Victimization surveys are relatively unknown in Eastern and Central European countries, being insufficiently explored as a tool for the development of the national penal policy. This article aims at analyzing victimization surveys concept and main development steps. The author refers to the context and outcomes of the first victimization survey conducted in the Republic of Moldova in 2010 and its impact on the national criminal justice statistics. The author also emphasizes the need for a proactive approach of the public authorities in conducting similar surveys or considering the results in the decision-making processes in the criminal justice system.