Victims’ Guide through Serbian Criminal Justice System

Information is a fundamental right of a victim of crime, crucial for exercising other rights and getting proper assistance and support. To empower victims through the criminal justice system, the MDTF JSS in partnership with VDS developed the Victims’ Guide through the criminal justice system. We recognize that being a victim in the criminal justice system can be a difficult journey. The criminal justice system can be confusing and overwhelming to victims and it’s not uncommon to feel alone and a little lost.

The Guide informs victims about their rights and how to exercise them. The Guide is a user-friendly and easy to navigate. Victims receive step by step guidance through the criminal justice system of Serbia. Topics include how to report a crime, who and how initiates the criminal proceedings against adults and juveniles, victim in the court, victim’s protection, and the right to compensation. This guide is also meant to be a helpful tool for professionals and volunteers providing services to victims. It answers for service providers specific questions that victims may have as they navigate the criminal justice system.

Printed copies of the Guide will be distributed through the VDS victim support service, as well as through representatives of the state institutions and civil society organizations who are coming or are likely to come into contact with victims. They will be asked to disseminate the Guide to the end-users, i.e. victims when coming into contact with them. Additionally, materials will be distributed through relevant ministries. Electronic version of the Guide will be distributed through the VDS’s web site and the website https://victimservices.eu/, as well as through social media.

Download: Victims’ Guide through Serbian Criminal Justice System