Updates from the VSE member – Ministry of Justice of Hungary
The Victima Protector award, established in 2021, was presented for the fourth time in February 2025 in honuor of Victims’ Day. Minister of Justice Bence Tuzson together with the National Police Headquarters presented this award to police officers who have demonstrated outstanding and consistently high- performance in the field of victim support.
The Victima Protector award can be given to a maximum of ten police officers per year and includes a glass trophy, a certificate of honour, and a financial reward. The purpose of the award is to recognise and encourage those police officers who, in the course of their daily work, provide exceptional assistance to victims of crime
At the award ceremony, Minister of Justice Bence Tuzson emphasised, “For centuries, the law paid little attention to victims, but today we focus on them with the same strength and energy.” He stressed that victim support has become a fundamental part of the state’s operations and that the police force is increasingly prioritising assistance for victims.
In his speech, Lieutenant General Sándor Töreki, Deputy National Police Chief, pointed out that victim support is not linked to rank, age or position—professionals at all levels of the police force can contribute to this vital task. He also highlighted that victim support has become just as important as crime investigation, as proper treatment and assistance play a crucial role in the justice system.
Thanks to the cooperation between the police and victim support centers, the effectiveness of reaching out to victims has significantly improved in recent years. This progress ensures that those in need receive high-quality, standardised support across the country.
