1 - My rights as a victim of crime

What information will I get from the authority after the crime occurred (e.g. police, public prosecutor) but before I even report the crime?

If you have been a victim of crime, you have the right to receive information, which should be provided by the person with whom you come into contact first. Usually, this is the first police officer, prosecutor, physician or an entity providing assistance to victims of crime.

During the first contact, the police/prosecutor are required to provide you in particular with information on:

  • the procedures relating to the filing of a criminal complaint, and the rights and obligations of the victim/the civil party in criminal proceedings (such as the right to be accompanied by a trusted person, the appointment of an authorised representative, and the possibilities for the service of documents and access to the file);
  • the entities providing assistance to victims of crime (contact details, information on the form of assistance they provide); • the possibilities regarding the provision of the necessary medical care;
  • access to legal aid;
  • the conditions for the provision of protection if there is a threat of danger to life or health, or a threat of danger of significant damage to property (e.g. the possibility of banishing the offender from the household, the right to seek that a claim for damages be secured up to the probable amount of the damages against the accused person’s property);
  • the right to interpreting and translation services;
  • the measures to protect your interests that you can request if you reside in another EU Member State;
  • the procedures for seeking redress should your rights be violated by the police and/or the prosecutor’s office;
  • the contact details for communication about the case in which you are a victim;
  • the procedures relating to claiming compensation for damage;
  • the procedures for mediation in criminal proceedings;
  • the possibility and conditions for concluding amicable settlement;
  • the possibility and conditions for reimbursement of the costs of criminal proceedings.

Upon request, the police or the prosecutor’s office will help you contact an entity providing assistance to victims of crime that will further address your needs.

If you seek medical assistance first, the staff of the healthcare institution are required to give you the contact details of the entities providing assistance to victims.

Entities providing assistance to victims of crime will provide you with information on:

  • the form and scope of expert assistance and the extent to which it is provided free of charge;
  • the contact details of other entities that can help you in case the above entities are unable to provide the expert assistance you need;
  • the victim's rights, including the right to compensation;
  • the rights you have if you are in the position of the civil party or a witness in criminal proceedings;
  • financial and practical matters.

I don’t live in the EU country where the crime took place (EU and non-EU citizens). How are my rights protected?

If you have been a victim of crime in another EU Member State and, in the case of a serious offence, you could not or did not want to lodge a criminal complaint in the Member State where the crime was committed, you can report it to the police/prosecutor in Slovakia. The reason why you could not or did not want to make a criminal complaint in another country – whether for reasons of time, distance, lack of fluency in the local language, fear for your family, or other – is not relevant. If the public prosecutor/police find that they lack the competence to deal with the case, they will forward the complaint without delay to the competent authority of the EU Member State in whose territory the crime was committed.

The competent authorities will take the necessary measures to minimise the difficulties you face as a victim of crime, especially as regards the organisation of the proceedings. This means, for example, that you can be heard as a witness by video call or by phone.

If you have been a victim of a violent crime, you can claim compensation both in the Member State where the crime was committed and in Slovakia; in the latter case, this is done by submitting an application to the Ministry of Justice of the Slovak Republic.

If I report a crime, what information will I receive?

In particular, the police will inform you about the outcome of your criminal complaint. As a rule, the police will decide in one of the following ways within 30 days:

  • they will reject the complaint and discontinue the criminal proceedings
    The police will decide in this way if the act committed cannot be classified as a criminal offence or an administrative offence.
  • they will refer the complaint to the competent authority
    If the act does not constitute a criminal offence and the police suspect that it might constitute an administrative offence or another administrative infraction, the police will forward the complaint to the competent authority. The relevant authority will then re-examine the complaint and, if there are sufficient grounds, initiate administrative proceedings.
  • they will set the criminal complaint aside
    This mainly concerns cases where the offender has died, is not criminally liable due to being underage (i.e. was not at least 14 years old at the time the act was committed) or the victim’s consent to the criminal proceedings has not been granted.
  • they will initiate criminal prosecution
    If there are no grounds to reject or refer the complaint or set it aside, the police will initiate criminal prosecution.

