WAVE Analysis of the European Commission’s Proposal for a Revised Victims’ Rights Directive

Before the summer, the European Commission unveiled a groundbreaking proposal: a comprehensive revision of the Victims’ Rights Directive (VRD), a pivotal piece of legislation established in 2012. This directive, established in 2012, has been a cornerstone in setting standards for the rights, support, and protection of crime victims in the European Union, among these, the survivors of violence against women and domestic violence. While the VRD has undoubtedly played a vital role in advancing access to these rights, it is now time for a much-needed update, particularly in the face of new challenges stemming from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. WAVE, as your dedicated advocate for Women’s Specialist Services, has diligently analysed the proposed changes and submitted our analysis to the Commission. Our comprehensive assessment delves deep into the core of this revision, and how to align it with current standards on victims’ rights, with a particular focus on specialized support for vulnerable groups. We are excited about the direction this revision is taking, and we wholeheartedly support it. Join us in exploring the details of these proposed changes and how they impact victims of violence against women, domestic violence, and children. Together, we can advance the cause of gender equality and ensure that the voices of women survivors are heard and their rights are protected. Read on to discover how this revised VRD represents a significant step toward creating a Europe free from violence against women and their children.

WOMEN AGAINST VIOLENCE EUROPE