Protecting Minor Victims During Interrogation in Criminal Proceedings

The Implementation of the Barnahus Model from a Comparative Perspective with Special Regard to Hungary and Romania

Absztrakt

The interrogation of minor victims in criminal proceedings constitutes one of the most sensitive questions of contemporary criminal justice, requiring a careful balance between the protection of children’s rights and the effective implementation of procedural aims. Because of their age, psychological development, and limited legal awareness, minor victims can be considered particularly vulnerable during criminal proceedings, and therefore, they face an increased risk of secondary victimisation. This article aims to assess whether and to what extent the Barnahus model contributes to the effective protection of minor victims during interrogation, and to identify the key challenges arising from its possible integration into criminal proceedings.