Date/Time
Date(s) - 20/02/2026
09:30 - 13:45
Location
Press Club Brussels Europe
Categories
Victim Support Europe Symposium
“116006 Victim Helpline: One Number. One Standard. Equal Support for Every Victim.”
Live Broadcast: Available on Brussels Press Club TV
Co-organised with the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union
Every year, Victim Support Europe marks the European Day for Victims of Crime as a key moment to advance victims’ rights and ensure access to high-quality support for all victims, regardless of their background or experience.
In 2026, this day takes on special significance with the provisinal adoption of the revised Victims’ Rights Directive—a milestone for victims across the European Union. To celebrate this achievement and the commitment to establish the 116 006 Victims’ Helpline in all EU Member States, Victim Support Europe is hosting a symposium to reflect on progress, address remaining challenges, and strengthen cross-European cooperation.
The event highlights the “116006 Helpline: One Number. One Standard. Equal Support for Every Victim” campaign, calling on decision-makers, service providers, and citizens to ensure universal access to the helpline and consistent, high-quality support in every EU country. During the symposium, the 116 006 Helpline Pledge results will be shared, demonstrating the growing momentum for harmonised helpline services across Europe.
Why 116006 Matters:
Reliable, professional support is crucial for victims—but access to the 116006 helpline is not yet guaranteed across the EU. Victim Support Europe, together with its member organisations, has developed minimum standards to ensure every victim receives safe, effective, and equal support, no matter where they are in Europe.
Programme Highlights:
- Voices of Support: Real-life stories from victims who have used helplines.
- Operational Excellence: How EU-wide harmonised 116 Numbers function, including services for missing children, victims of violence, and mental health support.
- Spotlight on Helpline Standards: Experts explain how minimum standards enhance quality, safety, and victim experience, with interactive visuals and quizzes.
- Technology & Practical Solutions: Innovative approaches from EU countries showing how technology strengthens frontline support.
- Future Directions: Insights on the expansion and integration of helpline services to ensure harmonised, high-quality support for all victims.
Learn more about the camapign from the Opinion Piece by VSE’s Policy Manager, Efthymis Antonopoulos: 116006: A Lifeline Every EU Citizen Deserves
Register Now – Places Are Limited: Register Here
Learn more about the event: https://victim-support.eu/media-center/campaigns/symposium-116006-victim-helpline-one-number-one-standard-equal-support-for-every-victim/
Join us in shaping a Europe where no victim is left behind.