Constructions of Victim and Victim’s Rights Protection in Eastern Europe: from History to Newest Challenges

Abstract

We will study the historical origins, changes and today's representations of the understandings and definitions of the crime victim – established in the legal systems, legal and criminological discourses of Eastern Europe. The project will have a special emphasis on the gaps in the protection of the rights of the victims of crime and the search for solutions to improve the situation of the victims. The project also intends to find out what challenges crime victims in Eastern Europe may face in the criminal prosecution process in the future – and what new opportunities exist to overcome these challenges (for example, the development of artificial intelligence). Since the project will delve into the definition of “victim” itself, the victim of a crime will be understood broadly – as a victim of both an individual criminal act (e.g., murder, sexual violence) and mass crimes, including the international ones (such as crimes against humanity). The definitions of victim and understanding of victims’ rights in criminal proceedings changes in time. For example, during the years of Soviet occupation and in today's Lithuania, the perception of crime victims’ rights and definition was different. We raise the question, whether the concept of the victim in Eastern European legal discourses differed and still differs from Western legal concepts – is it unique? In order to better understand the historical origins of the concept of crime victim and today's realities in Eastern Europe, we assembled an international team specializing in law, victimology, criminology and history of the Baltic States, Russia, Poland, Ukraine and the Balkans. The project will consist of case studies focused on the mentioned countries and regions. It will include the historical analysis, investigation of today's situation, identification of future perspectives and challenges of the crime victims. The project will help answer the question of what gaps in understanding of crime victims still exist in Eastern Europe – and what solutions are needed to improve the victim’s situation and to ensure the victim’s rights.