New agenda delivers greater justice for victims
Delivering greater justice for victims of criminal offences through improved implementation and strengthening of their existing rights – that is the aim of the long-term victim policy agenda that State Secretary for Legal Protection, Teun Struycken, has submitted to the House of Representatives.
‘Victims deserve recognition and support to overcome the impact of crime,’ says Struycken.
With this agenda, the State Secretary is setting the policy direction through to the end of 2028. Its guiding principle is that victims are well informed about their rights, enabling them to decide which rights they want to exercise.
More privacy and automatic delivery of court judgments
The first measures for victims take effect on 1 July. From that date, victims’ personal data will only be included in the criminal file if the court needs this information for its ruling.
Also from 1 July, victims who have joined the criminal proceedings as an injured party will no longer need to request the court’s judgment themselves – they will receive it automatically.
Expertise centre Fier will open a help desk for victims of insecurity and coercive control in closed groups on the same day. Highly insular groups, such as sects, pose an increased risk of systematic abuse because of their hierarchy and isolation, often making it difficult for victims to share experiences and seek help.
More measures coming this year
Nationwide, victim lawyers will proactively reach out to victims of serious violent and sexual offences after the initial police contact, on request. Victims will no longer have to find a lawyer themselves.
Victims of sustained psychological abuse will become eligible for compensation from Schadefonds Geweldsmisdrijven (the Violent Offences Compensation Fund) this year. From the third quarter, a new approach will be piloted in two regions for victims of violence in dependent relationships, offering one entry point and a dedicated contact, no matter where victims come forward.
At the end of this year, a bill will be submitted for consultation, allowing siblings of victims to claim compensation for emotional harm.
Further plans
In 2026, a special chair in victim rights will be established to enhance victim awareness among professionals working in the criminal justice system. From 2027, victims’ interests will be routinely factored into pardoning decisions. Victims will be able to express their wishes on matters such as restraining orders.
The advance payment scheme, under which the State pays compensation if an offender fails to pay, will also be extended to cover more violent offences.
The House of Representatives will receive annual updates on progress.
Originally published at https://www.government.nl/latest/news/2025/06/25/new-agenda-delivers-greater-justice-for-victims