The police are required to notify you of their decision. This decision is designated as an order (uznesenie) and will be served at the address you indicated in your criminal complaint. If criminal prosecution is initiated on the basis of your complaint, you as the person who reported the crime will be kept informed of its individual stages (i.e. bringing criminal charges against a specific person, extension of the charges, referral of the case to another body, discontinuation, conditional discontinuation or suspension of criminal prosecution).

Am I entitled to free interpreting or translation services (when I contact the police or other authorities, or during the investigation and trial)?

You have the right to ask for an interpreter; the interpreter will then be provided by the police. You do not have to pay the interpreter’s fee; it is covered by the state. You also have the right to have the essential decisions translated or interpreted into a language you understand.

How does the authority ensure that I understand and that I am understood (if I am a child; if I have a disability)

In their communication with you, the police/prosecutor take into account your specific circumstances (such as your age, gender, disability or mental maturity). The purpose is to ensure that you, as a victim, receive sufficient information in a form you can understand to enable you to fully access your rights and to ensure that you feel treated in a respectful manner.

Particularly vulnerable persons, including children and disabled persons, are to be questioned in a considerate manner ensuring that the questioning need not be repeated later in the proceedings. For this reason, their statements are recorded on camera. Before taking the witness statement, the police will consult a psychologist or an expert attending the questioning as to how the questioning is going to be conducted in order to ensure that it is conducted correctly.

Victim support services

Who provides victim support?

Victim support is ensured by entities registered in the register of entities providing assistance to victims of crime, which is available on the website of the Ministry of Justice of the Slovak Republic, or, where appropriate, by intervention centres for victims of domestic violence. They will provide you both with psychological assistance and with legal advice. You will be attended by professionally trained staff who will help you with legal issues or provide you with psychological support. If needed, they will help you find emergency accommodation, contact your family or obtain money.

Will the police automatically refer me to victim support?

During the first contact, the police will inform you about the entities providing assistance to victims of crime, tell you how to contact them and explain which form of assistance they provide. If you so request, the police will assist you in contacting them.

How is my privacy protected?

Law enforcement authorities make sure that they do not disclose protected personal data or facts of a private nature, in particular regarding your family life, home address and correspondence not directly related to the crime. They pay particular attention to the interests of children, minors and the civil parties, whose personal data are not disclosed.

If you file a criminal complaint, you can ask the police officer not to indicate your personal information in the complaint.

Do I have to report a crime before I can access victim support?

You have the right to receive support regardless of whether or not you file a criminal complaint.

Personal protection if I’m in danger

What types of protection are available?

The competent authorities have various measures at their disposal to protect the victim. These measures also differ with regard to the stage of the proceedings. Your participation in such measures should be voluntary and you should be sufficiently informed about the risks and benefits to be able to make an informed decision.

If you live with the offender in a common household, the police may banish the offender from the household for a period of two weeks immediately after you call the police and/or file a criminal complaint. In such a case, the offender is prohibited from entering your common flat or house. The police will then inform you of the possibility to seek a court injunction (neodkladné opatrenie) prohibiting access to the common household also for a longer period of time. An application for a court injunction may also be directed against an offender who does not live with you in the same household. The court may prohibit the offender from approaching your home, workplace or places where you habitually stay, or from contacting you in any way.

You also have the right to decide whether you want to be informed in case the offender is released or absconds from a detention facility. Information about these facts serves, in particular, to protect you should the offender try to contact you (e.g. the offender is a close person or a family member). You can change this decision at any time and it will be taken into account by the police, the prosecutor and the court. However, if you are at risk, or your life or health is in danger, you will be informed by the police/prosecutor/court of the release or absconding even if you have not requested such information.

Who can offer me protection?

Protection will be provided by the police; during court hearings, it will be ensured by the court.

Will someone assess my case to see if I am at risk of further harm by the offender?

The police, the prosecutor, the court , but also an entity providing assistance to victims of crime will assess your case on an individual basis to determine whether you are a particularly vulnerable victim. They will examine whether the offender continues to pose a threat to you and whether you are at risk of repeat victimisation. If they find that the offender intends to intimidate you, threaten you, take revenge or in any way affect your psychological or physical integrity, the competent authorities will take the necessary measures.

