Victim Support Europe is proud to welcome the Centre of Expertise (CoE) Veiligheid & Veerkracht of Avans Hogeschool as the newest member of our community. The Centre of Expertise is an independent knowledge partner dedicated to building a safer, fairer, and more resilient society—one in which people feel secure, can develop freely, and are equipped to adapt to change. They work closely with professionals who strive every day to strengthen safety and resilience within Dutch communities.
Driven by optimism and a deep commitment to understanding before judging, the Centre focuses on exploring what is truly needed to keep the Netherlands safe, just, and future-proof. Their work addresses urgent societal challenges: from growing gaps between citizens and government to pressures on vulnerable youth and the complex impact of rapid technological change. By sharing their knowledge, they contribute directly to solutions that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. At the heart of the Centre’s mission is practice-oriented research. Their nine research groups collaborate with organisations and frontline professionals, ensuring that insights are directly applicable and useful. They believe that resilient, adaptable professionals form the foundation of a strong society—and that solid, evidence-based knowledge empowers them to make a real difference.
The Centre also plays a crucial role in forward-looking education at Avans Hogeschool. Their research ensures that students receive well-grounded, relevant, and up-to-date education connected to real societal developments.
Their multi-year knowledge programme focuses on three key themes:
-Safe Society
-Resilient Citizen
-City & Technology for Safety and Resilience
Bringing together expertise from fields such as safety studies, governance, law, social sciences, welfare, area development, ICT, and applied technology, the Centre forms a dynamic hub for innovation and collaboration—both within the region of Noord-Brabant and far beyond.
We are delighted to welcome the Centre of Expertise Veiligheid & Veerkracht into our network and look forward to working together to advance knowledge, strengthen resilience, and support victims across Europe.
