Protecting the rights of the victim

A victim in criminal proceedings has a procedural status of their own and their own set of rights. Without an active position, those rights often go unexercised.

When to get in touch

• you need to file a report of a criminal offence
• the information is not being entered in the register of pre-trial investigations
• the case is ongoing but you are not being told how it is progressing
• you need to bring a civil claim for compensation for damage

What the lawyer does

• prepares the report of the offence and presses for the information to be entered in the register
• secures and gives effect to the client’s status as a victim
• files motions in the victim’s interests
• prepares and files the civil claim within the criminal proceedings
• represents the victim at the hearing
• handles enforcement of the judgment so far as compensation is concerned

Legal basis

The status of a victim is defined by Article 55 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine and the victim’s rights by Article 56; the commencement of the pre-trial investigation by Article 214; the civil claim in criminal proceedings by Article 128 and its determination by Article 129.

Legislation and case law are updated over time; this page reflects the position as of August 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Does a victim need a lawyer?

The law does not require one, but a representative helps to exercise the victim’s rights and to prepare the claim for compensation.

When should the civil claim be filed?

A claim may be brought within the criminal proceedings in the manner and within the time limits set by the Criminal Procedure Code.

Need legal assistance? Call us or leave a request — a lawyer will contact you and explain what to do in your situation.