One in three women report physical or sexual abuse

Victim Support Europe - European Day for Victims of Crime from Victim Support Europe on Vimeo.

75 million people in Europe become the victim of a serious crime every year. One in three women are physically and sexually abused while two million children are trafficked. Meanwhile, millions are defrauded, robbed or physically assaulted.

Marking the European Day for victims of crime, Victim Support Malta (VSM) published a leaflet explaining victims' rights in Malta.

New rules that came into force last November across the EU better protect anyone who becomes a victim of crime.

On the occasion of the European day for victims of crime, Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, Vera Jourová said: "The new rules in place since last November, better protect anyone who becomes a victim of crime, in their home country and abroad. They give victims clear rights to information, protection, and access to support service, and they give clear rights to victims’ family members, who are often indirect victims themselves. But better rights on paper will not automatically guarantee access to these rights in real life.

"This is often the case when victims are in a country where they don't speak the language, if the offender is a close relative or if the victim is an abused child.

"There are many situations in which victims need particular attention and assistance. While the EU rules offer solutions in such situation, Member States have to ensure that these rules become a reality.

"This means that all actors must work together at every step throughout a criminal proceeding; this includes police, prosecutors, legal professions as well as members of support services.

"Millions of Europeans who fall victim to crime every year in Europe deserve better support, and better protection."