Background
- Victims of sexual crimes have the right to receive compensation according to EU Directives
- However, victims of sexual crimes experience shame and stigma resulting in low reporting rates. Those who do not report often will not be able to access compensation or are not aware of their right to claim compensation
- Victims of sexual crimes who access the criminal justice process often suffer from high attrition rates. The number of offenders being convicted is low. Whether victims receive compensation is often dependent on whether the offender is solvent
- Due to low reporting rates, high attrition rates, and insolvent offenders, victims of sexual crimes likely receive limited amount of compensation
Aim
The main objective of FAIRCOM is to establish and promote an efficient and effective model for fair and appropriate compensation to victims of sexual crimes in the EU
Method
- A context analysis has been conducted to determine the current practice and to establish good practices in Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, Greece, and Latvia
- Data about the compensation schemes were collected by using the descriptions on the European justice portal
- The European justice portal contains answers to questions on i) state compensation and ii) offender compensation
- Similarities and differences between between the five participating countries were analysed
- Information was validated and complemented by compensation experts of participating countries and project partners.
- This resulted in a first report. The first report was discussed in a workshop with legal professionals
- The next stage is to finalize the best practices and create awareness
