Passive Subject of a Criminal Offence (the Victim) in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Poorly Protected and Under-Researched

Abstract

Development of Victimology, as a new research field, began in Bosnia and Herzegovina at the end of the 20th century. This paper provides an overview of the state of Victimology in Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasizing legal position of victims and access to justice mechanisms over the years. There is an evident lack in victimology-related research and education in attempting to engage systematically with political and public attitudes toward understanding of the victim status and victim protection measures. However, the role and position of Victimology at universities will be explored. Research on crime victimisation, mostly limited to the fear of crime and self-reported delinquency surveys, will be presented as well. The overview concludes with proposals for strengthening victim-related legislation and policies aimed to improve position of victim, as well as victimological research efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina.