reached 252 addresses (compared to the expected 50). The campaign reached over 300,000 people, surpassing the expected 100,000.Enhanced Cooperation Between Donor and Recipient Countries Through the ACF Bilateral Fund
The project facilitated increased participation in bilateral activities funded by the ACF bilateral fund, with 83 individuals (instead of the planned 78) participating in these activities, including project applicants, partners, and/or beneficiaries.
A significant achievement was the implementation and publication of the results of seven studies on the rights and status of victims of criminal offenses, marking the first comprehensive research on victims in Croatia. The publication and advocacy activities have already yielded results through public advocacy efforts. After years of highlighting the issues, the amendment to the Law on Monetary Compensation for Victims of Crime is set to be announced in 2024.
Summary of bilateral results
Samtök um Kvennaathvarf (Women''s Shelter) is a non-governmental organization founded in 1982. The organization operates a crisis shelter for women victims of domestic violence and their children. Services provided by the organization include shelter accommodation, counseling, self-help groups, a helpline, information provision, and educational activities. Icelandic partners conducted an analysis of best practices in victim support systems and compensation systems at the EU level. A report was created, presenting examples of good practices in these areas from various EU countries. This analysis provided valuable insights into effective solutions and proven methods, which were used to develop a new advocacy tool based on the collected data. This tool will support systematic and professional advocacy by CSOs to improve victim support and compensation systems at the national level. They also attended the project''s final conference, participating online, which ensured the improvement of intersectoral cooperation at the international, national, and local levels.