On 22-23 May 2025, Victim Support Europe (VSE) and the Portuguese Association for Victim Support (APAV) co-hosted their annual conference in Lisbon under the title:

“35 Years of Victim Support in Europe – Transforming Lives Today, Inspiring a Brighter Tomorrow.”

The AENVR management also attended the event, taking part in the exchange of knowledge and reinforcing its commitment to advancing victim support services across Europe.

The event marked the 35th anniversary of both organisations and reflected on major milestones in the field, including:

• 40 years of the UN Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime
• 25 years of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights
• 10 years of the EU Victims’ Rights Directive

The conference brought together professionals from victim support services, law enforcement, prosecution, academia, the judiciary, and EU policymakers. Participants took part in plenaries, panel discussions, and workshops addressing:

• The challenges of funding victim support in a changing political and economic climate
• The increasing threat of cybercrime and its emotional impact
• The need for international cooperation in the face of cross-border victimisation
• The importance of victim-sensitive service delivery to prevent secondary victimisation
• Empowering young people as active contributors in awareness campaigns
• The risks and potential of AI in both harming and helping victims
• And a shared commitment to shaping the future of victim support together

We thank all speakers, participants, and organisers for a meaningful and forward-looking conference.