protection and redress for victims of crime and human rights violations

Chapter 15 • Protection and Redress for Victims of Crime and Human Rights ViolationsThis provision envisages various forms of assistance not only from the Statebut also from the community and specialized associations. Much can be accomplishedfor victims of crimes by developing strong local associations or agencies withspecialized personnel trained in the specific needs of crime victims. 64 The need forassistance can vary in terms of both the victim and the effects of victimization. Injuredvictims clearly require swift medical help. Such help is also essential in order todocument the effects of the crime on the victim for the purpose of proving any criminalprosecution or civil claim against the offender. 65Paragraph 17 of the Declaration of Basic Principles further emphasizes that“in providing services and assistance to victims, attention should be given to those whohave special needs because of the nature of the harm inflicted” or because of factorssuch as discrimination on the grounds listed in paragraph 3 of the Declaration. Certaingroups of victims, such as victims of sexual crimes, may indeed need specializedtreatment, including long-term emotional support by medical personnel skilled indealing, for example, with rape victims. Victims of serious sex crimes may also needmedical follow-up over an extended period owing to the HIV/AIDS problem. 66 Inmany cases, victims of terrorist attacks need not only extensive medical treatment butalso both immediate and long-term psychological assistance by specially trainedprofessionals in order to help them come to terms with the traumatic experience. Majorcriminal events such as terrorist acts may also require specialized equipment such astemporary housing, mortuaries, feeding stations and so forth. States should be preparedto deal with this kind of situation by developing contingency plans at the national,regional and local levels and should keep regularly updated lists of equipment andqualified personnel. 67Victims may also need various kinds of practical help after the commissionof a crime. In cases of burglary, locks or other damaged property may have to berepaired, and victims of arson or domestic violence may need temporaryaccommodation. 68 Other victims may need social support services for some time afterthe crime, such as help with shopping or housekeeping and/or assistance in lookingafter small children.For assistance schemes to work efficiently, information about their existenceis, as emphasized throughout this chapter, essential. Paragraph 15 of the Declaration ofBasic Principles provides that:“Victims should be informed of the availability of health and socialservices and other relevant assistance and be readily afforded access tothem.”As noted above, the question of training for persons who deal with victims ofcrime is also important and, as specified in paragraph 16 of the Declaration:64 See UN doc. A/ CONF.144/20, annex, Guide for Practitioners, p. 23, para. 92.65 Ibid., p. 25, paras. 99-100.66 Ibid., p. 25, paras. 101-102.67 Ibid., see p. 26, para. 104.68 Ibid., p. 26, para. 107.772 Human Rights in the Administration of Justice: A Manual on Human Rights for Judges, Prosecutors and Lawyers