Finland Times

 

File Photo – Lehtikuva.

The rights of victims of crimes are set to be improved starting at the beginning of March.

 

The obligation of the police to notify the victims about their rights during pre-trial investigation stage and trial is to be expanded.

 

The victim is also to be given information about the support services available to the victims as early as possible.

 

Victims of serious violent crimes or sexual offences are in certain cases entitled to be informed about the release of the prisoner or the suspect from the remand. 

 

Before the changes, informing the victim about the release was at the discretion of the authorities.

 

“Often in many cases the police have to really assess whether this individual (victim) has adequate support. The support services have huge significance to the survival of the victim and the realisation of the victim’s legal rights,” said Leena-Kaisa Åberg, the executive director of Victim Support.

 

According to Åberg, it depends on how many victims would want such information, but the important thing is that the right is now on the side of the victim.