Council of Europe Recommends Measures to Assist Crime Victims

On June 14, 2006, the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers adopted a Recommendation on assisting crime victims. The Recommendation seeks to ensure effective recognition of, and respect for the security, dignity, private and family life of victims and recognize the negative effects of crime on victims. According to the Recommendation, victim assistance should not depend on the identification, arrest, prosecution or conviction of the perpetrator of the criminal act.