Victims of crime have the following rights:
A child is any person under 18 years of age.
A child witness or victim is examined by the investigating judge at an evidentiary hearing, and the summons is sent to their parents or guardian.When a crime is reported, the public prosecutor prosecutes ex officio in most cases.
A private action may be brought in the case of crimes for which criminal proceedings are launched on the basis of a private action. The private action must be brought within three months of the date when the authorised natural or legal person learned of the crime and who it was committed by.
An injured party has the right to file a claim for damages as part of criminal proceedings.
Victims of crime also qualify as injured parties and are entitled to file a claim for damages before the court.
A claim for damages may seek:
A claim for damages may be filed as part of criminal proceedings or in a separate civil action against the defendant. A claim for damages filed during criminal proceedings can be granted only if the court finds the defendant guilty.
That is not a requirement for the success of a claim filed in civil proceedings.
A victim participating in criminal proceedings as the injured party is entitled to:
Both before and at every stage during the criminal proceedings, the public prosecutor’s office and the court must consider the scope for the defendant to compensate the injured party for any loss sustained as a result of the offence. They must also inform the injured party of the right to use their own language, including sign language for the deaf and deafblind, and to the assistance of an interpreter if they do not speak or understand Croatian, or of a sign language translator or interpreter if they are deaf or deafblind, the right to lodge an application for a civil claim and temporary injunctions, to lodge a statement of facts and to submit evidence, to attend the proceedings and participate in the evidentiary proceedings, to make a closing statement, to access the case file, and to ask to be informed by the public prosecutor in respect of action taken on the basis of their accusation and to file a complaint with a senior public prosecutor.
The Act on Financial Compensation for Victims of Crime (Zakon o novčanoj naknadi žrtvama kaznenih djela) (Narodne Novine (NN; Official Gazette of the Republic of Croatia) Nos 80/08 and 27/11) lays down a right to financial compensation for victims of crime involving violence committed with intent in Croatia, or for their relatives under the conditions set out in that Act.
It establishes a right to financial compensation for victims of violent crime committed with intent and specifies the prerequisites and procedure for exercising the right to compensation, the bodies that take decisions and participate in the decision-making process on the right to compensation and the bodies and procedure in cross-border cases.
Victims of violent crime committed with intent have a right to financial compensation from the national budget.
The police, the public prosecutor's office and the courts are required to provide information on the right to compensation, supply the necessary application forms and, at the victim’s request, give general guidance and information on how to complete an application and which supporting documents to enclose.
Applications for financial compensation must be submitted to the Ministry of Justice on the form which can be downloaded from the Ministry’s website.
Application form for financial compensation for victims of crime_hr (223 Kb)
Applications must be submitted within six months of the date on which the crime was committed. If the victim has legitimate reasons for failing to submit the application within the deadline, they must do so within three months of the date on which those reasons cease to exist, and in any event within three years of the date on which the crime was committed.
If the victim is a minor or a person deprived of legal capacity and their legal representative failed to submit a claim within six months of the date of the crime, the six-month deadline begins from the day the victim reaches the age of 18 or from the day when, after the victim has reached the age of 18, the criminal proceedings are initiated, or from the day the victim’s legal capacity is restored.
Entitlement to financial compensation applies in the following cases:
In order to establish the amount of compensation, account is taken of the victim’s conduct during and after the crime, their contribution to the damage and its extent, whether the victim is an immediate victim and whether they reported the crime to the competent authorities and when. In addition, an assessment is made of the victim’s cooperation with the police and the competent authorities in order to bring the offender to justice, account being taken of whether the immediate victim helped to cause the damage or exacerbated the damage; in any of these cases the compensation to which the victim is entitled will be reduced accordingly. An application for compensation is refused, or the amount reduced, if the victim is found to be involved in organised crime or a criminal organisation. Compensation may also be refused, or the amount reduced, if the granting of full compensation would be contrary to the principle of fairness, morality and public order.
When a defendant is sentenced to imprisonment, the Service for Victim and Witness Support (Služba za podršku žrtvama i svjedocima) at the Ministry of Justice informs the victim of the prisoner’s release date (unconditional release and release on probation).
Statutory obligation to inform victims of prisoner release
In accordance with the provisions of the Act Amending the Execution of Prison Sentences Act (Zakon o izmjenama i dopunama Zakona o izvršenju kazne zatvora), the Service for Victim and Witness Support at the Ministry of Justice is required to notify the victim, injured party or their family of the release of a prisoner.
Victims are notified of the release of a prisoner in cases of crimes against sexual freedom and sexual morality, life and limb or crimes involving violence.
The victim, injured party or their family are provided with this information, irrespective of whether the prisoner is being released unconditionally or on probation.
Moreover, when a decision is being taken on whether to allow a prisoner to leave prison for their place of permanent or temporary residence, penitentiaries/prisons may ask the Service for Victim and Witness Support to provide information about the reaction of the victim or the victim’s family to this possibility. The Service for Victim and Witness Support draws up reports for the penitentiary/prison on the basis of its discussions with the victim.