Will someone assess my case to see if I am at risk of further harm by the criminal justice system (during investigation and trial)?

As a victim, you have the right to protection from secondary victimisation. This means any harm you would suffer not as a direct consequence of the crime itself, but as a result of the conduct of the individuals or the institutions you have been in contact with after the crime. This may include, for example, insensitive conduct on the part of the public authorities, their inaction in ensuring your protection, or insensitive publicity of your case. There are mechanisms in criminal proceedings to avoid such conduct. The police, the prosecutor, the court and the entities providing assistance to victims are required to act in such a way that their activities do not lead to secondary victimisation. Therefore, your questioning may be recorded on camera so that you do not have to give statements repeatedly. In the interests of your protection, medical examination can also be ordered only to the extent necessary and only if required for the purposes of the criminal proceedings.

What protection is available for very vulnerable victims?

If you are a particularly vulnerable victim, you have the right to ask the entity providing assistance to victims of crime for free specialised expert assistance. It will be provided for 90 days and this period may be extended in justified cases at your request. It includes psychological assistance as well as legal advice. You will be attended by professionally trained staff who will help you with legal issues or provide you with psychological support. If needed, they will help you find emergency accommodation, contact your family or obtain money. They will also help you assess whether your life or health is at risk, and take measures to protect you.

I am a minor – do I have special rights?

In addition to all the rights you have as a particularly vulnerable victim because as a minor you are automatically considered to be such a victim, the police, the prosecutor’s office, the courts and the entities providing assistance to victims of crime are required to act in your best interest.

If you are questioned as a witness regarding events that have caused you discomfort, a psychologist or an expert will attend the questioning and supervise its conduct. If appropriate, your parent or teacher may also attend the questioning. The questioning will be conducted in such a way that you do not have to provide the witness statement repeatedly later in the proceedings; you may only be required to give it again if absolutely necessary.

It is widely recognised that a child has special needs in criminal proceedings and the institutions you come into contact with will take your age and needs into account.

My family member died because of the crime – what are my rights?

If your family member died as a result of a crime and you have suffered damage as a result of their death, you are also considered a victim. You have the right to information, especially on how to file a criminal complaint, on the progress of the criminal proceedings and how to contact organisations that can help you. Upon your request, the police or the prosecutor’s office will help you contact an entity providing assistance to victims of crime that will further address your needs. In addition, you have the right to expert assistance, the right to be heard and the right to be treated with respect, consideration and sensitivity.

My family member was a victim of crime – what are my rights?

If a person died as a result of a violent crime, the surviving spouse and surviving children are also considered victims of a violent crime. If there are no such persons, the surviving parent and the person who lived with the deceased in the same household for at least one year before their death and who maintained the household together with the deceased, or a person who was dependent on the deceased person’s support, will be considered a victim of crime.

You have all the rights granted to victims, but as a victim of a violent crime, you are also entitled to compensation, which you can claim at the Ministry of Justice of the Slovak Republic.

Can I access mediation services? What are the conditions? Will I be safe during mediation?

Information on mediation procedures will be provided to you by the police during the first contact. Mediation is carried out by probation and mediation officers on the basis of the voluntary consent given both by you and the offender. The purpose is to eliminate, with the active participation of both parties, the negative consequences resulting from the crime committed. You can withdraw your consent at any time. Information obtained in the course of mediation is considered confidential; without the parties’ consent, it may not be used for any purpose other than dispute settlement in the context of mediation.

Where can I find the law stating my rights?

Link opens in new windowThe Victims of Crime Act

Link opens in new windowThe Code of Criminal Procedure

Last update: 27/02/2023

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.

2 – Reporting a crime and my rights during the investigation or trial

How do I report a crime?

