We’re proud to officially announce that the VSE’s Annual conference, hosted jointly by Victim Support Sweden, will be held on 23-24 May in Stockholm, Sweden. You can find full details at http://www.vse2018.eu/.
You can already pre-register at http://www.vse2018.eu/registration/ and this will secure you early bird rates. Full registration will open in the coming weeks once all workshops and events are finalised.
This year’s theme is focused on Reaching out to Victims.
Whilst there has been much progress over the last years to help victims of crime, we know that there are many thousands if not millions of victims who never access justice or support.
The aim of the conference this year is to look at the barriers which prevent victims from coming forward and what solutions have been developed to give victims better access to their rights. As part of this theme, we will focus on groups that are particularly vulnerable or find it especially hard to come forward.
This includes victims of sexual violence, honour crimes, hate crimes, cybercrime, cross border victims (including victims of terrorism) and stalking. It also includes victims with disabilities, children and many others.
As always, the Conference will include an exciting programme of speakers, workshops and social events. As part of this, we have now launched the call for papers for workshops which will focus on:
- Reaching the vulnerable victims and specific groups of victims
- Getting support to victims
- Working through partnerships and community to reach and support victims
- Information, awareness raising and training
As usual, the workshops will last 1.5 hours each and can be a combination of several presentations or a single workshop. This year for the first time, we will also hold a speakers corner with presentations of around 15 minutes. Full details can be found at: http://www.vse2018.eu/about/call-for-papers/ and http://www.vse2018.eu/speakers-corner/
The workshops are a great opportunity to highlight the work you are doing whether front line support work, research, individual projects or other related work. If you’re interested, please submit your proposals by 12 March 2018 to vse2018@boj.se.
International Symposium on victims of terrorism – 22 May, Stockholm Sweden
Following the success of last year’s international symposium on victims of terrorism, we are looking to co-organise a follow up event on 22 May. The event is by invite only and will be addressed to those already working with or on behalf of victims of terrorism. If you work with victims of terrorism and would like to be considered by the committee for invitation, please let us know via vse2018@boj.se.
Joint VSE/ EU Commission Seminar on Compensation of victims of crime – 25 May, Stockholm, Sweden
Following the appointment of Mrs Milquet as Special Advisor to EU Commission President Juncker, VSE is support the Special Advisor by organising the half-day seminar on 25 May which will discuss problems and recommendations for improving state crime compensation systems for victims. Your input in this seminar will directly influence the EU’s future position and policy on compensation matters.
The event will be open to VSE members, State compensation authorities, and to others by invite only. Further details will be provided in due course.
VSE Annual General Meeting – 25 May, Stockholm Sweden
VSE’s Annual General Meeting will take place on the afternoon of 25 May. The AGM is open to VSE members though only full members may vote. Further details to follow.