Support for victims and witnesses in the Republic of Croatia is coordinated by the Service for Victim and Witness Support at the Ministry of Justice.
Victims and witnesses can obtain support and information on their rights and on procedures from the Victim and Witness Support Department of a court.
Such departments have been set up at seven county courts (županijski sudovi), namely in Zagreb, Zadar, Osijek, Vukovar, Split, Sisak and Rijeka. The departments provide emotional support, practical information and information on rights for victims, and support and information for witnesses and persons accompanying them. There are also departments providing support at the competent municipal and misdemeanour courts (općinski and prekršajni sudovi).
Victims can also obtain information about their rights and the types of assistance available to them by calling the free phone number 116 006 of the National Call Centre for Victims of Crimes and Misdemeanours (see the website of the National Call Centre).
The Ministry of Justice also provides victims and witnesses with support and information about their rights, and inquiries may be sent via email to: zrtve.i.svjedoci@pravosudje.hr or to the website of the Croatian Ministry of Justice: https://pravosudje.gov.hr/
Support for victims and witnesses in cross-border cases
The Service for Support to Victims and Witnesses, which has been set up at the Ministry of Justice, provides support and information for both victims and witnesses who are summoned to court through international legal assistance (including witnesses of war crimes).
Information letters are sent to witnesses who are summoned to give testimony at courts in the Republic of Croatia, or to Croatian witnesses who are summoned to appear before foreign courts.
Witnesses of war crimes are provided with physical protection, where necessary, and assistance for preparing their journey and their appearance before the competent judicial body (in the case of witnesses and other parties who are summoned for questioning in criminal proceedings relating to war crimes before competent judicial bodies in the Republic of Croatia, or outside Croatia when such support relates to a request for international legal assistance).
Click on the links below to find the information that you need:
1 - My rights as a victim of crime
2 - Reporting a crime and my rights during the investigation or trial
The national language version of this page is maintained by the respective Member State. The translations have been done by the European Commission service. Possible changes introduced in the original by the competent national authority may not be yet reflected in the translations. The European Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to any information or data contained or referred to in this document. Please refer to the legal notice to see copyright rules for the Member State responsible for this page.
The Code of Criminal Procedure does not regulate the contents of the information sheet the victim may be provided with after the offence has occurred and before it is reported. Everyone has the right and option to contact the Public Prosecutor’s Office, where they can report a crime, deposit a statement, or make a submission on a matter falling within the Public Prosecutor’s remit. Individuals contacting the Office receive information on how to report the crime and other basic information on their rights and obligations.
Police officers are required to record reports of crimes that are prosecuted ex officio.
Furthermore, everyone is entitled to appropriate police protection if there are reasonable grounds for such protection to be provided.
Victim and witness support departments, which have been established by seven county courts, provide victims with emotional support and information as to their rights (including technical and practical information). They also offer support and information to witnesses and to family members of both victims and witnesses. Information and support are provided regardless of the stage of proceedings. Victims receive information and support even if they fail to report the crime. Those departments also refer victims and witnesses to specialised civil society institutions and organisations, depending on their needs.
Provisions governing the rights of victims and civil parties apply equally without regard to nationality because Croatian criminal legislation applies to anyone who commits a crime in Croatia. Parties to and participants in proceedings are entitled to use their mother tongue.
The police, the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the courts are required, under the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Victims of Crime (Financial Compensation) Act, to provide victims of crime with information on their rights under those acts. This means that the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the courts are required to examine the possibilities, both before criminal proceedings and at any stage during them, for the individual charged to compensate the injured party for any loss/damage caused by the offence, and to inform the injured party – verbally in a language the victim understands and in writing in Croatian or English – of their right to use their mother tongue and to lodge a property-law claim and of their right to compensation). The Public Prosecutor’s Office and the courts are also required to provide the victim, at their request, with general instructions and information on how to complete the claim and which supporting documents to submit. Information sheets containing information on the victim’s right to compensation are available in Croatian and English, as is the Compensation Claim Form. These documents, in Croatian and English versions, can be downloaded from the website of the Croatian Ministry of Justice.
Any victim who reports a crime receives information on their rights from the police. After informing the victim verbally, the police officer provides the victim with information on their rights in writing and any available information on services protecting and supporting victims, including the toll-free victim support helpline number.
For individuals without any knowledge of Croatian, a rights information sheet is available from the police in other languages.
Volunteers at the National Call Centre for Victims of Crimes and Misdemeanours (116-006) provide emotional support, information on rights and practical information. They also refer victims to other competent services and organisations to ensure they receive any additional information and other forms of support and assistance. This helpline is toll-free, open from 8 am to 8 pm on weekdays and the staff can take calls in Croatian and English.
(a) The victim and injured party are entitled, within two months of pressing charges or reporting a crime, to request information from the Public Prosecutor’s Office on the action taken in response to the charges/report. They are informed by the Public Prosecutor’s Office of the action taken within a reasonable timeframe, no later than thirty days from the date of the request, unless the request jeopardises the effectiveness of the proceedings. The decision to withhold such information must be communicated to the victim or injured party making the request.
