CHAPTER 2

PROVISION OF INFORMATION AND SUPPORT

Right to receive information from the first contact with a competent authority
Article 4
1
Member States shall ensure that victims are offered the following information, without unnecessary delay, from their first contact with a competent authority in order to enable them to access the rights set out in this Directive:
a
the type of support they can obtain and from whom, including, where relevant, basic information about access to medical support, any specialist support, including psychological support, and alternative accommodation;
b
the procedures for making complaints with regard to a criminal offence and their role in connection with such procedures;
c
how and under what conditions they can obtain protection, including protection measures;
d
how and under what conditions they can access legal advice, legal aid and any other sort of advice;
e
how and under what conditions they can access compensation;
f
how and under what conditions they are entitled to interpretation and translation;
g
if they are resident in a Member State other than that where the criminal offence was committed, any special measures, procedures or arrangements, which are available to protect their interests in the Member State where the first contact with the competent authority is made;
h
the available procedures for making complaints where their rights are not respected by the competent authority operating within the context of criminal proceedings;
i
the contact details for communications about their case;
j
the available restorative justice services;
k
how and under what conditions expenses incurred as a result of their participation in the criminal proceedings can be reimbursed.
2
The extent or detail of information referred to in paragraph 1 may vary depending on the specific needs and personal circumstances of the victim and the type or nature of the crime. Additional details may also be provided at later stages depending on the needs of the victim and the relevance, at each stage of proceedings, of such details.