European Crime Prevention Network experts exchange experience on secondary victimisation

On 3-4 March at the National Library of Latvia, board meeting of the European Crime Prevention Network (EUCPN) took place. The meeting was attended by high-level state officials responsible for coordination and dissemination of information about crime prevention policies in the respective Member States.

The EUCPN promotes exchange of information on crime prevention issues and activities which helps to reduce different types of crimes. During the meeting on 4 March the EUCPN team focused on issues of preventing secondary victimisation. Prevention of secondary victimisation is the topic chosen by the Latvian EUCPN team. It is related to the main task of the police service and other authorities - to provide support to citizens and ensure a better security and prevention of crime.

As Ms Ilze Bērziņa-Ruķere, the Chair of the EUCPN, concluded after the two day event: "Participants acknowledged the topicality of secondary victimisation in all EU Member States. During the first board meeting participants came to an agreement to develop a manual regarding secondary victimisation during 2016. The Latvian Presidency together with the upcoming presidencies of Luxembourg and the Netherlands will lead a working group to develop multiannual strategy for European Crime Prevention Network for 2016-2020."

On 3 March at the first session, participants adopted annual report of EUCPN of 2014. Afterwards, the participants discussed and adopted work programme of 2015. Discussions were mainly devoted to evaluation results of the Best Practice Conference (EUCPN BPC) and future operation of the EUCPN.

On 4 March, presentations were given on prevention of secondary victimisation in the EU Member States, including secondary victimisation of the elderly and domestic violence, as well as policy updates on monitoring of victims in accordance with defence rights in Europe.

Ms Myria Vassiliadou, EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator, DG Home Affairs, who introduced the topic of preventing secondary victimisation in trafficking in human beings, indicated that

"in anti-human trafficking field the approach is based on prevention, protection and prosecution at the same time. Therefore, the EU provides strong legal and policy framework. It is really important to ensure victims’ protection. No less important is the collaboration among Member States justice and home affairs agencies and authorities. 

Ms Maria McDonald, Coordinator of the Victims’ Rights Alliance, introduced with the implementation of the Victims’ Directive in Ireland. This directive will come into force in November 2015 and it will ensure special rights for victims’ protection. Also, Ms McDonald elaborated on a survey, done together with different groups of victims, from her everyday practice on the consulting process.

Mr Andis Rinkevics, Head of Crime Prevention Unit of the State Police of Latvia, shared the experience of the project “Preventing Secondary Victimisation in Police  and informed about recent projects of the State Police of Latvia to ensure better quality of police service to the victims of different crimes.

The State Police of Latvia is also thankful to Latvia’s NGO’s who came and volunteered to share their professional experience on how to assist the victims of crime at the meeting.

*Secondary victimisation - re-traumatisation of a crime victim.