(b) The Public Prosecutor will suspend the investigation by a decision, if:
The decision to suspend the investigation is sent to the injured party and the individual charged, who will immediately be released if they had been placed in custody or on remand. In addition to the decision letter, the injured party receives information, in accordance with Article 55 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, on how to pursue prosecution themselves.
(c) After examining the report and carrying out a check in the information system of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Public Prosecutor will reject the report by a reasoned decision if it is clear from the report that:
No appeals are allowed against the Public Prosecutor’s decision to dismiss a report.
Unless otherwise provided for by the Code of Criminal Procedure, the Public Prosecutor notifies the victim of the decision to dismiss the report and the grounds for it within eight days. The Public Prosecutor will also provide information on how the victim may pursue prosecution themselves. The Public Prosecutor must promptly inform the person who made the report and the individual charged of the decision to dismiss the report, if so requested by either party.
If the Public Prosecutor cannot assess the credibility of the allegations from the report itself or if information in the report fails to provide sufficient grounds for a decision to initiate an investigation or gather evidence, it will conduct its own enquiries or instruct the police to do so.
(d) The custody supervisor must immediately release the individual arrested or detained:
(e) The Public Prosecutor can summon witnesses and experts to assist with taking of evidence. The summons may also be sent by the investigator if authorised by the Public Prosecutor. The court can summon witnesses and experts to testify at an evidentiary hearing or attend a court hearing. The competent body sets in advance the time and place where the evidence will be taken. The person summoned is warned of the consequences of any failure to attend.
A victim participating in criminal proceedings as the injured party is entitled to:
Unless otherwise provided for by a separate law, the investigating judge may take evidence from any child witness under 14 years of age. The hearing takes place without the judge or the parties being present in the same room as the child, using an audio-video device operated by a professional assistant. The hearing is assisted by a psychologist, childhood education specialist, or other professional person. The hearing may also be attended by a parent or guardian, unless this is contrary to the interests of the investigation or the child. The parties may put questions to the child witness through a professional, subject to the investigating judge’s approval. The hearing session is recorded using an audio-video device and the recording is sealed and appended to the minutes. The child witness may be summoned for a second hearing in exceptional circumstances only, with the same procedure being followed.
Unless otherwise provided for by a separate law, the investigating judge may also take evidence from child witnesses aged 14-18. Questioning of children, especially if they are the victim of the offence, must be handled carefully to ensure that it does not adversely affect their mental health. Particular care is taken to protect the child.
Any witness who cannot respond to a summons for reasons of old age, illness, or disability, may be heard in their own flat or other place where they are staying. Such witnesses may be heard using an audio-video device operated by a professional. If warranted by the witness’s condition, the hearing is conducted in such a way as to allow the parties to put questions without being present in the same room as the witness. If required, the hearing is recorded using an audio-video device and the recording is sealed and appended to the minutes. At the victim’s request, this same witness examination procedure can be followed if they are the victim of an offence against sexual freedom or morality, a human trafficking offence or an offence committed within the family. Such a witness may be summoned for a second hearing in exceptional circumstances only, if deemed necessary by the court.
Victim and witness support departments, which have been established by seven county courts (Zagreb, Osijek, Split, Rijeka, Sisak, Zadar and Vukovar) provide support for victims and witnesses giving evidence at these courts and at the municipal courts of these cities/towns. These departments also provide support at misdemeanour courts in domestic violence cases and refer victims and witnesses to specialised civil society institutions and organisations, depending on their needs.
Information and support are provided by telephone and when the victim/witness enters the court building. Information is also provided by email.
For more information, please visit the following Croatian Ministry of Justice page.
When informing the victim about their rights, the police officer also provides the victim with information on their rights in writing and any available information on victim-support services, including the toll-free victim support helpline number. The rights information sheet includes the contact details of:
Competent authorities may collect personal information only for purposes laid down by law, as part of their duties laid down in the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Personal information may be processed only when specified by a law or other legal provision, and such processing must be limited to the purpose for which the information has been collected. Further processing of such information is permitted, unless it is contrary to the purpose for which the information has been collected, and provided the competent bodies are authorised to process such information for another purpose laid down by law and the further processing is necessary and commensurate with the other purpose.
Personal information relating to someone’s health or sexual life may be processed in exceptional cases only, where the criminal offence is subject to a custodial sentence of five years or more and could not be detected or prosecuted in any other way, or where detection/prosecution would be fraught with disproportionate difficulties.
No processing of personal information relating to race or ethnicity, political persuasion, religious or philosophical belief, or trade union membership is permitted.
Personal information collected for the purposes of criminal proceedings may be forwarded to government bodies in accordance with a special law, and to other legal entities, only if the Public Prosecutor’s Office or the court finds they require such information for a purpose laid down by law. When such information is forwarded, the relevant legal entities are reminded of their duty to protect the data of the persons concerned.
