Supporting Victims of Terrorism
We understand the profound impact that acts of terrorism can have on individuals and communities. Our primary focus is to provide comprehensive support to victims of terrorism, helping them navigate the challenges they face and regain control of their lives.
Financial Support and Accessibility
To ensure our services are accessible to all, we are grateful for the financial support provided by the Belgian Federal Public Service of Justice. This support means that victims of terrorism will not be burdened with any or less financial obligations when seeking our assistance. Our aim is to alleviate the additional stress that financial concerns can bring during such difficult times.
Tailored Support
Customized Assistance for unique needs.
Legal Assistance
Navigating complex legal processes.
Guidance
Providing direction and advice to achieve empowerment.
Information hub
Centralized knowledge through our network
Resource Coordination
At our organization, we recognize the profound impact that acts of terrorism have on individuals and communities. Our mission is to provide comprehensive support to victims, assisting them in navigating the complex challenges they face and empowering them to reclaim control over their lives.
Resource coordination is at the core of our services, ensuring that victims have access to the necessary support and resources they need. Our dedicated team of professionally trained coordinators specializes in understanding and addressing the unique needs and challenges confronted by those affected by these traumatic events.
Our approach is comprehensive, addressing all aspects of a victim's life. We recognize that each individual's path to recovery is unique, and we adapt our services accordingly.Through our expertise and experience, we provide victims with the necessary tools and resources to rebuild their lives and move forward. Our commitment goes beyond simple assistance; we stand with victims at every stage, providing steadfast support and guidance.By working together, we can help victims of terrorism take back control of their lives and create a more positive future.
Although this Website may be linked to other websites, we are not, directly or indirectly, implying any approval, association, sponsorship, endorsement, or affiliation with any linked website, unless specifically stated herein.
You should carefully review the legal statements and other conditions of use of any website which you access through a link from this Website. Your linking to any other off-site pages or other websites is at your own risk.
Legal Assistance
Since its founding, V-Europe has been steadfast in advocating for the victims of the devastating terrorist attacks on March 22, 2016, in Zaventem and Maelbeek. The organization has not only supported daily legal proceedings for the victims but has also been at the forefront of advocating for a robust legal framework to ensure their compensation. Additionally, V-Europe has been an active participant in the parliamentary commission of inquiry, contributing significantly to legislative processes aimed at supporting the victims.
Recognizing that effective counter-terrorism measures include the diligent prosecution of offenders, V-Europe has played a pivotal role in several high-profile terror trials. This includes involvement in the Rue du Midi shooting case, the trial related to the attack on the Jewish Museum in Brussels, and more recently, the ongoing proceedings concerning the November 13, 2015, Paris attacks.
With a wealth of criminal and legal expertise accrued over these engagements, V-Europe was poised to leverage this experience in the Brussels attacks trial, which was set to begin in October 2022. This critical trial was expected to span nine months, during which V-Europe represented and defended the interests of the victims with utmost dedication. To this end, the organization had assembled a team of distinguished, skilled, and seasoned criminal lawyers, ensuring robust legal representation for the victims they served.
Coordination Team
David Polizzi
Marie Van Hoorick
Mathias De Vijver
Trained Volunteers
Legal Team
Sanne De Clerck
Guillaume Lys
Adrien Masset
Nicolas Estienne
More information on the Legal Team on 22-3
Network
V-Europe's network is a robust support system for victims of terrorism, offering extensive reach, diverse and experienced service providers, and efficient collaboration. It's network delivers a comprehensive assistance through a centralised follow-up approach, for victims of terrorism.
Victim's Rights
Victims of Terrorism: Your Rights and Support
EU Legislation Related to Victims of Terrorism
There are several key EU directives that outline the rights and support available to victims of terrorism:
- Directive 2012/29/EU: Establishes minimum standards on the rights, support, and protection of victims of crime, including victims of terrorism.
- Directive (EU) 2017/541: Focuses on combatting terrorism and includes provisions for the protection and support of victims of terrorism.
- Council Directive 2004/80/EC: Relates to compensation for crime victims.
Victim’s Rights Directive (Directive 2012/29/EU)
The Victim’s Rights Directive ensures that victims of crime, including victims of terrorism, are recognized and treated with respect. It covers the following rights:
- Right to Access Information: Receive information from the first contact with competent authorities without unnecessary delay. Information includes available support, protection measures, legal advice, compensation, and more.
- Right to Access Support Services: Access to services providing information, advice, emotional support, and more.
- Right to Access Justice: Includes procedural rights such as the right to be heard, legal aid, and reimbursement of expenses.
- Right to Protection: Protection against secondary victimization, intimidation, retaliation, and emotional harm. Ensures the dignity of victims during questioning and testimony.
- Right to Compensation: Victims can submit compensation applications in their Member State of residence and receive compensation from the competent authority where the crime occurred.
Council Directive 2004/80/EC
This directive focuses on compensation for crime victims and includes the following rights:
- Right to Submit an Application: In the Member State of residence.
- Right to Information and Assistance: Includes requests for supplementary information and assistance throughout the compensation process.
- Right to be Heard and Communicated Decisions: Victims have the right to be heard and notified of decisions regarding their compensation claims.
Directive (EU) 2017/541 on Combatting Terrorism
This directive complements the Victim’s Rights Directive and includes specific provisions for victims of terrorism:
- Right to Assistance and Support: Access to confidential, free, and easily accessible support services immediately after an attack and for as long as necessary. This includes trauma support, counseling, legal advice, and assistance with compensation claims.
- Right to Protection in Criminal Proceedings: Ensures the protection of victims during criminal investigations and proceedings.
- Right to Information, Support, and Compensation for Cross-Border Victims: Provides additional support and information for victims affected by cross-border terrorism incidents.
Sources and Legal References
- Directive 2012/29/EU: Link to Directive
- Directive (EU) 2017/541: Link to Directive
- Council Directive 2004/80/EC: Link to Directive
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