Who is considered a “victim” under the legislation of the Republic of Armenia?
According to the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia, a victim is a person who has suffered physical, property, or moral harm as a result of a crime. Victims may include individuals who have sustained:
- Physical harm or a threat to health,
- Property damage (stolen, damaged, or destroyed property, lost income),
- Moral harm (insult, psychological suffering, damage to reputation).
Victim status is usually granted by a decision of the investigative body, the prosecutor, or the court. Once a person is officially recognized as a victim, they acquire a range of rights and procedural guarantees provided for in criminal proceedings.
The Main Rights of a Victim in Criminal Proceedings
The legislation of the Republic of Armenia and the Criminal Procedure Code grant victims a number of important rights during criminal proceedings. In particular:
1. The Right to Receive Legal Assistance and Protection
- The right to receive legal assistance from a lawyer of your choice.
- In certain cases provided by law, legal assistance may be provided at the expense of the state (through public defenders or the free legal aid system). (Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia)
- Your lawyer may participate in all investigative actions and court hearings, represent your interests, and submit motions and complaints on your behalf.
2. The Right to Be Informed
- You must be informed of your rights and obligations during the criminal proceedings.
- You may obtain information about the progress of the case, important decisions affecting you, as well as the results of the pre-trial investigation and the trial. (Council of Europe)
3. The Right to Participate in Judicial Proceedings
As a victim, you have the right to: (Council of Europe)
- Participate in court hearings,
- Give testimony and explanations,
- Submit materials and evidence for inclusion in the case file,
- File motions (for example, requesting additional investigative actions, protective measures, or the appointment of expert examinations),
- Ask questions of witnesses and the accused through the court.
4. The Right to Protection
Victims—especially in cases involving domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual violence, or organized crime—may benefit from special protective measures, such as: (Council of Europe)
- Protection of personal data and address,
- Closed (non-public) court hearings,
- Measures to prevent intimidation, threats, or unlawful pressure,
- Accommodation in shelters or safe houses (particularly in cases of domestic violence and trafficking).
5. The Right to Compensation and to File a Civil Claim
You have the right to seek compensation for property and moral damages caused by a crime. (Council of Europe)
In many cases, a civil claim may be filed directly within the criminal case, allowing the court to resolve both the issue of guilt and compensation for damages within a single procedure.
If compensation is not addressed during the criminal proceedings, separate civil court proceedings may be initiated.
6. The Right to Appeal
You may appeal decisions and actions of the investigative body, the prosecutor, or the court that violate your rights, including decisions to terminate the proceedings or to refuse to recognize you as a victim.
LSA lawyers support victims in effectively and timely exercising all of these rights.
Why Victim Representation Is Important
Criminal proceedings in Armenia are characterized by strict deadlines, formal procedures, and complex legal language. Without professional support, victims often face the following challenges:
- Delays or refusals in properly registering a report about the crime,
- Refusal to recognize someone as a victim or involve them in the case,
- Incomplete investigations or missing evidence,
- Insufficient or entirely absent compensation for the harm suffered,
- Intimidation, secondary victimization, or lack of protective measures.
Professional representation ensures that:
- The case is properly initiated and investigated,
- Your status as a victim is recognized and respected,
- All relevant evidence in your favor is fully collected and presented,
- Your safety and dignity are protected,
- You receive fair compensation for the harm you have suffered.
At LSA, victim representation is viewed not only as a legal service but also as an essential means of restoring justice, balancing the power between the victim and the perpetrator, and supporting the victim’s recovery process.
How LSA Represents Victims in Criminal Cases
Our lawyers have extensive experience in criminal law and consistently represent both Armenian citizens and foreign nationals who have become victims of crimes in Armenia. (LSA)
1. Initial Consultation and Case Assessment
- We carefully listen to your story and gather initial information,
- Explain your legal options in clear and simple language,
- Assess potential criminal charges and prospects for civil compensation,
- Advise immediate steps to preserve evidence and ensure your safety.
2. Filing Criminal Reports and Applications
We assist with:
- Preparing a written report about the crime and submitting it to the Police, Investigative Committee, or Prosecutor’s Office,
- Ensuring that your report is properly registered and not disregarded,
- Submitting an application to obtain victim status and, if necessary, initiating a case under private prosecution (in cases where the victim plays a key role in criminal proceedings). (Human Rights Defender)
3. Representation During the Pre-Trial Investigation
Our lawyers:
- Attend interrogations and other investigative actions together with you,
- Help you prepare to give testimony and explain what to expect during the proceedings,
- Submit motions for additional investigative actions, expert examinations, or confrontations,
- Monitor compliance with procedures and challenge any unlawful actions or inactions by the investigator or prosecutor.
4. Court Representation
During the proceedings, we:
- Represent you at all court hearings,
- Present and argue all evidence and legal points favorable to you,
- Present and argue your civil claim for compensation of damages,
- Request protective measures when necessary, such as closed hearings or anonymity,
- Deliver final statements in court on your behalf.
5. Appeals and Time-Sensitive Procedures
If you disagree with the court’s decision, we:
- Assess the prospects of appeal or cassation,
- Prepare and submit appeals and cassation complaints,
- Represent you in appellate and higher courts.
6. Enforcement of Court Decisions and Receiving Compensation
After the court’s judgment:
- We assist in initiating enforcement proceedings at the relevant authorities,
- Take measures, if necessary, to locate and seize the offender’s assets,
- Support you in effectively obtaining the compensation awarded to you.
Step by Step: How a Victim Can Seek Justice in Armenia
Below is a practical guide for victims of crime.