Personal data may be used, in accordance with the relevant legislation, in other criminal proceedings, in other proceedings dealing with punishable acts that are conducted in Croatia, in procedures relating to international criminal justice assistance, and in international police cooperation efforts.
The victim receives information and support from the victim and witness support department of the relevant court or civil society organisation even if they fail to report the crime.
In accordance with Article 99 of the Police Tasks and Powers Act, unless provided otherwise by a separate law, and for the period of time there are reasonable grounds for such action, the police provide appropriate protection for the victim and any other person who has provided or may provide information relevant to the criminal proceedings, or for any person close to them, if they or persons close to them are at risk of danger from the offender or other individuals involved in the criminal proceedings. Victim protection provided by the police means 24-hour physical protection.
In accordance with Article 130 of the Misdemeanours Act, the police may, temporarily and for up to eight days, order a precautionary measure against the individual reasonably suspected of having committed the offence. In practice, this usually translates into injunctions prohibiting the suspect from visiting a particular place or area (eviction from the victim’s home), from approaching a particular person, or from making or maintaining contact with a particular person. Within eight days the police file charges with the competent misdemeanour court, which will then make a decision as to whether to suspend or extend the precautionary measure ordered. In addition, during the misdemeanour proceedings, the court may, under the Domestic Violence (Protection) Act, order the following measures to be taken against the offender:
Under the Misdemeanours Act, the court may also apply other protective and precautionary measures designed to protect the victim from being approached or harassed by the suspect.
Furthermore, in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure, the court and the Public Prosecutor may, instead of remanding the individual charged in custody, order one or more precautionary measures, including an injunction to prohibit the offender from visiting a particular place or area, from approaching a particular person, from making or maintaining contact with a particular person, or an injunction prohibiting the offender from stalking or harassing the victim or another person, or eviction from the victim’s home.
The victim can obtain information from the police about all their rights, including information on their right to protection, the types of protection offered, and on action to be taken by the police to protect the victim.
Once the investigation has been completed and the relevant documents have been submitted to the competent criminal justice bodies, the police do not carry out any further assessment of the victim’s needs, except to carry out any of the protective or precautionary measures ordered. If reports of new circumstances are received pointing to a renewed threat from the offender, the police will take further action to protect the victim in line with its assessment and the facts of the case.
The criminal justice system (during investigative and court proceedings) operates in such a way as to respect the victim’s rights and their standing in the criminal proceedings, in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure. Before examining the victim, the prosecuting body conducting the investigation makes an individual assessment of the victim’s situation in cooperation with bodies, organisations or institutions that provide support and assistance to victims of crime. The individual assessment includes determining the need to apply special protection measures for the victim’s benefit. If such a need exists, the prosecuting body determines the protection measures to be applied (special questioning arrangements for the victim, the use of communication technologies to prevent any visual contact between the victim and the offender, and other measures laid down by law). Where the victim of a crime is a child, the need to apply special protection measures is presumed and special protection measures are determined. The individual assessment takes particular account of the victim’s personal characteristics, the type and nature of the offence, and the circumstances in which the offence was committed. Special attention is paid to victims who have suffered major harm because of the gravity of the offence, victims of an offence committed because of the victim’s particular personal characteristics, and victims whose relationship to the offender makes them particularly vulnerable.
The criminal justice system (during investigative and court proceedings) operates in such a way as to respect the victim’s rights and their standing in the criminal proceedings, in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure. Before examining the victim, the prosecuting body conducting the investigation makes an individual assessment of the victim’s situation in cooperation with bodies, organisations or institutions that provide support and assistance to victims of crime. The individual assessment includes determining the need to apply special protection measures for the victim’s benefit. If such a need exists, the prosecuting body determines the protection measures to be applied (special questioning arrangements for the victim, the use of communication technologies to prevent any visual contact between the victim and the offender, and other measures laid down by law). Where the victim of a crime is a child, the need to apply special protection measures is presumed and special protection measures are determined. The individual assessment takes particular account of the victim’s personal characteristics, the type and nature of the offence, and the circumstances in which the offence was committed. Special attention is paid to victims who have suffered major harm because of the gravity of the offence, victims of an offence committed because of the victim’s particular personal characteristics, and victims whose relationship to the offender makes them particularly vulnerable.
Child victims of crime have the following additional rights:
A child is any person under 18 years of age.
A child witness or victim is examined by the investigating judge at an evidentiary hearing, and the summons is sent to the child’s parents or guardian.
Under the Victims of Crime (Financial Compensation) Act, when the direct victim dies as a result of a violent crime, the indirect victim (spouse, partner, parent, foster child, foster parent, stepmother, stepfather or stepchild of the direct victim or the person with whom the direct victim lived in a same-sex relationship) is entitled to financial compensation as prescribed by the Victims of Crime (Financial Compensation) Act.
If the indirect victim was supported by the deceased (direct) victim, they are entitled to compensation of up to HRK 70 000 for loss of statutory maintenance and to compensation of up to HRK 5 000 for normal funeral expenses they have incurred.
