Information and Communication: Cornerstones of Justice for Victims of Crime with Disability

Project duration

July 2020 – December 2022

Donor

European Union

About the project 

Access to information and effective communication are essential for persons with disabilities victims of crime (the ultimate beneficiaries of this project) to participate effectively in criminal justice processes. Directive 2012/29/EU guarantees victims the rights, among others, to understand and be understood, to information, and to be heard.

Where criminal processes fail to provide victims with disabilities with accessible information, do not have the knowledge and tools to communicate in ways victims with disabilities can understand, or cannot support victims with disabilities to express their needs and experiences, these rights are violated and victims do not receive justice.

This project will use data collection and action research, creation of practical resources, and cross-disciplinary cooperation to:

(a) Enhance access for beneficiaries to their rights under the Directive, including the right to information, from initial reporting, interview and evidence collection, through to participation in court proceeding and accessing victim support services;

(b) Improve access to necessary supports and accommodations for beneficiaries to communicate effectively and be understood; and

(c) Provide professionals in the justice system with improved skills to communicate effectively with beneficiaries.

The project takes a strong intersectional approach, taking into account the unique situation of beneficiaries with intellectual and/or psychosocial disabilities, of Roma ethnicity, women, and victims of sexual and gender-based violence. The project activities directly target professionals and beneficiaries in 7 countries (Lithuania, Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovenia, and Croatia) who have the capacity to reach thousands of others in their work.

The project will produce 4 practical resources for professionals and beneficiaries, 7 national findings reports, 1 set of research methodology and tools capable of application across the EU, 1 international synthesis report and 1 external project evaluation report, as well as a dedicated project webpage.

Project implementing partner

Validity Foundation – Mental Disability Advocacy Centre (Hungary)

Project budget: 650,642.39 EUR

Our part in the budget: 52,333.70 EUR

Reference number: 101007497