Step 1: Ensure Your Immediate Safety
If there is an immediate danger, call the police at 102 or contact the appropriate emergency services.
In cases of domestic violence, human trafficking, or sexual violence, you may be referred to shelters or specialized support centers. (UMCOR Armenia)
Step 2: Obtain Medical and Psychological Assistance
- Undergo a medical examination and receive any necessary treatment. Medical reports can serve as important evidence in a criminal case.
- Psychological support can help you cope with the trauma and may also be used to assess moral (non-pecuniary) damage.
Step 3: Consult a Lawyer
- Seek advice from an experienced criminal lawyer who specializes in victim representation.
- At LSA, we provide confidential consultations, including to foreign nationals who have suffered physical, material, or moral harm in Armenia.
Step 4: File a Crime Report
Together with your lawyer, submit a written report to one of the following authorities:
- Police
- Investigative Committee
- Prosecutor’s Office
Keep copies of all submitted documents and their registration numbers.
Step 5: Obtain Victim Status
- Your lawyer will submit an application requesting that the investigative authority formally recognize you as a victim.
- If recognition is refused or unreasonably delayed, this decision may be challenged by filing a complaint with the Prosecutor’s Office or the court. (Constitutional Court)
Step 6: Actively Participate in the Pre-Trial Investigation
- Provide detailed testimony in the presence of your lawyer,
- Submit any documents, photographs, videos, or other evidence available to you,
- Inform your lawyer of any threats, pressure, or attempts to influence you.
Step 7: Seek Compensation
- Together with your lawyer, determine the amount of material and moral damage suffered,
- Prepare and submit a civil claim within the criminal proceedings or, if necessary, initiate separate civil proceedings. (Council of Europe)
Step 8: Participate in Court Hearings
- Except in cases where informational or protective considerations apply, attend hearings accompanied by your lawyer,
- With legal assistance, you may make statements, answer questions, and follow the progress of the case.
Step 9: Appeal Unjust Decisions
- If the case is dismissed, or if the verdict and/or the amount of compensation is manifestly unfair, your lawyer may file an appeal or a cassation complaint.
Victims from Special Groups
Although we support victims in all types of criminal cases, certain groups require a more specialized and sensitive approach.
1. Victims of Domestic Violence
In 2017, Armenia adopted the Law “On the Prevention of Domestic Violence and the Protection of Victims of Violence within the Family,” which provides for:
- Protective and restraining orders,
- Measures to temporarily remove the abuser from the shared residence,
- Referral of victims to shelters and appropriate support services.
LSA assists victims of domestic violence in obtaining protective orders, applying to law enforcement authorities, and, when necessary, initiating divorce, child custody, or property division proceedings. (Council of Europe)
2. Victims of Trafficking and Exploitation
Victims in this group typically require:
- Safe accommodation,
- Legal and migration-related counseling,
- Protection from potential threats posed by traffickers.
We cooperate with organizations and shelters that provide comprehensive support, including legal, medical, and psychological assistance. (UMCOR Armenia)
3. Child Victims and Minor Witnesses
Children benefit from additional procedural protections. They have the right to legal assistance and to special measures aimed at avoiding secondary traumatization (for example, specialized interview rooms and restrictions on direct contact with the accused).
LSA ensures that minors are heard in a safe, respectful, and caring environment, with their best interests placed at the center of the proceedings.
4. Foreign Victims
Foreign nationals who have suffered harm in Armenia enjoy the same protection and right to compensation as citizens of the Republic of Armenia. LSA already provides a dedicated service for the protection of foreign victims, which includes victim representation and management of the civil compensation process.
We assist with:
- Overcoming language barriers,
- Liaising with embassies and consular services,
- Cooperating, when necessary, with the relevant authorities of the victim’s home country.
5. Protection of Minor Witnesses
Children are entitled to additional judicial protection, including the right to legal assistance and measures aimed at preventing secondary traumatization (such as specialized interview rooms and restrictions on direct contact with the accused).
LSA ensures that children’s views are heard in a safe and respectful environment and that their best interests always remain at the center of the process.
6. Foreign Victims of Crime
Foreign nationals who have suffered harm in Armenia have the same rights to protection and compensation as Armenian citizens.
LSA provides a specialized service for the protection of foreign victims, which includes victim representation and civil compensation.
We assist with:
- Resolving language-related issues,
- Communication with embassies and consulates,
- Cooperation, where necessary, with the relevant authorities of the victim’s home country.
Support Services and Resources Available to Victims in Armenia
In addition to legal representation, victims may also access the following services:
- State-funded free legal aid, in cases provided by law, delivered through the Public Defender’s Office and other mechanisms established by the Ministry of Justice. (moj.am)
- Shelters and crisis centers, particularly for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. (UMCOR Armenia)
- Psychological and social support provided by NGOs and specialized organizations.
- Information and guidance from the Human Rights Defender (Ombudsman) and international organizations working with victims of crime. (Ombudsman)
LSA cooperates with all of these institutions to ensure comprehensive protection for victims—not only in court, but also in their everyday lives.
Why Choose LSA for Victim Representation in Criminal Cases
- Proven experience in handling complex criminal cases throughout Armenia,
- Specialized representation in high-importance cases for both local and foreign victims,
- In-depth understanding of the Criminal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia,
- Ability to include civil claims within criminal proceedings to resolve compensation issues,
- Client-centered approach: we explain every step, keep you informed, and respect your choices,
- Multilingual support (Armenian, Russian, and English) for foreign nationals and residents.
Our goal is simple: to restore justice for victims of crime and to protect their rights at every stage of the process.
