New COVIS Policy Paper: Modernising Justice – The Case for Victim and Witness Support in Court
The COVIS consortium is delighted to announce the publication of its policy paper – Modernising Justice: The Case for Victim and Witness Support in Court. Acknowledging that court support is an integral part of achieving obligations to assist victims, the publication sets out why court-based support is so important and explores practical approaches for its implementation within national jurisdictions.
The policy paper is a cornerstone of the COVIS Project’s efforts to address the often-overlooked needs of victims and witnesses in criminal proceedings. It complements the previously published COVIS Handbook of Best Practices for court-based support, which serves as a practical guide for court-based supporters, on their treatment of, and interaction with, victims and witnesses of crime in connections with criminal proceedings.
The Policy Paper at a glance
Justice systems across Europe have historically focused on prosecuting offenders and optimising procedural efficiency, frequently overlooking victims’ rights and wellbeing. The COVIS Policy Paper advocates for a fundamental shift in thinking: it emphasises the vital role of comprehensive court-based support services in empowering victims to participate in proceedings, provide their best evidence, and access justice without undue stress or secondary victimisation.
As reiterated throughout the paper, support is critical for a victim’s journey in the criminal proceedings. Encompassing emotional care, practical assistance, access to information, and more, victims require prompt, straightforward, and consistent access to support at every stage of the process, including in court settings. Accordingly, the policy paper draws on established best practices and legal obligations under European and human rights frameworks to propose minimum standards and practical recommendations for developing a national system of court-based support.
As the COVIS Project reaches its conclusion, the team extends its sincere gratitude to all stakeholders whose invaluable contributions have been integral to its success. The consortium hopes that the Handbook of Best Practices and the Policy Paper will serve as a source of inspiration for policymakers, legal professionals, and service providers, encouraging them to advocate for a justice system that prioritises and addresses the needs and challenges faced by victims and witnesses in legal proceedings.
