- I was a victim of a criminal offence: consequences and reactions
- The rights of victims of a criminal offence
- Right to be treated with respect and dignity
- Right to privacy
- Right to information about rights from the first contact with the competent authority
- Right to be heard
- Right to interpretation and translation
- Right to be accompanied by a victim support association
- Right to be accompanied by a legal representative and an adult of your choice
- Right to declare a third party’s address as a home address (with their consent)
- Right to return of property
- Right to compensation
- Right to legal aid
- Right to an individualised assessment
- Right to specific protection measures
- Social protection rights
- Right to an alternative to criminal proceedings: mediation
- Right to benefit from restorative justice measures
- Right to information on appeals and remedies
- Criminal proceedings
- Who is who in criminal proceedings
Right to privacy
During the trial, the victim has the right to privacy. Privacy includes a person’s social, family and personal life, their health, beliefs and financial situation. It covers not only what happens at home, but also what happens in public places in situations that affect their privacy. This is a fundamental right that cannot be undermined. It guarantees that a person may live peacefully and control their own privacy.
Violation of privacy is punishable by the payment of damages. The fine may even be as much as €45,000 and one year’s imprisonment if someone’s privacy has been violated by the recording and transmission, without their consent, of private words or images about them.
During the judicial investigation, the judge is bound to secrecy. They must protect the life and privacy of both parties.
Furthermore, trials are open to the public, but this does not mean that the victim’s privacy will be revealed to the general public if it is not part of the evidence. If the protection of the victim’s privacy so requires, the trial may be held in a closed chamber.
There are some cases that rightly cannot be conducted in open court. For example, cases that would impede public order, morality, or security.
Prior to the ruling, the press is not allowed to disclose details of the procedure, report on court decisions, or transmit videos and images of the trial, unless authorised by the judge.