Any person whose family member lost their life as a victim of a crime is entitled, as an injured party, to participate in the criminal proceedings and claim compensation (whether in criminal or civil proceedings).
‘Indirect victim’ means the spouse, partner, child, parent, foster child, foster parent, stepmother, stepfather or stepchild of the direct victim or the person with whom the direct victim lived in a same-sex relationship.
Grandparents and grandchildren can also be indirect victims, if one of them was the direct victim and they were permanently living together with the grandparents replacing the parents.
Non-marital and same-sex relationships are treated in accordance with Croatian law.
If the crime victim dies, indirect victims are entitled to compensation (for the loss of statutory maintenance and for normal funeral expenses).
Croatia operates the victim-offender mediation model in pre-criminal proceedings for minor and young adult offenders, under the conditional opportunity principle in accordance with the Juvenile Courts Act governing the special obligation for minor and young adult offenders to engage in the mediation process through out-of-court settlement. This means that if the minor offender complies with this obligation, they do not have to stand trial.
Since 2013, Croatia has had a total of 60 mediators, who received their training in a one-year programme consisting of 170 teaching hours (comprising lectures, assignments, role-play and practical mentoring exercises, and supervision). They are the only professionals in Croatia authorised to administer restorative justice in criminal cases They received their certificates from the Croatian Ministry of Social Policy and Young People, the Out-of-Court Settlement Association, and UNICEF.
As a result, the central town of each Croatian county has an out-of-court settlement service.
The Code of Criminal Procedure
The Victims of Crime (Financial Compensation) Act
The national language version of this page is maintained by the respective Member State. The translations have been done by the European Commission service. Possible changes introduced in the original by the competent national authority may not be yet reflected in the translations. The European Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to any information or data contained or referred to in this document. Please refer to the legal notice to see copyright rules for the Member State responsible for this page.
Crimes can be reported to the competent public prosecutor’s office in writing, verbally or by other means.
If you report a crime verbally, you will be warned of the consequences of filing false complaints. For reports filed verbally, a written record is drawn up, while reports filed by telephone or other telecommunication means are, where possible, recorded electronically and a formal note is drawn up.
Victims who report a crime receive a written acknowledgement containing the basic details of the crime reported. Victims who do not speak or understand the language used by the authorities can report the crime in their own language and are provided with an interpreter or other person who speaks and understands both the language of the competent authority and the victim’s language. Victims who do not speak or understand the language used by the authorities can request to have the acknowledgement translated into their language free of charge.
If a crime report is submitted to a court, the police or the wrong public prosecutor’s office, they take receipt of it and immediately forward it to the competent public prosecutor’s office.
The public prosecutor immediately enters the crime report in the register of crime reports, except where the law states otherwise.
If a public prosecutor only receives news of a crime having been committed or they receive a report from the victim, they draw up a formal note, record it in the register of miscellaneous offence cases and proceed as provided for by law.
If the report contains no details of the crime, meaning that the public prosecutor is unable to identify what crime is being reported, they record it in the register of miscellaneous offence cases and ask the person reporting the crime to provide additional information within 15 days.
If the person reporting the crime fails to act on the request for additional information, the public prosecutor draws up an official note of this. Once the deadline for submitting additional information has expired, the public prosecutor must report this to a senior public prosecutor within eight days. The senior public prosecutor may order the crime report to be entered in the register of crime reports.
Two months after filing a criminal complaint or reporting a crime, the victim or the injured party may send the public prosecutor a request for information on the action taken in response to the complaint/report. The public prosecutor must reply within a reasonable period but no later than 30 days from the date of receipt of the written request, except where such a reply could undermine the proceedings. If the public prosecutor decides not to provide this information, they must inform the victim/injured party accordingly.
A victim participating in criminal proceedings as an injured party has the right to be informed of the outcome of the proceedings.
In addition to the above rights, before being interviewed victims of sexual crimes and human trafficking have the right to free consultation with a legal adviser and may be assigned a representative. The cost of the adviser/representative is paid for by the State.
Child victims have all the above rights as well as the right to a representative paid for by the State.
Crime victims have the right to primary and secondary legal aid. Such aid is provided free of charge to victims of violent crimes seeking compensation for the injury they have suffered as crime victims.
The Free Legal Aid Act makes provision for primary and secondary legal aid.
Primary legal aid covers general legal information, legal advice, submissions to public bodies, the European Court of Human Rights and international organisations in accordance with international treaties and internal rules of procedure, representation in proceedings before public bodies, and legal assistance in out-of-court dispute settlements.
Primary legal aid can be provided for any legal matter, provided that:
Applicants seeking primary legal aid should contact a provider of primary legal aid directly.
Secondary legal aid covers legal advice, submissions in a procedure for protecting workers’ rights before the employer, submissions in court proceedings, representation in court proceedings, legal aid in amicable dispute settlements, and exemption from the payment of legal costs and court fees.
