Victim Support Asia

26/03/2026

Abi Quinn wrote, "Over the past few years, I have had the privilege of being part of Bee The Difference, a youth-led research group working to improve support for young victims of terrorism.

Our project has been supported by the National Emergencies Trust and works alongside survivor organisations to advocate for better mental health services for children and young people affected by terrorist attacks.

The research focuses on how young survivors often have very different needs to adults after experiencing traumatic events, yet support systems are not always designed with these differences in mind.

As a group of 9 young researchers along side the amazing Cath Hill we use our lived experiences to ensure that youth voices are included in shaping future policy and support services.

Through this work we have had opportunities to
• Conduct and contribute to research on youth experiences after terrorism
• Share our findings with policymakers, charities and international organisations
• Speak at conferences and survivor forums
• Advocate for improvements in mental health support

Being part of this project has been an incredibly meaningful experience. It has shown me the power of research, collaboration and lived experience in driving positive change.

Over the next few weeks I will be sharing some of the opportunities from this work."

For anyone interested in learning more about the project, please visit:

200 Manchester Arena attack survivors shared insights for Bee The Difference report, guiding future support for youth affected by terrorism.

24/03/2026

Guide Shelter Report - Responding to Terrorism

Guide Shelter Report (GSR) is a set of dynamic response principles that can be used by businesses and organisations (and their staff) to respond effectively in the event of a terrorist attack

https://www.protectuk.police.uk/news-views/guide-shelter-report-new-nactso-guidance-and-supporting-campaign-launch

https://www.protectuk.police.uk/sites/default/files/2026-03/GSR%20Busy%20Reader%20Guide%20FINAL%20V2.pdf

Guide Shelter Report, comprising brand new business-focused security guidance and promotional campaign, is launched.

26/02/2026

Handbook on Online Antisemitism

https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/whats-new/publications/handbook-online-antisemitism_en

Recent studies confirm that online antisemitism is far more than digital harassment; it is a foundational element of many violent extremist and terrorist ideologies and a direct threat to democratic stability. By serving as a gateway to radicalisation, these digital subcultures often provide the blueprint for mobilisation that escalates into real-world violence and deadly terrorist attacks.

Developed by the EU Knowledge Hub, this new handbook moves beyond theoretical analysis to provide a comprehensive practical toolkit for radicalisation prevention. It provides practitioners and policymakers with an understanding of antisemitism in its different forms. More than just an informative resource, it facilitates immediate, informed action against the narratives and tactics that undermine our collective security.

hashtag hashtag

This handbook introduces contemporary expressions of antisemitic hate online and unfolds the dynamics of digital communication that accelerates it. Recurring trends, materials, and practices in expressing online antisemitism are presented, as well as approaches applied to condone it.

24/02/2026

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.

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.

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.

To read the strategy, please visit:

What began as a coalition of 17 national organisations determined to give a voice to forgotten victims has grown into Victim Support Europe (VSE); a powerful network of over 80 members across 35 countries, united by a single mission: to ensure that every victim of crime is heard, supported, and empo...

14/02/2026

Public Warning: Scam Impersonation Notice
We have been made aware of fraudulent individuals and organizations impersonating Victim Support Europe in an attempt to deceive members of the public.

Please be advised of the following:

We DO NOT provide direct support to victims of crimes, rather we act as a referral agent to our various member organizations and other reliable victim support organisations and institutions.
We DO NOT directly assist in the recovery of money or financial losses for victims of online scams or fraud.
We do not have a “financial recovery unit” or any similar service.
Additionally, we are not affiliated with any entity operating under the name “Victim Support Online” or “Victim Support Investigations” and we also confirm that the email address: [email protected] is not associated with our organization and should be treated as fraudulent.

Furthermore, references to VSE employee names in email correspondence should not be considered proof of legitimacy. Scammers may misuse staff names, titles, or other details to appear credible.

Please note that any photographic evidence of VSE business cards, employee images, or identification materials being circulated is fake and has been fabricated as part of this scam.

