Victim Support Europe (VSE) and its 83 member organisations warmly welcome yesterday’s adoption of the revised EU Victims’ Rights Directive — a significant step toward strengthening the protection, support, and empowerment of all victims of crime across the European Union.
Adopted on 10 December — International Human Rights Day — this agreement reinforces that the rights of victims are human rights, making the day not only a global reminder of our shared freedoms and dignity, but also a moment to recognise and advance victims’ rights across Europe. By anchoring this milestone on 10 December, the EU sends a strong signal that safeguarding victims is integral to the broader human rights agenda.
After twelve months of intense negotiations, and dozens of technical meetings between the Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission, co-negotiators reached political agreement last night on the revised Victims’ Rights Directive.
This marks a significant step forward for millions of victims across the EU. The updated Directive introduces major improvements that will make it easier for victims to report crimes, access essential information, and receive specialised support. We particularly commend the establishment of a single EU-wide victims’ helpline number, 116 006, ensuring that victims can obtain emotional support, guidance, and information in a language they understand. This harmonised approach is a long-awaited milestone in making support more visible, accessible, and consistent throughout the Union.
What will change in practice?
- • Member states will be required to put in place victims’ helplines, offering immediate information and emotional support; Member states will be required to put in place victims’ helplines.
- • Simplified online crime reporting, with civil-society partners helping victims come forward safely.
- • A milestone for child victims: coordinated, continuous support from first report through recovery, moving closer to a truly child-friendly justice system.
- • Ground-breaking protections for victims with disabilities, including comprehensive access to support and procedural accommodations, for the first time in EU law.
- • Enhanced psychological support in court for victims who need it.
- • Better-trained professionals through improved protocols, coordination and training for police, judiciary and frontline staff.
- • ‘Privacy by default’ provisions, significantly strengthening safeguards for victims’ personal information.
And much more is included in the revised Directive, bringing Europe closer to a justice system that is truly accessible, trauma-sensitive and rights-based.
Victim Support Europe warmly thanks the European Parliament, the three Council Presidencies, including the Danish Presidency, and the team at DG JUST for their sustained and continuous commitment throughout the negotiations.
As the Directive moves toward formal adoption and implementation, VSE and its members stand ready to support Member States in translating its provisions into meaningful practice. We remain committed to ensuring that every victim in Europe—regardless of their circumstances—can rely on high-quality support, effective protection, and full recognition of their rights.
A meaningful step toward justice that works for everyone.
