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The EUCPN promotes the exchange of information on crime prevention issues and activities which help to reduce different types of crimes. During the meeting on 4 March the EUCPN team focused on preventing secondary victimisation. The prevention of secondary victimisation is the topic chosen by the Latvian EUCPN team. It is related to the main task of the police services and other authorities – to provide support to citizens, ensure better security and reduce 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 reached agreement on developing a manual on secondary victimisation during 2016. Together with the upcoming Luxembourg and Netherlands Presidencies, the Latvian Presidency will lead a working group to develop a multiannual strategy for the European Crime Prevention Network for 2016-2020."
During the first session on 3 March, participants adopted the EUCPN annual report for 2014. Afterwards, the participants discussed and adopted the work programme for 2015. Discussions were mainly devoted to evaluating the results of the Best Practice Conference (EUCPN BPC) and the future operation of the EUCPN.
On 4 March, presentations were given on the prevention of secondary victimisation in the EU Member States, including secondary victimisation of the elderly and domestic violence, as well as policy updates on the monitoring of victims in accordance with defence rights in Europe.
Ms Myria Vassiliadou, the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator based at DG Home Affairs, introduced the topic of preventing secondary victimisation in the trafficking of human beings, indicating that
“in the anti-human trafficking field the approach is based on prevention, protection and prosecution at the same time. Therefore, the EU provides a strong legal and policy framework. It is really important to ensure that victims are protected. No less important is collaboration among Member States' justice and home affairs agencies and authorities.”
Ms Maria McDonald, Coordinator of the Victims’ Rights Alliance, informed those present about the implementation of the Victims’ Directive in Ireland. This directive will come into force in November 2015 and will ensure special protection rights for victims. Ms McDonald went on to talk about a survey undertaken together with different groups of victims she met in her everyday practice during the consultation process.
Mr Andis Rinkevics, Head of the Crime Prevention Unit at the State Police of Latvia, shared his experience of the "Preventing Secondary Victimisation in Police” project and informed participants about recent projects carried out by the State Police of Latvia to ensure a better quality of police service for the victims of different crimes.
The State Police of Latvia is also thankful to the Latvian NGOs that came to this event and volunteered to share their professional experience in how to assist the victims of crime.
*Secondary victimisation – re-traumatisation of a crime victim.
