National mechanism for protection, legal assistance, financial compensation of crime victims to be strengthened in Moldova

Chisinau, September 24, 2026 – The national mechanism for the protection, legal assistance and financial compensation of crime victims will be strengthened. The parliament has approved, in the first reading, a draft law establishing a unified regulatory framework for the protection and rehabilitation of crime victims.

The draft law, prepared by the Justice Ministry, transposes more European directives into national legislation. The main goal of the initiative is to ensure that victims have effective access to information, support services, protection measures, legal assistance and, where appropriate, financial compensation from the state for the damage caused by the commission of a crime.

To this end, the authors propose amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure, so that victims may benefit from additional procedural safeguards. They include the right to have documents translated into a language understood by the victim, as well as the right of the victim or injured party to be interviewed by a person of the same sex. The measure aims to create a safe environment and reduce the risk of revictimization.

This right may be limited when an interview conducted by a person of the same sex would affect the proper conduct of the criminal proceedings, for example, in the case of an urgent procedure or a lack of available personnel. If there are no prosecutors or criminal investigation officers of the same sex, or if they are disqualified, the interview may be conducted by available personnel, with appropriate psychological support provided to the victim.

In addition, during the trial examination phase, repeated interviews of the injured party will be limited, in order to reduce the risk of revictimization. Victims may benefit from free medical assistance and shelter services provided by specialized services. In urgent situations, certain services may be provided, even if the person does not yet have all the required documents, which may be submitted later.

Another right provided for by the draft law is the one of victims to be informed, upon request and without undue delay, about the release or escape of a detained, arrested or convicted person, as well as about the necessary protection measures. This provision is particularly relevant in situations where there is a real danger to the victim’s safety, determined by the nature of the crime, the offender’s previous behavior or a history of violence, including domestic violence, harassment, threats or other forms of coercion.

The draft law also revises the definition of a victim, so that it expressly includes the natural person who has suffered moral, physical or material damage, as well as family members – the spouse, cohabiting partner, children and relatives up to the fourth degree – and other persons who were dependent on the victim at the time of their death.

Authorities will be required to provide victims, in clear and accessible language, with information about available support services, the criminal investigation body, procedural rights, protection measures and other relevant information. An individual assessment mechanism for crime victims will also be established, both within and outside criminal proceedings. The assessment will make it possible to identify victims’ specific needs and determine the special measures required to prevent secondary victimization, intimidation and retaliation.

The legislative initiative also provides for the expansion of the categories of victims eligible for financial compensation. This measure may also benefit victims of crimes against liberty, victims of sexual offenses, victims of domestic violence, child victims and persecuted persons.

The draft law on the rehabilitation of crime victims will be examined by the parliament in the second reading. Following its adoption, it will enter into force on the date of Moldova’s accession to the European Union.

 

Directorate of Communication and Public Relations of Moldova’s Parliament