Photo courtesy: Slachtofferhulp Nederland

VSE congratulates its President, Rosa Jansen, on receiving a prestigious royal distinction 

Victim Support Europe (VSE) warmly congratulates its President, Rosa Jansen, on being appointed Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau, a prestigious royal distinction awarded by the King of the Netherlands. The distinction was presented by Sharon Dijksma, Mayor of Utrecht, during a special symposium organised to mark Rosa’s departure as Chair of the Boards of Slachtofferhulp Nederland and Stichting Perspectief Herstelbemiddeling.

Rosa led both organisations from 2017 to 2026. The royal distinction recognises her longstanding dedication to victims and survivors, as well as her outstanding contribution to the development of victim support and victims’ rights, both in the Netherlands and internationally.

During the ceremony, particular attention was given to the transformation of Slachtofferhulp Nederland under her leadership into a modern and accessible organisation, with expanded and improved services reaching an increasingly diverse range of people. Her contribution to strengthening victims’ position within the criminal justice system and national policymaking was also highlighted, alongside her work in advancing restorative justice and mediation between victims and offenders.

As President of Victim Support Europe, Rosa has continued this commitment at European level, championing better support, protection and recognition for victims across Europe.

The celebration also paid tribute to her remarkable professional journey. Among the gifts presented to her were a book about her work, People with Courage, and Recognition after Injustice, featuring a special contribution by Rosa entitled “A society that does not see its victims loses itself” – a powerful reflection of the values and commitment that have guided her work.

Although the occasion marked the end of her chairmanship at Slachtofferhulp Nederland and Stichting Perspectief Herstelbemiddeling, Rosa made it clear that she does not see this as a goodbye. A well-known Dutch poet, Ingmar Heytze, wrote a special poem for her, capturing her forward-looking spirit in one memorable line: “I prefer to keep busy to get somewhere.”

And indeed, Rosa is already looking ahead to new steps and opportunities, reaffirming her commitment to continuing her work with VSE.

VSE joins in celebrating this well-deserved recognition and thanks Rosa for her extraordinary commitment, leadership and continued dedication to strengthening the rights, protection and recognition of victims across Europe.

Congratulations, Rosa! We look forward to the journey ahead and to many more steps together.

Image courtesy: Slachtofferhulp Nederland