Victim Support Europe actively engages and influences in the development of European and international public policy to highlight the needs of victims and those affected by crime as well as to strengthen victims’ rights and protection in the aftermath of crime. We aim to ensure that new legislation and policies consider the needs of victims and others affected by crime, and that their wishes and priorities are reflected and adhered to.
We work with the major European Union institutions, namely the European Commission, European Parliament, and the Council of European Union, as well as European and International Organisations, such as the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the United Nations. We have formal consultative status with the UN’s ECOSOC Committee and the Council of Europe and work closely with various EU Agencies such as the Fundamental Rights Agency, Council of Europe Expert Group on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO), and European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE).
We monitor and influence the adoption of EU legislation and policies that will impact the rights of victims of crime, such as the Victims’ Rights Directive, Combatting Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence Directive, Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings Directive, Child Sexual Abuse Directive, and more. In close cooperation with our members, we analyse the implementation of EU legislation at European and national level.
Through consultation, bilateral meetings, participation in expert groups and by organising conferences, we inform institutions and national governments of future policy needs, gaps in victims’ rights, and successful policy implementation.
As 2025 marks the post-EU elections period and key victims’ rights anniversaries, VSE is campaigning to keep victims’ rights a priority. The Year of Victims’ Rights Initiative will engage MEPs from all member states through multiple events held throughout the year, securing their support and raising awareness of Victims’ Rights in the EU.
MEPs are vital to national victims’ rights systems, holding governments accountable and shaping policies. Their voices amplify the call to keep victims’ rights on the EU agenda. This year, they will build on their 2024 election pledges to drive real change.
Learn more: Victim Support Europe – Parliamentarians Platform
