Law 21.057, which regulates video-recorded interviews and other protective measures for minors who are victims of sexual crimes, was published in January 2018 with the aim of safeguarding the rights of children and adolescents (CNA) who are victims of sexual and other serious crimes, and to prevent secondary victimization that may affect them during their involvement in the criminal justice system. The law introduces a series of changes to criminal processes involving CNA, with some of the most relevant being modifications to the procedure for filing complaints, as well as the incorporation of the Video-Recorded Investigative Interview during the investigation stage and the Intermediary Judicial Testimony during the prosecution stage. Additionally, it establishes that interactions with CNA in these three stages must be governed by the principles of: the best interests of the child, progressive autonomy, voluntary participation, prevention of secondary victimization, timely assistance and priority processing, and safeguarding the dignity of the victims.
Access the Law and related links:
Video-Recorded Interviews Law 21.057: https://bcn.cl/2gdhl
Regulations of the Law: https://bcn.cl/2jvft
Law Website (Fundación Amparo y Justicia): https://www.leydeentrevistasvideograbadas.cl/
Explanatory Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvM8WUsQblA
Summary of the Law and its Protocols (Ministry of Justice): https://www.minjusticia.gob.cl/media/2019/12/LIBRILLO-ENTREVISTA_final.pdf
Annual Evaluation of the Law (Ministry of Justice): https://www.minjusticia.gob.cl/media/2021/12/InformeFinal_ley21057_2020.pdf