Victim Rights in Criminal Proceedings in Spain (2026)

The Crime Victim Statute brings together in a single law the rights of those who suffer a crime in Spain. As criminal lawyers, we explain which rights it recognises.

What the Victim Statute Is

Approved by Law 4/2015, the Statute recognises a broad catalogue of rights for the victim, whether or not they decide to join the proceedings. Its aim is to prevent secondary victimisation: that the proceedings themselves further harm the person.

The Recognised Rights

• Information: about the procedure, their rights and available support, in understandable language.
• Protection: measures to avoid contact with the offender and protect privacy.
• Participation: the possibility of taking part and providing evidence.
• Assistance: the right to turn to the Victim Assistance Offices.
• Notification: the right to be informed of key rulings, including the offender's release.

The Victim Assistance Offices

The Victim Assistance Offices are a public support resource: legal information, accompaniment, psychological guidance and help in processing compensation. They are a first point of support, but do not replace a lawyer's technical defence.

The Value of Your Own Lawyer

The Statute recognises the rights; a lawyer makes them effective. Joining as a private prosecutor is the way to fully exercise those rights and control the strategy of the proceedings.