Abstract
If the victim in the criminal trial was not, in a recent past, really recognized, she is, nowadays, at the center of the concerns. The aim is to understand the evolution of this victim's place, from the beginning of the XIXth century until the present days and more precisely until the adoption of the new legislation in the matter, the "Code de procédure pénale" in 1958-1959. This research shows that the victim has first an undeniable weak place which nevertheless grows up over the years. Indeed, her rights in the penal trial increase and she's more considered. However, her place stays marginal and subordinated to the repressive interest.