VSE Policy Update
On 25th of March, Levent Altan spoke at the UNODC Side-Event on Strengthening the Criminal Justice System to Address Barriers to Equal Access to Justice for All in Europe. This event was hosted by the Alliance of NGOs on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice with an excellent panel of speakers. Mr. Altan raised key points on centring victims across justice systems and mechanisms.
Mr. Altan noted VSEs vision for European legislation priorities including: a victim-centred approach, ensuring justice systems listen, support, and protect victims at every stage. Our recommendations included:
🔹 Strategy & Victim-Centric Foundation
- Integrated victim support in justice, health, and social services
- Collaboration with CSOs to design effective, needs-based solutions
- Clear criteria to measure justice system effectiveness
🔹 Support Throughout the Process
- Access to victim services before, during, and after proceedings
- Court-based support, legal aid, and reporting facilitation
- Reducing trauma and increasing participation in justice
🔹 Training & Behaviour Change
- Empathy-focused training for justice professionals
- Technical skills in victim needs assessment & digital justice
- Well-being of practitioners to ensure sustainable support
🔹 Protection & Safety
- Individual needs assessments & protection measures
- Privacy safeguards, separate waiting areas, and secure reporting
A victim-centred justice system means prioritising safety, well-being, and rights—measuring progress, improving services, and ensuring meaningful support.