Protect Yourself

If you are contacted by anyone claiming to represent our organization through unofficial channels, we strongly encourage you to exercise caution and verify communications through our official website and contact details.

If you believe you have been targeted or affected by this impersonation scam, please report it immediately to your local authorities or relevant cybercrime reporting agency.

Thank you for your attention and cooperation.

02/02/2026

OVC Training and Technical Assistance (USA) WEBINAR -- Vital Subjects: Building a Framework for Healthy Victim Services Organizations -- February 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. ET

Please join us on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 2:00–3:30 p.m. eastern time, for the Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center webinar "Building a Framework for Healthy Victim Services Organizations,” hosted by Arlene Vassell and Elizabeth Vermilyea, Ph.D.

As a sequel to the recent Expert Q&A on promoting positive workplaces, this webinar introduces a practical framework for building and sustaining a healthy victim services organization—one that is survivor centered, trauma informed, and resilient. Grounded in principles of collective care and shared accountability, the session explores how organizational well-being is strengthened by individual leadership and by the health, connection, and stability of the teams that carry the work forward.

This webinar will translate research and field insights into practical approaches that support workforces, strengthen policies, and enhance partnerships. Participants will explore common challenges (e.g., vicarious trauma, turnover, role clarity) and learn simple tools to bolster organizational and team health without adding any extra burden. Emphasis will be placed on nurturing supportive team dynamics and cultivating workplaces where care and accountability are shared across roles and levels.

The "Building a Framework for Healthy Victim Services Organizations” webinar is part of the Vital Subjects series. This series will address topics that are critical to the victim services field across the country.

To register, please visit:

30/01/2026

Domestic Preparedness Journal: Special Events January Issue

Featured in this issue: Editor’s Note: Securing Major Public Events in a High-Risk Era by Catherine L. Feinman; Big Events in 2026: Security Classifications by Michael Prasad; Aviation Security in the U.S.: Evolution, Innovation, and Oversight by Judy Kruger and Jesse Spearo; Hosting FIFA World Cup 2026: A Global Event With Local Consequences by James A. Burghard; Same Event, Different Realities: Building Accessibility Into Special Events by Dawn Brantley and L. Vance Taylor; Protecting Public Gatherings in an Age of Extremism by Richard Schoeberl and Dan Scherr; Food Defense in the Special Event Environment by Joshua Dise; Beyond Host Cities: Connecting States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by Dawn Brantley and Sara Zalieckas; Podcast: Securing the Game: NFL Special Events Readiness with Cathy Lanier; Podcast: When IT Meets OT: Protecting Critical Infrastructure in Emergency Response with Nathan DiPillo and Samuel L. Alva

Founded in 1998, Domestic Preparedness continues to be a pioneering thought leader in the emergency preparedness, response, and recovery space. The multidisciplinary editorial focus helps professionals acquire critical information to develop collaborative, real-world solutions. With relevant, multid...

21/01/2026

An opinion piece that is worth reading

Áine Hanrahan Tue 20 Jan 2026 11:37 Share Share Share Share Pin Technology-facilitated gender-based violence: the victims behind the screen A growing and urgent issue has been emerging for a number of years in the digital sphere where women, children and vulnerable groups are increasingly becoming ...

30/12/2025

https://rockinst.org/blog/mass-shootings-why-does-definition-matter/

This blog explores challenges in defining “mass shootings” and suggests ways to advance the conversation.

29/12/2025

AI nudification app ban and on-device protections for children welcomed following IWF campaign.

AI ‘nudification’ apps are to be banned following an IWF campaign as new data reveals nearly one in five reports of n**e or s*xual imagery of young people involves some form of faked or digitally altered imagery.

New data released today (Thursday, December 18) shows 19% of confirmed reports of n**e or s*xual imagery of children and young people made to the UK’s Report Remove helpline involved imagery which has been digitally altered or manipulated, including with AI or nudification apps.

