The Commission intends to adopt a package of measures, including a Directive on minimum standards for victims of crime, in the first half of 2011 in particular to replace the 2001 Framework Decision on the standing of victims.

This consultation gives stakeholders the opportunity to present their views about which concrete actions could be developed at EU level that would bring real added value. It will also give the Commission an insight into concrete experiences of those working with victims of crime, particularly regarding the difficulties they encounter when assisting victims and the problems faced by those victims. The Commission is looking in particular for reliable data, factual information and specific real-life examples, regarding both problems and solutions.

Input is sought from individuals as well as organisations, associations, bodies, institutions, who deal with victims of crime and violence at local, regional, national, European or international level.

The consultation is based on a questionnaire which includes both general questions and questions based on the broad categories of needs that victims have, namely recognition, protection, support, access to justice, compensation and restoration. . It is not necessary to reply to all of the questions. Depending on your experience you can reply only to the questions relating to your activities.

Interested parties are invited to submit their contributions by 30 September 2010 at the latest.

Further information is available at: http://ec.europa.eu/justice_home/news/consulting_public/news_consulting_0053_en.htm