2026 marks the second year of the Victims’ Advocates Platform (VAP). To mark this milestone, we are proud to welcome three new members: Geraldine Moodley, Lisa-Marie Schaumburg, and Nela Kalpic.
Through their insights, experiences, and expertise, they will help ensure that Victim Support Europe’s work – at both European and local levels- policy decisions on victims’ rights remains truly victim-centred, influencing policies, services, and practices that shape victims’ rights and support systems.
Geraldine Moodley is an international human rights lawyer, trauma-informed practitioner, and facilitator. She specialises in racial trauma, embodied somatic recovery, complex dialogue, conflict transformation, and negotiation, bringing both professional expertise and lived experience to her work with victims and institutions.
Lisa-Marie Schaumburg is a psychologist, PhD researcher, and children’s rights advocate. Having experienced domestic violence and complex custody situations during her upbringing, she focuses her research and advocacy on emotional abuse, neglect, and the long-term impact on children.
Nela Kalpic is a victims’ rights advocate whose work is deeply shaped by her lived experience. Having survived war, displacement, and domestic violence, she brings a strong commitment to ensuring that victims are treated with dignity and that support systems are both effective and humane.
The addition of these three members strengthens the VAP network and reinforces our ability to influence policy while keeping victims at the centre of legislative processes and initiatives.
As part of this milestone, we are also launching a dedicated VAP webpage, where you can explore the platform, meet its members, and follow the latest updates.
Consult the new webpage here:
About the Victims’ Advocates Platform
Established in 2024, the Victims’ Advocates Platform was created to ensure that victims of crime are not only supported, but empowered to actively shape the policies, systems, and services that affect their lives.
At its core, VAP provides a safe and supportive space for victim advocates to share their insights, experiences, and feedback. By amplifying these voices, the platform strengthens a truly victim-centred approach across all areas of Victim Support Europe’s work.
Now in its second year, VAP builds on the incredible contributions of both past and current members. Moubajel Lehman, Ruth Maxwell, Astrid Passion, Camilla Baudoncq, and Cath Hill have all contributed with dedication, openness, and invaluable insight. Through sharing their personal experiences and expertise, they have helped build a strong foundation for the platform — ensuring it remains meaningful, impactful, and truly victim-centred.
Through collaboration, advocacy, and lived experience, VAP contributes to building justice systems that are more inclusive, responsive, and effective — ensuring that no victim is left behind.
