On 13 November, at 10:00, a funeral will take place in Gaissach, Germany, for Helgard van Hüllen, Vice President of VSE until 2020, Vice Chairwoman of Weisser Ring (Victim Support Germany), and President of Weisser Ring Southern Bavaria.
The funeral will be an opportunity for family, friends and colleagues to pay their final respects to Helgard, a truly unique and pioneering figure who made an extraordinary difference throughout the four decades she dedicated to supporting victims and strengthening victim support organisations. Her commitment to victim support at both national and European levels remains a source of inspiration for Victim Support Europe.
Among Helgard’s most significant contributions was her role in the implementation of Directive 2012/29/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, which established minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime across the EU. She firmly believed in the value of voluntary victim support and the difference it can make in victims’ lives, particularly through the human connection and understanding offered by someone who simply wants to help.
Her commitment to solidarity also extended beyond victim support. Reflecting on the lessons of German reunification, Helgard emphasised the importance of the solidarity movements of Central and Eastern Europe and the role they played in making unity in peace and freedom possible. She believed that Europe’s strength lies in solidarity, tolerance and openness to others, encouraging people to share their stories and embrace their differences.
While proud of the progress made in advancing victims’ rights and strengthening victim support organisations, Helgard remained convinced that much work was still to be done, reflecting her unwavering determination to continue improving victims’ lives.
Those wishing to attend the funeral can arrange accommodation through the Weisser Ring regional office for Southern Bavaria:
Telephone: +49 9078 89494
Email: Bayern-Sued@weisser-ring.de
The funeral is open to everyone.