Secondary legal aid may be granted if:
Secondary legal aid is approved without a prior assessment of the applicant’s economic situation, if the applicant is:
Applicants seeking secondary legal aid must submit their application to the competent office using the dedicated form.
Defendants found guilty are ordered by the court to cover the costs of litigation, unless they are eligible for a full or partial exemption.
When criminal proceedings are suspended or when the court acquits the defendant or drops the charges, the court’s decision/ruling must provide that the cost of the criminal proceedings under Article 145(2)(1)-(5) of this Act, the unavoidable costs incurred by the defendant and the unavoidable costs and fees of the defence attorney are to be borne by the State, except where otherwise provided by law.
Victims whose criminal complaints have been rejected may pursue criminal prosecution themselves.
If the public prosecutor finds that there are no grounds for prosecution for an offence prosecutable ex officio or for prosecuting any of the individuals reported, they must notify the victim of this within eight days and inform them that they may pursue prosecution themselves. This must also be done by a court if it issues a decision discontinuing proceedings because the public prosecutor has dropped prosecution in other cases.
Under this Act, the injured party to criminal proceedings has the right to:
Victims of crime are private individuals who have suffered physical or psychological harm, damage to property or a serious violation of their fundamental rights and freedoms as a direct consequence of a crime. Victims of crime can also mean the spouse, partner, life partner, informal life partner and descendant(s) of the person whose death was directly attributable to the crime, or, failing that, their ascendant(s) or sibling(s). of the person whose death was directly attributable to the crime. Any person legally maintained by the deceased is also considered to be a victim of that crime.
An injured party is a crime victim or a legal person that has suffered injury as a result of a crime and participates in criminal proceedings in that capacity.
The capacity of a party to or participant in the proceedings does not depend on that person’s wish, but on the role that person had in the criminal matter. Anyone can appear in any of the above roles, depending on the circumstances laid down by law; the choice that they have concerns the rights they wish to exercise as injured party or crime victim.
A victim of crime has the right to:
A victim participating in criminal proceedings as an injured party has the right to:
In addition to the victims’ rights under this Act child victims enjoy the following rights: (1) representative provided free of charge, (2) personal data protection, (3) exclusion of the public. (Article 44(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act)
In addition to the victims’ rights referred to in Article 43 of this Act, victims of sexual crimes and human trafficking enjoy the following rights: (1) free consultation before being interviewed, (2) a free representative, (3) to be interrogated, at the police or the public prosecutor's office, by a person of the same sex, and, if possible, by that same person if the interview is repeated, (4) to not reply to questions that are not related to the crime but concern the victim’s private life, (5) to request to be interviewed by audio-visual means (Article 292(4) of this Act), (6) personal data protection, (7) exclusion of the public from the proceedings. (Article 44(4) of the Criminal Procedure Act)
During the investigation stage, crime victims who are private plaintiffs or injured parties may draw attention to all facts and adduce evidence that is material for ascertaining the crime, identifying the offender(s) and establishing their claims in the associated action for damages.
Both before and at all stages during the criminal proceedings, the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the court must consider whether it is possible for the defendant to compensate the injured party for any loss caused by the crime. They must also inform the injured party of certain rights under law (e.g. the injured party’s right to use their mother tongue, the right to file for damages, etc.).
Persons who are likely to have information on the crime, the offender or other pertinent circumstances can be summoned as witnesses.
Injured parties, injured parties acting as plaintiff and private plaintiffs can be questioned as witnesses.
A private plaintiff has the same rights as the public prosecutor with the exception of the rights belonging solely to a state authority.
Under this Act, the injured party has the right to:
(4) draw attention to the facts and present evidence;
(5) attend the evidentiary hearing;
(6) attend the proceedings, take part in the evidentiary proceedings and make a closing statement (Article 51(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act).
A victim pursuing prosecution has the same rights as the public prosecutor with the exception of the rights belonging solely to a state authority.
A private plaintiff has the same rights as the public prosecutor with the exception of the rights belonging solely to a state authority. Private plaintiffs are subject to the same procedural provisions that apply to injured parties and plaintiffs.
At the hearing the chief judge invites all the parties to set out the evidence they intend to present at the main hearing. Each party is invited to comment on the other party’s submissions.
During the investigation stage, crime victims who are private plaintiffs or injured parties may draw attention to all facts and adduce evidence that is material for ascertaining the crime, identifying the offender(s) and establishing their claims in the action for damages.
A victim participating in criminal proceedings as an injured party has the right to:
A victim participating in criminal proceedings as the injured party may access the case file.
The national language version of this page is maintained by the respective Member State. The translations have been done by the European Commission service. Possible changes introduced in the original by the competent national authority may not be yet reflected in the translations. The European Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to any information or data contained or referred to in this document. Please refer to the legal notice to see copyright rules for the Member State responsible for this page.
Victims participating in criminal proceedings as an injured party may appeal the ruling.
Authorised persons may appeal against a first-instance ruling within 15 days of the date of service of a copy of the ruling.
An appeal may be lodged by either litigant, the defence attorney or the injured party.