You can report a crime by filing a criminal complaint with any police authority, the prosecutor’s office or a court. You can file a complaint if you are a victim of crime, and also if you learn that someone you know is a victim of crime, has suffered damage or has committed a crime. The individual authorities (i.e. the police, the prosecutor’s office, courts) cooperate with each other and, if necessary, pass your complaint on to the authority that will examine it further. A criminal complaint may be made in writing, by an oral submission on the record or electronically with an authenticated electronic signature. It should contain, in particular, a description of the act that has occurred, your contact details and, if you are a victim of crime, a description of the damage you have suffered, together with an indication whether you are claiming damages. A criminal complaint must not be anonymous, but the police or the prosecutor will not disclose your personal details if you so request.

How do I find out what’s happening with the case?

If you have reported a crime or are a victim of crime, the police are required to notify you of their decision. The decision is designated as an order (uznesenie) and will be served at the address you indicated in your criminal complaint. You as the person who reported the crime will be kept informed of how the case evolves (i.e. of bringing criminal charges against a specific person, extension of the charges, referral of the case to another body, discontinuation, conditional discontinuation or suspension of criminal prosecution).

Am I entitled to legal aid (during the investigation or trial)? Under what conditions?

Representation by a lawyer is not required to file a criminal complaint. Legal aid can be provided by entities providing assistance to victims or, under certain conditions, by the Centre for Legal Aid. A lawyer may be appointed for you at later stages of the criminal proceedings at the state’s expense.

Can I claim expenses (for taking part in the investigation/trial)? Under what conditions?

If you are summoned as a witness, either in the pre-trial proceedings or trial, you are entitled to reimbursement of cash expenses already incurred, in particular travel, meal and documented accommodation expenses. You are entitled to compensation for lost earnings from work or for other demonstrable loss of income. A claim for witness fees must be raised within three days of the hearing, otherwise it will expire. It must be quantified no later than fifteen days after the claim was made.

If you are the civil party, the state will not bear your own costs. Own costs include, in particular, travel expenses, compensation for the civil party’s authorised representative’s lost time, postal charges and other out-of-pocket expenses. However, as a civil party, already in criminal proceedings you are entitled to receive compensation for the costs necessary to effectively pursue your claim , including the costs incurred by involving an authorised representative. The convicted person must reimburse you for these costs.

Can I appeal if my case is closed before going to court?

Your case need not necessarily go to court. It may be concluded by a less formal alternative procedure which does not end with a decision on guilt and punishment. These procedures include, for example, conditional discontinuation of criminal prosecution, conditional discontinuation of criminal prosecution of a cooperating defendant, settlement or a penal order. Whether or not you have a right of appeal depends on your position in the procedure and how the criminal proceedings are closed. You may lodge a complaint against the conditional discontinuation of criminal prosecution or against the conditional discontinuation of criminal prosecution of a cooperating defendant, whether or not you are the civil party or the person who reported the crime. A court settlement cannot be appealed, as it is concluded with your consent. If you are the civil party, you can lodge a statement of opposition against the operative part of the penal order concerning damages. In that case, the operative part of the penal order on damages will be cancelled and the court will refer you to civil proceedings where you can claim compensation.

Can I be involved in the trial?

If you are the civil party, the court will notify you of the main hearing. If you fail to appear in court, your claim for damages will be decided on the basis of your previous applications contained in the file. If you are only a person reporting the crime, you can attend the main hearing as a member of the public.

What is my official role in the justice system? For example, am I or can I choose to be a: victim, witness, civil party or private prosecutor?

You become a victim if you have sustained personal injury or if damage has been caused to your (tangible or intangible) property or if your rights and freedoms have been violated or threatened as a result of a crime, and also if a member of your family has died as a result of a crime. Anyone who claims to be a victim is regarded as such, unless proven otherwise, regardless of whether or not the offender has been identified, prosecuted or convicted. Victims’ rights, protection and support are governed by the Victims of Crime Act.

In criminal proceedings, however, the victim may have the status of a reporting party, a victim or a witness with all the rights that the Code of Criminal Procedure confers in relation to that particular status.

A victim in criminal proceedings is a person who, as a result of a criminal offence, has sustained personal injury, or economic, moral or other damage, or whose other legally protected rights or freedoms have thereby been infringed or threatened.

