Premier Lai Ching-te on Thursday said that the government has a duty to protect those hurt by criminal behavior. By taking an empathetic approach in identifying what such victims require, the government can then formulate appropriate measures to meet those needs.
The premier made his remarks at the weekly meeting of the Cabinet following a presentation by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) on its program to increase protections for victims of crime.
The MOJ program calls for action on two levels, one focused on procedure and the other on needs for protection. From there the government will deliver necessary services to crime victims, including prompt assistance, information on the right to prosecute and receive protection, assistance and guidance as a court case proceeds, and finally restorative justice.
The MOJ indicated that recent changes to the program incorporate resolutions from Taiwan's National Conference on Judicial Reform as well as concepts from the EU Council's minimum standards on services for crime victims. The changes are aimed at ensuring that victims of crime are fully informed, based on their particular needs, from the moment they make first contact with service professionals. Appropriate assistance is also provided as victims navigate interactions with coroners and court proceedings. The final step involves helping victims recover and return to normalcy.