VICTIM SUPPORT EUROPE UNVEILS VISION 2026-2030: Making Change Happen for Every Victim
Victim Support Europe (VSE) has unveiled its 2026–2030 Strategy, setting out an ambitious commitment: no victim of crime should be left unheard, unsupported, or behind.
“Our roadmap is not built on abstract ambitions, but on the real experiences of victims across Europe. Over the next five years, VSE will turn collective knowledge into concrete change—so that no victim is left navigating systems alone.” — Levent Altan, Executive Director
Across Europe, support for victims remains fragmented and uneven. While EU legislation has strengthened rights on paper, gaps in implementation continue to leave many without meaningful protection. Meanwhile, crime is evolving fast. Technology-facilitated offences — from online fraud to deepfake exploitation — are creating new and complex harms that justice systems must urgently address.
VSE’s new strategy responds with clarity, urgency and ambition.
“What sets Victim Support Europe apart is not only what it does, but how it does it. Its clear vision for a Europe where all victims’ needs are met, combined with an unwavering commitment to respect, compassion, and collaboration, creates real impact on the ground. These values guide action, build trust across borders, and ensure that victims’ rights remain at the centre of policy and practice. As a VSE member, the Validity Foundation directly benefits from this shared vision and values, strengthening our work, partnerships, and impact for victims at national and European level.”
— Simona Florescu, Litigation Director, Validity Foundation
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.
Built on the expertise of more than 80 members across 35 countries, the strategy transforms collective experience into coordinated European action. It recognises that many victims — including children, migrants, LGBTIQ+ persons, persons with disabilities and other marginalised communities — still face disproportionate barriers to justice and support.
Closing these gaps will require systemic coordination, innovation and sustained political commitment.
By 2030, VSE aims to stand as Europe’s recognised hub for knowledge, resilience and practical impact — strengthening trust in justice systems, reducing underreporting of crime and ensuring victims’ rights are not just recognised, but realised.
There’s only one future for victims’ rights. Let’s make it count.
