Currently, the world is fighting COVID-19 – a novel coronavirus, which has spread quickly around the globe.
Victim Support Europe is committed to supporting individuals and organisations in these challenging times. Here, you can find general information about COVID-19 as well as coronavirus-related crime, advice for victims of domestic violence, resources for providing remote or on-line support services, and much more.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.
Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.
The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to learn about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol based rub frequently and not touching your face.
Source: WHO
with many more people staying at home and especially working from home, there is a heightened risk of security breaches, hacking, and fraud. There are even fraudulent websites and apps posing as coronavirus trackers which are in fact phishing attacks or scams.Interpol also reports phone fraud where criminals call victims pretending to be clinic or hospital officials, who claim that a relative of the victim has fallen sick with the virus and request payments for medical treatment. Do not send any payments to anyone you do not know and verify all the information you receive through phone or online. Follow Europol’s advice below to make sure you are protected:
There is currently no known cure for COVID-19. Vaccines are slowly being distributed around Europe, you will be contacted by your local health authority when it is your turn to receive one. Do not buy any type of medicine or remedy claiming to cure coronavirus. it will be a fake product. Europol reports there have been thousands of counterfeit pharmaceuticals and medical devices seized as well as thousands of scamming websites shut down over the past year.
It has been reported in various Member States that perpetrators gain access to private homes by impersonating medical staff providing information material or hygiene products or conducting a “Corona test” with the intention of theft and robbery. Remain vigilant and do not let anyone you do not know in. If you have become victim of any type of crime, please consult our interactive map of victim support organisations and seek support.
Those living in a situation of domestic violence might be going through an extremely difficult time at the moment. There are already indicators that cases of domestic violence are on the rise. Being under lockdown with one’s abuser is not only unpleasant but dangerous, particularly taking into account the fact that victims of domestic violence have very limited options when it comes to receiving help and support under a lockdown. However, many organisations continue to provide services during the pandemic through telephone helplines, online support through various websites and applications, and in some cases even face-to-face support.
If you think someone you know might be a victim of domestic violence, there are steps you can take. Try to look out for physical (bruises, black eyes, red or purple marks on the neck) as well as emotional (the person may appear fearful, weak, anxious) signs of potential abuse. The most important step you can take is being there for them and letting them know that you are available to talk or listen. If your suspicions are confirmed, report abuse to the police.
Here is some additional information on recognising domestic violence and helping victims find the help and support they need:
Staying at home during a national lockdown or quarantine can be challenging for everyone, especially for victims of crime who may be particularly vulnerable in such circumstances. It is important to take care of your mental and physical health, set up and follow routines that work for you, and stay in touch with your loved ones. Here are some additional tips that may be useful during this time:
Remote or on-line support constitutes an important part of victims’ services. Today, in a times of lockdowns and quarantines due to the coronavirus pandemic, supporting victims at a distance is often the only way to ensure victims receive the help they need. Support can be provided via telephone helplines and online services (from specialised platforms to social media chats). Many VSE members provide distance support remotely on a regular basis, while others are quickly adapting to this new way of working. This section provides useful information on distance support. Please keep in mind that use of all online platforms must be GDPR-compliant.
Click here for the guidelines on providing online services created by The Centre for Digital Youth Care and circulated by the European Commission.
A support session via the Internet (or even an ongoing support process or follow-up delivered online) should be structured in a coherent way, including different and complementary steps:
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