The injured party may appeal against the ruling on the grounds of the court’s decision regarding the costs of the criminal proceedings or the claim for damages. However, if the state attorney has taken over prosecution from the injured party acting as private prosecutor, the latter may appeal on any grounds on which a ruling may be challenged.
Victims participating in criminal proceedings as an injured party may lodge an appeal and seek restoration of the previous situation.
Victims and witnesses can turn to specialised departments of county courts for information and support at any point during criminal (or misdemeanour) proceedings, but before the ruling has been issued.
If victims or witnesses turn to these victim and witness support departments after the ruling has been issued, the departments will provide them with information consistent with their remit, and refer them to other organisations and services specialising in victims’ or witnesses’ needs.
The Independent support service for victims and witnesses of the Ministry of Justice provides victims, injured parties or their families with information on the offender’s release from prison (automatic or conditional release). This information is provided to all victims of, and injured parties following, serious offences, such as crimes against life and limb, sexual crimes, violent crimes or war crimes.
In exceptional cases, when the Service finds that a victim of prolonged domestic violence or violence against women requires coordinated additional support, it informs the coordinator of the County Team for preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence of the interview conducted with the victim and the problems he/she faces, and asks that the County Team take appropriate action. Where appropriate, this information is also forwarded to the competent police department and the competent social welfare centre, if the victim (child/person) is deprived of legal capacity, or to the competent probation office, if the offender has been released conditionally and is required to report regularly to the probation office.
In exceptional cases, when the Service concludes on the basis of information gathered from the victim (of a crime other than those mentioned above) that the victim absolutely requires additional support and protection, it may request action from the competent police department subject to the victim’s consent.
Victim support is also provided by civil society organisations, immediately after the offence is committed, during the criminal proceedings, and after the trial, i.e. or after a final ruling has been issued. Support and assistance provided by civil society organisations depends on their remit.
A written ruling with instructions on legal remedies is served on the plaintiff, the defendant and his/her defence attorney, the injured party (if the latter has the right to appeal), the party whose property has been confiscated by the ruling and the legal entity from which the proceeds are to be confiscated.
An injured party who does not have the right of appeal will be served the ruling as provided for by law, together with a note on his/her right to seek restoration of the previous situation. The final ruling is served on the injured party on request.
Under the Criminal Procedure Act, the victim who has so requested will be informed by the police, without delay, of the end of detention or remand for the offender, except where such disclosure might put the offender at risk. The victim will also be informed of the measures taken to protect him/her, where such measures have been ordered.
Penitentiaries and prisons do not inform the Service for victims and witnesses of escaped prisoners, but send a notification of the offender’s escape to police only; however, these rules are scheduled to be amended soon.
Victims have the right to be informed without delay, when they so request, of the offender’s release from detention or remand and his/her escape or release from prison, and of the measures taken in the interest of the victim’s safety.
Victims of serious crimes, i.e. crimes against life and limb, sexual crimes, violent crimes and war crimes, are informed of the offender’s automatic or conditional release.
Any statement made by the victim of a violent crime and other relevant information pertaining to the victim are taken into account when a decision is considered to potentially allow the offender the benefit of spending weekends outside a penitentiary or prison. The victim’s statement forms part of the conditional release file. However, the regulations currently in force do not provide for the victim to be involved in a conditional release decision and/or appeal against that decision.
The national language version of this page is maintained by the respective Member State. The translations have been done by the European Commission service. Possible changes introduced in the original by the competent national authority may not be yet reflected in the translations. The European Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to any information or data contained or referred to in this document. Please refer to the legal notice to see copyright rules for the Member State responsible for this page.
Under specific regulations, victims of crimes punishable by imprisonment of five or more years, who have suffered severe psychophysical trauma or have been seriously affected by the crime, have the right to a counsellor before giving testimony in criminal proceedings or filing a claim for damages; the counsellor's fees are to be borne by the government.
Claims for damages in criminal proceedings may be filed by persons authorised to pursue such claims in civil actions.
Crime victims filing a claim for damages must indicate whether they have obtained compensation or filed a claim for damages.
Once the decision on a claim for damages becomes final and enforceable, the injured party may request the court that issued the decision in first-instance proceedings to provide issue him/her with a certified copy of that decision, with an indication that the latter is enforceable.
If the decision does not lay down a deadline for compliance, the obligation imposed by the decision must be fulfilled within 15 days of the decision becoming final. After this deadline the fulfilment of the obligation becomes subject to enforcement.
A victim of an intentional crime may be compensated from the State budget under a specific act. Where the victim has won a claim for damages, the amount of compensation depends on the amount awarded; the court deciding on the claim for damages will take the same action where the victim has already been compensated from the State budget, the court.
Victims of intentional violent crimes committed in Croatia after 1 July 2013 are eligible for compensation:
The victim has the right to be compensated:
The victim may be awarded compensation even if the perpetrator is unknown or if criminal proceedings have not been initiated.
Emergency payments are not provided for by Croatian law.
