Who We Are

Our Policy and Strategy

Our Policy

Victim Support Europe actively engages in shaping European public policy to ensure the needs of victims and those affected by crime are heard. We work to strengthen victims’ rights and protections in the aftermath of crime.

We represent all victims of all crimes, regardless of who they are or what they have experienced.

The year 2026 marks a key milestone with the adoption of the revised Victims’ Rights Directive. Against this backdrop, our 2026–2030 strategy emphasizes turning victims’ rights into practical, operational systems across Europe. Our focus is on real-world implementation, effective service delivery, and collaborative problem-solving to enhance victim support in everyday practice.

VSE Strategy for 2026-2030

Six principles powering the next five years

Through 2030, VSE will sharpen its role across Europe by acting as:

• A driver of real change, turning victims’ rights from legal standards into lived realities.
• A centre of excellence, advancing high-quality, trauma-informed support.
• A strong and sustainable network, empowering members through shared knowledge and cooperation.
• A champion of systemic coordination, connecting institutions, sectors and countries to close protection gaps.
• A global advocate for victims’ rights, strengthening partnerships beyond Europe.
• A resilient, future-ready organisation, equipped to respond to emerging harms and crises.

Together, these principles set the direction for VSE’s seven strategic objectives.

Seven priorities for real impact (2026–2030):

1. Strengthening victims’ rights in practice

VSE will push for effective implementation of EU victims’ legislation, promote coordinated national frameworks and advocate for sustainable funding for victim support services.

2. Mainstreaming victims’ rights across society

The strategy moves beyond criminal justice — embedding victim-centred approaches into health, education, employment, digital policy and wider social systems through cross-sector collaboration.

3. Amplifying victims’ voices

VSE will expand safe,meaningful and ethical participation of victims in policymaking and service design, reinforcing dignity, solidarity and trust.

4. Maximising access to high-quality support

The organisation will strengthen inclusive, trauma-informed and accessible support ecosystems, advance standards and accreditation, and drive innovation — including the 116 006 helpline.

5. Advancing victims’ rights globally

VSE will deepen international engagement, promote victim-centred approaches worldwide and expand knowledge exchange across regions.

6. Building resilience against terrorism and mass victimisation

Preparedness, trauma-informed crisis response and long-term recovery frameworks will be reinforced to better support victims of large-scale and extremist violence.

7. Strengthening VSE’s capacity and influence

Investment in governance, digital systems, research, partnerships and financial sustainability will ensure VSE remains a credible, forward-looking leader.

Download VSE strategy 2026-2030

Our Previous Strategies

For our previous strategy and more information, please follow the links below: 

VSE strategy 2021-2025
VSE strategy 2016-2020
VSE strategy 2012-2015

Our Constitution

Victim Support Europe’s Constitution can be found here.

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