Welcome to the European Parliamentary Research Service podcasts.

The European Commission wants to strengthen and better protect the rights of victims of crime

so they can receive support, access information, seek justice and receive immediate compensation.

Want to know more? Stay with us.

It's estimated that every year, 15% of Europeans, that is, about 75 million citizens fall victim to a crime, be it sexual violence, homicides, robberies, thefts or fraud, among others.

And the real number is probably much higher, as many don't report to the police,

especially when the crime involves sexual violence.

And victims deserve the best possible support and protection.

So what is the EU doing to ensure that?

The European Union has rules in place to ensure this since 2001 and even

improved them in 2012. But despite the progress, victims of crime still cannot fully rely on their

rights because they often lack access to information, support, protection and justice. There is still

also a lack of specialized support for the most

vulnerable victims and problems in obtaining compensation. Now, to address these shortcomings

and after extensive consultation with stakeholders, in July 23, the European Commission

proposed to revamp the existing rules and expand victims' rights.

So what will change?

First of all, an improvement in victims' access to information by establishing a universal

victim's helpline in all EU member states with an EU-wide telephone number 116-006,

where victims can get information about their rights and emotional support,

and also be redirected to specialise support services if needed.

The Commission is also pushing for protection measures that correspond better to the specific needs of the victims,

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