Concrete Achievements Toward the Implementation of the Fundamental Principles of Justice for Victims (From Changing Victim Policy: The United Nations Victim Declaration and Recent Developments in Europe: Report on Expert Group Meeting, 1988, Helsinki, P 113-134, 1989 -- See NCJ 122412)

• NCJ Number: 122417
• Author(s): G Piffaut
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 22 pages
• Sale Source: United Nations European Institute for Crime Prevention and Control (HEUNI)
• Publication Type: Survey (Cross-Cultural)
• Language: English
• Country: Finland

Annotation

This analysis of recent efforts in France to assure justice for crime victims notes that the current legal framework supports victims by recognizing their rights as much as the rights of defendants and that many types of efforts support the principles of the United Nations declaration on victims' rights.

Abstract

Thus, the victim can be involved in the process as a witness or as a civil parties and can claim compensation from the offender for the loss suffered as a result of the attack. If the offender does not pay the compensation ordered by the court, the victim can seek compensation from the government. Most victims do not know their rights, so the Ministry of Justice has established a victim office to help develop victim assistance services throughout the nation. Currently, INAVEM, the National Institute for the Help of Victims and Mediation, is the central organization for coordinating efforts. This association of local victim service organizations helps increase attention to victims' needs. Thus, the government is no longer the only source of attention to victims' needs, although it is helping victims by increasing funding for victim assistance, promoting legislation, and strengthening the independence of victim assistance services.