You become a witness if you have been asked (summoned) by a law enforcement authority or a court to testify as a witness about facts relevant to the criminal proceedings that you perceived with your own senses, or if you appear before a law enforcement authority or a court either on your own initiative or at the motion of a party.

Slovak criminal law does not include the concept of a private prosecutor; in criminal proceedings it is the public prosecutor who files an indictment.

What are my rights and obligations in this role?

As a victim of crime, you have the right to information on how to file a criminal complaint, about the progress of the criminal proceedings and how you can contact the organisations that can help you. Upon your request, the police or the prosecutor’s office will help you contact an entity providing assistance to victims of crime that will further address your needs. You have the right to expert assistance, the right to be heard, the right to be treated with respect, consideration and sensitivity, and you also have the right to claim compensation if you have been a victim of violent crime.

As the civil party, you have the right, in some cases, to express consent to criminal prosecution, to claim damages, to propose taking or supplementing evidence, to submit evidence, to consult and study files, to attend the main hearing and a public hearing on an appeal or agreement on guilt and acceptance of punishment, to comment on the evidence taken, to make a closing statement and the right to appeal .

As a witness, you are required to appear if you are summoned by the law enforcement authorities and the court, and to testify as to what you know about the crime and the offender or about circumstances relevant to the criminal proceedings. If you do not appear without sufficient excuse, you may be brought before the court.

You have the right to refuse to testify as a witness in three cases:

  • if the defendant is your direct relative, sibling, adoptive parent, adopted child, spouse or cohabitant
  • if by doing so, you would put yourself or a person close to you at the risk of criminal prosecution
  • if by doing so, you would breach the seal of confession or confidentiality of information entrusted to you as a person bound to maintain confidentiality or as a person in charge of pastoral care.

You have the right to legal aid and to have a lawyer present at the questioning and the right to read the record and ask for it to be supplemented or corrected. You are entitled to reimbursement of necessary expenses (e.g. travel costs) and lost earnings from work – witness allowances. A claim for witness allowances must be raised within three days of the hearing.

Can I make a statement during the trial or give evidence? Under what conditions?

As the civil party, you have the right to attend the main hearing and to propose evidence to be taken by the court. You can also comment on evidence that has already been taken. No further motions may be submitted once the court has declared the taking of evidence closed.

At the end of the hearing (but there may also be several hearings) you have the right to make a closing statement. Its content is not precisely defined, so it is up to you what you decide to say. You can bring your notes with you. Your authorised representative, if you have one, will make the closing statement.

What information will I receive during the trial?

Any decision made (judgment, order, penalty order) will always be delivered to you as the civil party. The decision will be delivered directly to your authorised representative if you have appointed one.

Will I be able to access court files?

You can choose to consult the file at any stage of the criminal proceedings. The request for consultation of the file should be addressed to the competent law enforcement authority. You can submit your request in writing or orally. In such a case, the competent authority is, in principle, obliged to grant the civil party’s request by specifying the place, date and time of this procedural act. All necessary steps must be taken to prevent the disclosure of classified information, business and banking secrets, etc., when the files are consulted.

Last update: 27/02/2023

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.

3 – My rights after trial

Can I appeal against the ruling?

You have the right to appeal against the part of the decision concerning the claim for damages or the costs of the proceedings. Depending on the type of the decision, it is possible to lodge an appeal (within 15 days), a complaint (within 3 working days) or a statement of opposition (within 8 days). The decision you receive will indicate exactly what remedy is available to you, where and by when you can lodge it.

What are my rights after sentencing?

The convicted offender is obliged to compensate you for the damage as determined in the decision. If the convicted person fails to comply with this obligation after the decision has become final, you can enforce it through a bailiff. The bailiff then takes the necessary steps to ensure that you receive the damages, e.g. sells the convicted person’s property, deducts a certain amount from the convicted person’s salary. However, even after the criminal proceedings have been closed, you have further rights as a victim of crime/the civil party. These rights cover both your safety and compensation.

