Every year, Victim Support Europe marks the European Day for Victims of Crime as a key opportunity to advance victims’ rights and strengthen access to high-quality support for all victims of crime, regardless of who they are or what they have experienced.
In 2026, the Day takes on particular significance with the provisional adoption of the revised Victims’ Rights Directive—a crucial milestone for victims across the European Union. To mark this achievement, and in particular the commitment to establish the 116 006 Victims’ Helpline in all EU Member States, this symposium is being organised as a platform to reflect on progress made, address remaining challenges, and strengthen cooperation across Europe. The shared goal is to ensure that every victim can access support simply by dialling 116 006.
The European Day for Victims of Crime is also a central moment in Victim Support Europe’s 2026 campaign, “116006 Helpline: One Number. One Standard. Equal Support for Every Victim.” The campaign calls on decision-makers, service providers, and institutions across Europe to guarantee both universal access to the 116 006 helpline and consistent, high-quality support for victims in every Member State. A key element of the campaign is the 116 006 Helpline Pledge, which invites frontline professionals, organisations, and citizens to demonstrate their commitment to equal support for all victims. Every signature contributes to this collective effort, and the results of the pledge will be presented at the event, highlighting the growing momentum for harmonised helpline services across Europe.
Why 116006 matters
The success of existing helplines shows just how vital accessible, professional victim support is. Yet reliable, consistent help through 116006 is still not guaranteed across the EU. That’s why Victim Support Europe, together with its member organisations running 116006 helplines, has been working to define clear minimum standards, grounded in the Victims’ Rights Directive. The goal is simple but urgent: no victim left behind, no matter where they are in Europe.
About the programme
The programme is designed as a journey from personal experiences to systemic solutions. It opens with Voices of Support, featuring real stories from victims who have used helplines, before exploring Operational Excellence, which demonstrates how EU-wide harmonised social helpline numbers (116 Numbers) function in practice, including the Missing Children Hotline, Helpline for Victims of Violence Against Women, Child Helpline, and Emotional Support and Mental Health services. Participants then gain insight into the policy and governance context, with a Spotlight on Helpline Standards where an expert from Victim Support Europe explains how minimum standards improve quality, safety, and the overall victim experience, supported by a visual infographic and interactive quiz. Technology and Practical Solutions follows, showcasing innovative approaches from 116006 helplines in different EU countries, illustrating how technology and practical solutions support frontline operations. Finally, Future Directions looks ahead to the expansion, integration, and long-term evolution of helpline services across Europe, ensuring that participants leave with a full understanding of how harmonised, high-quality support can be achieved for every victim.
PRACTICALITIES
WHEN?
The event will take place on 2o February 2026, from 09:30am until 1:30pm CET.
WHERE?
The Press Club Brussels
Rue Froissart 95
1040 Brussels
LIVE BROADCASTING
The event will be broadcast live via the Press Club YouTube channel.
REGISTRATION
Registration is now open via this form. Please note registration closes on Monday, February 16th at 17:00 CET.
