Working for Victims

Policymakers play a vital role in shaping laws, policies, and frameworks that protect and support victims of crime. Several key institutions influence victim policy at the national and EU levels, including: 

European Union Institutions: 

• European Commission – Develops and enforces EU-wide legislation on victims’ rights, such as the Victims’ Rights Directive (2012/29/EU). 
• European Parliament – Advocates for stronger victim protection measures and monitors policy implementation. 
• Council of the European Union – Adopts legislative measures and promotes coordination between member states. 
• European Court of Justice – Interprets and ensures uniform application of EU law, including victims’ rights protections across member states. 

Council of Europe 

• Works on broader human rights policies, including the Istanbul Convention on preventing violence against women and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). 

National Governments & Ministries 

• Justice, Interior, and Social Affairs Ministries oversee victim protection laws, funding, and services. 

Law Enforcement & Judicial Authorities 

• Ensure legal rights and protections are upheld during criminal proceedings. 

Civil Society & Victim Support Organisations 

• Work alongside governments to provide direct victim services and advocacy. 

To design and implement effective victim policies, decision-makers should be familiar with essential policy documents and frameworks, including: 

• EU Victims’ Rights Directive (2012/29/EU) – Establishes minimum standards for victims’ rights in the EU. 

• EU Strategy on Victims’ Rights (2020-2025) – Sets out EU priorities for victim support, access to justice, and protection. 

• Istanbul Convention – Focuses on combatting violence against women and domestic violence. 

• United Nations Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power – Defines international victim rights standards. 

• European Court of Human Rights Case Law – Influences national legal frameworks on victim protection. 

Further, Victim Support Europe has developed several key papers to assist policymakers to create victim-centred legislative files. These include: 

• National Framework for Comprehensive Victim Support 

• Safe Justice for Victims of Crime 

• Transforming how we communicate with victims 

Victim Support Europe offers policymakers: 

• Expert Insights & Research – Reports on victim experiences, service gaps, and best practices. 

• Capacity Building & Training – Workshops and resources to strengthen national victim support frameworks. 

• Policy Advocacy & Recommendations – Guidance on improving legal frameworks and practical support systems. 

• As part of our 2024 Members of European Parliament campaign, VSE developed the ‘How to stay safe as an EP Elections Candidate’ briefing to equip candidates with the knowledge of how to prevent and respond should they fall victim to a crime.  

VSE actively collects and shares knowledge to help policymakers craft evidence-based victim policies. By engaging with our network of victim support organisations, governments, and legal experts, we: 

• Identify emerging challenges and trends. 

• Develop innovative solutions for victim support and justice systems. 

• Facilitate cross-border collaboration and policy harmonisation. 

VSE welcomes collaboration with policymakers to improve victims’ experiences across Europe. Contact us to learn more about how we can support your work in shaping effective, victim-centred policies.