BeneVict Final Conference: Advancing Strong Evidence Base for Victims’ Rights in the EU
Before analysing its final conference, our readers should be given a better understanding of the work carried out over the past 3-years. The BeneVict project aims to support the European Commission’s Victims’ Rights Strategy 2020-2025 by assessing the implementation of the 2012 Victims’ Rights Directive (VRD) across 26 EU countries. BeneVict examines how the implementation of victims’ rights, can be improved, through the use of legislative amendments, new policies, or other measures.
The project also develops an evidence base that can be used to understand the challenges faced by victims, identify missing data, and advocate for the tools needed to mitigate victimisation and support rights enforcement. BeneVict is the first EU project to quantify the benefits of victim support in four Member States, by examining the costs of victimisation and making a case for greater investment in victim services. Designed as a pan-European collaborative effort, BeneVict brings together experts from 26 countries, emphasising the power of joint initiatives in advancing shared values and improving victims’ rights.
Conference Opening: A Call for a Victim-Centred Approach
On 20 February 2025, BeneVict’s Final Conference took place at the Renaissance Brussels Hotel. It brought together project partners, experts, policy makers, and other stakeholders to discuss pressing issues around the implementation of the Victims’ Rights Directive (VRD). The event consisted of insightful presentations, panel discussions and collaborative workshops, and provided a space for the discussion of ongoing challenges, for collaboration, and for the advocacy of more inclusive, effective policies and measures.
The conference was opened by Mr. Kazimierz Ujazdowski (Head of the Justice Section of the Polish Presidency). He began by reflecting that “when examining justice within the EU, it could be argued that it was never designed with people in mind, but rather for the authorities.” He went on to emphasise that “in shaping the EU’s justice landscape, it is now time to focus on individuals.” Given this need for change, he highlighted that the VRD serves as a rare and remarkable example of how to make a meaningful impact at the EU level. He concluded his speech by expressing the Polish Presidency’s enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to finalising the work on the VRD.
Mrs. Katarzyna Janicka Pawlowska (European Commissions Coordinator of Victims’ Rights) speech emphasised the importance of strengthening victims’ rights in the EU, particularly in light of growing global uncertainty and anxiety. She highlighted the progress made by the VRD, which has improved conditions for victims, but she acknowledged that more work is required. While the European Parliament and European Council continue to work on revisions, the challenge remains to find a balance between ensuring the maximum benefit for victims and respecting Member States’ legal traditions and budgetary constraints. She stressed that victims’ needs are diverse, and EU rules must be clear and precise to ensure their effective implementation. She concluded by expressing confidence that ongoing legislative revisions will lead to more ambitious victims’ rights while acknowledging the need for non-legislative measures as well.
Panel Discussion: Implementation of the VRD across Europe
The conference continued with a panel discussion providing an in-depth analysis of the Victims’ Rights Directive (VRD) in various countries. The discussion was opened by Mr. Stefano Avedano (Rete Dafne), who spoke about the experience of victimhood and the needs of victims. He described victimisation as an experience of powerlessness and helplessness, presenting attendees with a clearer understanding of victims’ specific needs.
Moderated by Mrs. Marieta Tosheva, the EU Commission Coordinator for Victims’ Rights, the panel reviewed the impact of the VRD across the European Union, highlighting both its successes and challenges. The panellists—Mrs. Pauline Okroglic (France Victimes), Mrs. Marta Carmo (APAV), and Mrs. Michele Puckhaber (Crime Victims Helpline)—outlined several positive changes in victim support services, such as the implementation of individual needs assessments and a more victim-centred approach. However, they also pointed out issues such as inconsistency and lack of coordination in service implementation, and a continuing focus on specific victim categories.
The panellists looked at challenges such as the inadequate training for professionals, the limited awareness of victims’ rights, and the lack of sufficient support available for all victims. They proposed several improvements; these included better coordination of services, increased funding for psychological support, and specialised professional training. They also stressed the importance of clearer distinctions between legal aid and advice, as well as enhanced support for all victims, particularly those affected by online and domestic violence crimes. The discussion concluded with a call for the implementation of measures such as European funding for victim helplines and the more equitable treatment of all victims.
Exploring the Costs and Benefits of Victim Support
In the afternoon, discussions reopened with a presentation by Mrs. Aleksandra Ivankovic (Deputy Director of Victim Support Europe) on the Cost Benefit Analysis of victim support, with a focus on the Netherlands, Portugal, and Sweden, where data collection is more accessible. The analysis revealed the costs and impacts of victimisation – such as healthcare, unemployment, psychosocial issues – on governments, society, and individuals.
Mrs. Bridget Lynch (Inclusion Europe) presented research findings from the Inclusion Indicator report (2024). A survey was sent to all member organisations across 31 countries and the results mapped data on European rights and inclusion for individual with disabilities.
Next, Mr. Mehmet Akin (ILGA Europe) spoke about LGBTQ+ stigmatisation demonstrated by the Rainbow Map which ranks 49 European countries on their respective legal and policy practices for LGBTI people, from 0-100%. The discussion concluded by speaking about the challenges in categorising crimes, such as hate crimes.
Collaborative Solutions for VRD Implementation
As part of the conference, attendees participated in a workshop led by Mrs. Oleksandra Boychenko. As a result of their discussions on actionable solutions, participants drafted a joint statement advocating for the better implementation of the Victims’ Rights Directive.
Rosa Jansen (President VSE) then closed the conference with words of encouragement on the future of victims’ rights.
The conference offered a significant platform for attendees to explore both the challenges of and advancements stemming from the adoption of the VRD. Through engaging discussions, workshops and expert presentations, the event highlighted the complexities faced by the implementation of the VRD, whilst recognising the progress made in ensuring access to victim support services. The event underscored the importance of continued collaboration and action to ensure the better implementation of the VRD.
About the BeneVict Project
The BeneVict project – Benefits of full implementation of the Victims’ Rights Directive – is co-funded by the European Union and is dedicated to developing an evidence-base for advancing the rights of victims of crime and influencing the future of victims’ rights in the EU. Additionally, it enables a broad pan-EU partnership to rise to the challenge of improving victims’ lives across the EU.