If you are the victim of violent crime, you may apply to the Ministry of Justice for compensation, which will be provided by the state. Compensation is granted for bodily harm and, in the case of certain crimes, also for non-material damage. The basic condition to be met before you apply is that the criminal proceedings in which you have brought a claim for compensation from the offender have been initiated and you have not been compensated for the damage otherwise. You can apply for compensation already during the criminal proceedings, but no more than one year from the date on which the decision becomes final, so it is important that you do not miss this deadline.

Am I entitled to support or protection after the trial? For how long?

You are entitled to expert assistance even after the criminal proceedings have ended. If you continue to need, in particular, psychological help or assistance to exercise your rights as a victim, you have the right to receive it.

What information will I be given if the offender is sentenced?

The judgment you will receive will contain information on the sentence imposed on the offender, including the term of the sentence and the prison where the sentence will be served if the offender has been sentenced to imprisonment.

Will I be told if the offender is released (including early or conditional release) or escapes from prison?

You have the right to decide whether you want to be informed in case the offender is released or absconds from a detention facility. Information about these facts serves, in particular, to protect you if the offender tries to contact you (e.g. the offender is a close person or a family member). You can change this decision at any time and it will be taken into account by the police, the prosecutor and the court. However, if you are at risk, or your life or health is in danger, you will be informed by the police/prosecutor/court of the release or absconding even if you have not requested such information.

Will I be involved in release or parole decisions? For example, can I make a statement or lodge an appeal?

You may lodge an appeal only against the section of the court decision concerning damages. Only the defendant and the prosecutor may lodge an appeal against the sentence itself or, more precisely, its term.

Last update: 27/02/2023

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.

4 – Compensation

What is the process for claiming damages from the offender? (e.g. court case, civil claim, adhesion procedure)

Damages can be claimed from an offender in criminal proceedings either by making an oral submission on the record of the hearing or by submitting a special written petition. A civil party who is entitled under law to claim damages from the offender for losses caused by the criminal offence committed against them is also entitled to petition the court to order the defendant to pay damages as part of the conviction; the civil party must make such a petition at latest by the end of the investigation or the summary investigation. The petition must clearly state the reasons for the claim and the amount of damages sought. The civil party is advised of the right to damages and the procedure for exercising that right in the course of the hearing.

If there is reasonable concern that satisfaction of the victim’s claim for compensation for the losses caused by the crime will be obstructed or impeded, the claim up to the probable amount of the losses can be secured against the defendant’s assets or other property rights. A decision on seizing assets is taken by the court on the basis of a petition submitted by the prosecutor or the civil party; in pre-trial proceedings, the prosecutor may secure the claim even without a petition by the civil party if protection of the civil party’s interests so requires, especially if there is a risk of delay.

The court ordered the offender to pay me damages/compensation. How do I make sure the offender pays?

If the offender fails to voluntarily fulfil their obligations as ordered by the court in the criminal proceedings, you receive an enforcement order once the court’s decision becomes enforceable, on the basis of which you can enforce the judgment against the offender under enforced recovery proceedings. In such cases, you may seek legal aid from a lawyer.

If the offender does not pay, can the state pay me an advance? Under what conditions?

No.

Am I entitled to compensation from the state?

If you are a victim of violent crime, you may apply for compensation. The Ministry of Justice of the Slovak Republic decides on the provision of compensation and pays it on the basis of a written request. The request has to be submitted using a form provided on the Ministry’s website. The request may already be submitted once the criminal prosecution has started, but no later than one year from the date on which the judgment or the penalty order becomes final.

If a criminal court has referred you with your claim for compensation for damage resulting from bodily harm to civil proceedings or proceedings before another body, the request must be submitted to the Ministry within one year of the date on which the decision on your claim in civil proceedings or in proceedings before another body becomes final. When this period elapses, the right to compensation under the Victims of Crime Act expires.

The above periods do not run during the proceedings before the competent body, especially during civil proceedings and enforcement proceedings in which you claim compensation for bodily harm directly from the person who caused the harm to you.

The Ministry is required to decide on your request within four months of the date of receipt of a complete request. This period will be extended by the time elapsed between the request for cooperation or the documents necessary for the decision and their provision by the competent law enforcement authorities, courts, other national authorities, higher territorial units, municipalities and other persons.

Am I entitled to compensation if the offender is not convicted?