The national language version of this page is maintained by the respective Member State. The translations have been done by the European Commission service. Possible changes introduced in the original by the competent national authority may not be yet reflected in the translations. The European Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to any information or data contained or referred to in this document. Please refer to the legal notice to see copyright rules for the Member State responsible for this page.
The national support helpline for victims of crime and minor offences (116-006) provides emotional support, information on victims’ rights, practical information and guidance as to which bodies and organisations can provide further information, assistance and support.
The helpline is a freephone service,
available in Croatian and English, weekdays from 8.00 to 20.00.
The national support helpline for victims of crime and minor offences (116-006) is a general support service.
More information is available on: https://pzs.hr/
Other specialised civil society organisations also provide support and assistance to victims of certain crimes and to children via telephone. More information is available on the website of the Croatian Ministry of Justice, where you can also find the list of these organisations by county and information on the civil society organisations included in the Network of Support and Cooperation for Victims and Witnesses of Crime (Mreža podrške i suradnje za žrtve i svjedoke kaznenih djela).
116 006 | National support helpline for victims of crime and minor offences | Weekdays 8.00-20.00 |
116 000 | National missing children hotline Centre for missing and abused children | 24/7 |
116 111 | Hrabri telefon helpline for children | Weekdays 9.00-20.00 |
0800·0800 | Hrabri telefon helpline for parents | Weekdays 9.00-20.00 |
0800 77 99 | Human trafficking emergency number | Every day, 10.00-18.00 |
0800 55 44 | Counselling centre for women who are victims of violence Zagreb women’s shelter | Weekdays 11.00-17.00 |
0800 655 222 | Emergency number for women and children who are victims of violence Ženska pomoć sada women’s helpline | 24/7 |
0800 200 144 | B.a.B.e. free legal assistance for victims of domestic violence | Weekdays 9.00-15.00 |
01 6119 444 | Support centre for victims of sexual violence Ženska soba sexual rights centre | Weekdays 10.00-17.00 |
01 48 28 888 | Psychological assistance TESA centre for psychological assistance | Weekdays 10.00-22.00 |
01 48 33 888 | Plavi telefon helpline | Weekdays 9.00-21.00 |
01 4811 320 | Free legal aid Legal Clinic of the Faculty of Law, Zagreb | Weekdays 10.00-12.00, Wed. and Thu. 17.00-19.00 |
Yes.
Victim and witness support departments provide:
VICTIM AND WITNESS SUPPORT DEPARTMENTS | ||
Osijek County Court | Address: | Europska avenija 7, 31 000 Osijek, Croatia |
Tel.: | 031/228-500 | |
e-mail: | ||
Rijeka County Court | Address: | Žrtava fašizma 7, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia |
Tel.: | 051/355-645 | |
e-mail: | ||
Sisak County Court | Address: | Trg Ljudevita Posavskog 5, 44000 Sisak, Croatia |
Tel.: | 044/524-419 | |
e-mail: | ||
Split County Court | Address: | Gundulićeva 29a, 21000 Split, Croatia |
Tel.: | 021/387-543 | |
e-mail: | ||
Vukovar County Court | Address: | Županijska 33, 32000 Vukovar, Croatia |
Tel.: | 032/452-529 | |
e-mail: | ||
Zadar County Court | Address: | Borelli 9, 23 000 Zadar, Croatia |
Tel.: | 023/203-640 | |
e-mail: | ||
Zagreb County Court | Address: | Trg N.Š. Zrinskog 5, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia |
Tel.: | 01/4801-062 |
The Victim and Witness Support Service (Služba za podršku žrtvama i svjedocima) of the Croatian Ministry of Justice:
Depending on the type of organisation and its remit, various types of assistance and support are available: psychological, emotional, legal, practical, accommodation, medical, security, and in-court support.
More information and the list of these organisations by county is available on the website of the Croatian Ministry of Justice.
Twelve probation offices are in the process of being established in Croatia. The purpose is to add a human dimension to the enforcement of criminal sanctions, ensure more efficient reintegration of offenders into society, and provide victims, injured parties and the families of victims and offenders with assistance.
The National Probation Service participates in preparations to resettle offenders in the community after they have been released from prison. This includes helping them to find accommodation and work and preparing them, as well as victims, injured parties and the families of victims, for the release. The Service also makes arrangements for the provision of psychosocial support to victims, injured parties and victims’ and the offender’s families.
Where the offender to be released is serving a sentence for a sexual offence, an offence against life and limb or a violent offence, the Probation Service is required to inform the victims, injured parties or their families accordingly and without delay.
The contact details of individual probation offices and the Probation Department of the Ministry of Justice are available here.
Victims of crime can contact the police by email policija@mup.hr or prevencija@mup.hr, or by dialling 192 (24/7) or +385 1 3788 111.
The national language version of this page is maintained by the respective Member State. The translations have been done by the European Commission service. Possible changes introduced in the original by the competent national authority may not be yet reflected in the translations. The European Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to any information or data contained or referred to in this document. Please refer to the legal notice to see copyright rules for the Member State responsible for this page.