Report Remove, which is run by the Internet Watch Foundation and Childline, is a first of its kind service which allows children and young people in the UK to confidentially self-report n**e or s*xual imagery of themselves which has been, or it at risk of being, shared online.

Now, the UK Government is announcing plans to outlaw AI apps which digitally remove clothing or ‘nudify’ subjects of photographs – apps which have been abused to create n**e imagery of children.

The move comes after months of campaigning by the IWF and others who have argued the technology makes it too easy to create fake n**e or s*xual imagery of real children.

Alongside this, the Government has announced in plans to encourage tech firms to bring in on-device protections for children, saying their ambition is to make it impossible to send, receive, or share n**e or s*xual imagery with children’s devices.

The plans are being brought in under the Government’s Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy. Labour’s 2024 manifesto pledged to halve violence against women and girls in a decade.

IWF data shows that, in 2024, 98% of confirmed images and videos of AI generated child s*xual abuse where s*x was recorded involved girls.

Minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women and Girls, Jess Phillips said, “We must stop these images being created and shared used to harm young people’s lives while tackling the root causes of negative influences on young men in their schools, homes and online. That’s why we will join forces with tech companies to stop to predators online and prevent the next generation from being exploited by s*xual extortion and abuse.

“‘Nudification’ apps are not used for harmless pranks. They devastate young people’s lives, and we will ensure those who create or supply them face real consequences. Every child deserves to grow up safe, and we will do whatever it takes to make that a reality.”

Technology Secretary, Liz Kendall said: "Women and girls deserve to be safe online as well as offline. We will not stand by while technology is weaponised to abuse, humiliate and exploit them through the creation of non-consensual s*xually explicit deepfakes.

"I am introducing a new offence to ban nudification tools, so that those who profit from them or enable their use, will feel the full force of the law – so that together we end this abuse of women and girls.

"Our priority is protecting victims and ensuring the internet is a safer place for women and girls."

16/12/2025

Condolence Statement from Victim Support Asia

On behalf of Victim Support Asia, we express our deepest sorrow and solidarity following the tragic incident of mass violence at Bondi Beach, Sydney. Our hearts go out to the victims whose lives were so cruelly taken, to the survivors who now face unimaginable pain, and to the families and loved ones grieving this profound loss.

We also acknowledge the extraordinary courage and compassion shown by members of the public, first responders, medical teams, and others who acted swiftly to protect and support those in harm’s way. In moments of darkness, their selflessness reminds us of the strength of humanity.

Violence of this nature leaves deep scars—not only on individuals but on entire communities. Yet, even in the face of such tragedy, we believe in the power of unity and resilience. Together, we can honour the memory of those lost by fostering compassion, rejecting violence, and building safer communities across our region.

Victim Support Asia stands ready to assist. We encourage anyone affected—whether directly or indirectly—to seek help. Support services are available, and reaching out is a vital step toward healing. For resources and assistance, please visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/nsw-government/bondi-beach-attack.

May we move forward with hope, solidarity, and a shared commitment to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Yong Woo Lee
Victim Support Asia
Korea Terrorism Victim Support Association
Korea Crime Victims Support Center

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If you need immediate assistance in Australia, please also see the link above:

Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support and su***de prevention)

1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 (24/7 counselling for s*xual assault, domestic and family violence)

NSW Victims Services: 1800 633 063 (support for victims of crime)

We pay respect to the Traditional Custodians and First Peoples of NSW, and acknowledge their continued connection to their country and culture.

09/12/2025

Evolving police responses to domestic violence: innovations and challenges in tackling domestic and family violence

Abstract
A new thematic report exploring how the issue of domestic abuse and family violence is being tackled across the world, how this has changed, and how it continues to evolve, has been launched by Policing Insight; the report examines the innovations, legal reforms and persistent challenges around the responses to domestic abuse and family violence, as agencies strive to protect victims, reduce demand and prevent further tragedy.

To read the article, please visit:

A new thematic report exploring how the issue of domestic abuse and family violence is being tackled across the world, how this has changed, and how it continues to evolve, has been launched by…