If the defendant is acquitted, the court will refer you with your claim to civil proceedings or proceedings before another body.

If you are a victim of violent crime and the defendant has been acquitted because of not being criminally responsible on the grounds of insanity or of being underage, and you have not been compensated for the bodily harm otherwise, you are entitled to compensation under the Victims of Crime Act.

Am I entitled to an emergency payment while I wait for the decision on my compensation claim?

No.

Last update: 27/02/2023

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.

5 - My rights to support and assistance

I am a victim of crime who do I contact for support and assistance?

Contact details of the entities providing assistance to victims can be found Link opens in new windowhere.

Victim support telephone helpline

National helpline for women experiencing violence (24/7)

0800 212 212

Child safety helpline (24/7)

116 111

Missing children helpline (24/7)

116 000

Emotional support helpline for children (14.00-20.00)

055/234 72 72

Helpline for abused persons

0800 300 700

Victims of human trafficking helpline

0800 800 818

Emotional support helpline ‘Nezábudka’

0800 800 566

OTHER CONTACTS

Integrated Rescue System

112

Police

158

Helpline of the Office of Labour, Social Affairs and Family (UPSVAR) for reporting neglect of childcare

0800 191 222

The prosecutor’s office’s helpline for reporting domestic violence

0800 300 700

Ministry of Justice of the Slovak Republic (for compensation claims)

02/888 91 544

Link opens in new windowVictim Information Offices (the offices are located in regional capitals and provide basic information and help to establish contact with the entities providing assistance to victims)

Is victim support free?

Yes.

What types of support can I receive from state services or authorities?

Legal aid can be obtained from the entities providing assistance to victims, from the intervention centre for victims of domestic violence or, under certain conditions, from the Centre for Legal Aid. The state cooperates with the entities providing assistance to victims, and during the first contact the police will provide you with their contact details and the information about the form of assistance tprovided by these entities. At your request, the police will assist you in contacting them.

What types of support can I receive from non-governmental organisations?

Each victim has the right to receive expert assistance. It is provided mainly by the entities accredited under the Victims of Crime Act,as well as by other entities providing assistance to victims (‘registered entities’ – however, these entities do not necessarily provide assistance to the extent indicated below).

The accredited entities meet especially the conditions of professional competence, i.e. they employ professionals who have obtained university degrees and professional experience in the field. The various entities usually specialise in providing expert assistance to a particular group of victims, with a view tofocusing more specifically on the victims’ needs and providing better-quality assistance. The register of entities providing assistance to victims contains information on this specialisation, as well as the contact details or the geographical coverage of each entity.

The accredited entities can provide you with general expert assistance or with specialised expert assistance intended for particularly vulnerable victims

General expert assistance to victims includes:

  • provision and adequate explanation of information (especially as regards criminal proceedings, procedures and rights, expert assistance);
  • legal aid to exercise the victim’s rights;
  • legal aid to exercise the rights of a victim who has the status of a civil party or a witness in criminal proceedings;
  • psychological assistance;
  • counselling on the risk and prevention of repeat victimisation.

An accredited entity providing general expert assistance must always provide the first consultation free of charge. If it has received a grant, it provides expert assistance free of charge for 90 days and even for a longer period if necessary and if the victim asks for it.

Specialised expert assistance to particularly vulnerable victims includes:

  • provision of general expert assistance;
  • provision of psychological crisis intervention;
  • evaluation of the threat of danger to life or health;
  • arranging for the provision of social services at an emergency housing facility and specialised social counselling where there is an immediate threat to the life or health of a particularly vulnerable victim.

Particularly vulnerable victims are always entitled to receive specialised expert assistance free of charge. This assistance is provided for 90 days and even for longer if necessary and if the victim asks for it (also informally, e.g. by arranging another meeting).

The accreditation of entities is subject to the provision of one of the above forms of assistance, which is also linked to the type of victims to whom they provide assistance. If you are not sure what kind of expert assistance the accredited entity provides and what type of victims it deals with, do not hesitate to contact them. They will be able to advise you and refer you to another entity where appropriate.

Last update: 27/02/2023

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